Questions we should ask and certifications we make sure he pursues .
Here are a few thoughts off the top of my head. Of course he can learn the minimum of what he needs in a good commercial dive school but these skills will give him a leg up. Gaining some of these skills will make a dive school easier and the lessons "stick" more effectively. The idea is to gain lifetime skills as opposed being able to pass a test and missing the big picture once he gets into the real world.
As you both probably know, com-dive-school is just the beginning. You can expect an apprenticeship of sorts, commonly called being a tender. The first job will likely include time in the shop. The more skills he has the better chance he will have getting that first job and performing well.
Black Water
I wrote this for recreational divers but it actually applies more to commercial diving candidates. Becoming comfortable in black water will put him ahead of a lot of people.
There are a lot of posts on Scubaboard about finding your way out of a wreck and avoiding stirring up silt, but not much on other factors that influence when it is safe to penetrate a compartment. I thought I would share this experience: I was in Navy First Class Diving School in the early...
scubaboard.com
Make up some mechanical puzzles for him to work on while you are at it.
Rigging Skills
Rigging is an essential skill. A summer job with a crane operator would be time well spent. Learn to tie knots in black water, know how to operate come-alongs, basic safety and hand signals, etc.
Seamanship
Has he spend much time at sea? You really want to know that he won't get seasick before making this investment in time and money. It can be a show-stopper. Becoming familiar with boats and ships is always useful. Here are some REALLY basics thread written for recreational diver but is a start:
I was with some old dive mates the other night and the newbie stories began to flow. On reflection, it reminded me that none of us are born knowing this stuff and very few get the opportunity to learn it. However, some of it is just as important to a boat diver's safety as sharing air or...
scubaboard.com
Diving
Recreational diver training is pretty lame. Taking a Nitrox and Advanced Nitrox course will give him the knowledge to make the physics and physiology side of com-dive-school much easier, especially the mixed gas training. A Rescue course is also highly recommended for the confidence and skills it will build.
Welding and Fabrication
This is huge. Certifications are excellent but working 2-6 months in a weld shop, ship yard, or even offshore would be time time well spent.
Kirby Morgan Technician Training
Take a 50 new dive school grads. All other skills being equal, the dive school grad who is also a
certified Kirby Morgan Technician will get hired to service the hats.
