The KBA Training (KBAT) Centre in Singapore reports the qualification of the first female Singaporean inland/ inshore commercial diver.

Siti Naqiah Binte Tusliman took part in the sixth run of the KBAT Commercial Diver training course earlier this year, completing both the Level 1 Commercial Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (CSCUBA) diver course and Level 2 Surface Supplied Diving Equipment (SSDE) diver course.

A spokesman for the Centre said: “Commercial diving has always been predominantly a male-dominated industry, due to the nature of the working environment, which can be harsh and both physically and mentally demanding. However, the KBA Training Centre is proud to announce its first female Singaporean diver.”

The spokesman added that the training had been a real eye-opener for Tusliman and, having proved her competence during the course, she has since secured employment with a locally-based diving contractor.

The Underwater Centre, UK, reports that Skills Development Scotland has awarded it funding “to help ensure that Scotland is ready to supply the qualified workforce that the subsea industry will need in the future”.

“There is growing concern that the subsea industry could face major skills shortages in coming years,” said the Centre. “The downturn in the oil and gas industry has led to a reduction in training, both by individuals and companies. Without ongoing investment in training, skills will be lost to the industry as older workers retire without the skilled workforce to replace them.

“The Scottish government is taking action to support subsea training now so that the country’s workforce is ready to respond to positive market conditions when the oil price begins to recover, as well as being prepared for opportunities in decommissioning and the offshore renewables sector.”

Starting this summer, Scottish residents (anyone who has been resident in Scotland for at least the last 12 months) will be able to get industry-relevant closed bell and ROV training at The Underwater Centre for 50% of the usual cost. The other half of the fees will be paid by Skills Development Scotland.

With industry needs in mind, the financial support is targeted towards the specific areas where there are likely to be shortages. The support is not seeking to bring new people into the offshore industry but is aiming to increase the capability of the people already in the sector, according to The Underwater Centre.