La Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) wishes to inform divers who hold Différentiels de pression (Pressure Differentials) and Opération de caissons hyperbares (Operation of Hyperbaric Chambers) certifications for which the expiry date is between January 1, and December 31 2020, that the validity of these certifications has been extended to March 1, 2021.

This decision, made jointly by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) and the Centre de médecine de plongée du Québec, grants workers enough time to register for and take again the courses offered by the Institut maritime du Québec (IMQ), which had been cancelled in recent months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To renew these certifications, divers concerned who are eligible for the Training Fund for Employees in the Construction Industry can register for the activity Révision des techniques d’opération de caissons hyperbares et d’intervention en différentiels de pression, available in the Répertoire des activités de perfectionnement de l’industrie de la construction 2020-2021. It should be noted that the training (lasting 40 hours), which combines both certifications in a single course, will be offered from December 2020 to March 2021. Divers can register now via the CCQ’s online services  or by calling the Info-perfectionnement line at 1 888 902-2222.

It should be noted that these certifications, which are valid for three years, are issued by the IMQ and do not have an impact on the issuance or renewal of a diver occupation competency certificate.