The Professional Certificate in Marine Technology provides the student with the technical diving skills needed for entry into the offshore and inland diving industry as professional marine technicians and commercial divers. The program is fast paced immersion into surface supply and SCUBA diving, and includes air and helium-oxygen elements, diving safety, professional work habits, underwater work skills, and diving science needed to become a professional commercial diver. Students will develop problem solving, team building, and communication skills appropriate with this program. After completion of the core training, students will be directed to one of two diving professional concentrations: Diving Medic Technician and Non-Destructive Inspector Technician.
Diving Medics are divers who in addition to being a commercial diver also have qualifications in emergency medicine and diving medicine to proven treatments in hyperbaric chambers to divers with decompression illness. This specialty enhances employability by providing the student with Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Basic and Diving Medic Technician (DMT) certification. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Inspectors are divers who in addition to being a commercial diver also have qualifications to perform inspections in accordance with American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT). This specialty enhances employability by providing the student with both diving and non-diving skills.
Diving Medic Technician
Non-Destructive Inspector Technician
| Program Dates |
| June 4, 2012 to February 1, 2013 |
| September 4, 2012 to May 3, 2013 |
| January 7, 2013 to August 30, 2013 |
| April 8, 2013 to October 25, 2013 |
| June 3, 2013 to February 28, 2014 |
| September 3, 2013 to May 30, 2014 |
Tours are offered by appointment.
Admission Program Requirements and Information
1. Age An applicant must be eighteen years or older on or before his or her graduation. Some state and federal agencies require that an individual be 18 years of age to be qualified for licensure or certification. 2. Medical Physical Examination / Drug Policy Professional Commercial Diving program requires that the applicant must pass a diving medical examination (including: History, Physical Exam, Lab, Drug and HIV screening) at the student's own expense. The medical examination must be performed by a licensed medical practitioner using the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) protocols and the approved Medical Acceptance Form. The Professional Commercial Diving program follows the drug abuse policy in effect throughout the commercial diving industry. There is zero tolerance for drugs (either prescribed or illegal). Students will have a drug test at a certified lab as part of the physical examination prior to enrolment, and then be subject to testing for cause and/or random testing. Testing for cause is ordered by instructors whenever any student is suspected of being under the influence. Refusal of drug testing is cause for termination from the program. 3. SCUBA Certification Students do not need a SCUBA certification prior to starting the program but it is recommended that you obtain a certification before starting. If you do not have a SCUBA certification you will be required to enroll in a SCUBA open water course certified by a recognized SCUBA certification agency (NAUI, PADI, etc) and complete it before you start the inland diving and SCUBA course. 4. Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) Examination Students entering the Professional Commercial Diving program will be required to take the TABE examination in the first class in the program. The exam will assess basic competencies in reading, mathematics, language, and spelling. Students who do not meet the required minimum scores, may be subject to a remediation plan to improve basic competencies. You will also be required to take the exit TABE test during the final course of your program. 5. High School Diploma / GED Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent GED prior to starting the program. 6. Dress Code / Personal Protective Equipment The Professional Commercial Diving program requires the use of specific personal protective equipment and garments. Individual courses will have specific requirements. 7. Divers Log Book It is each student diver’s personal responsibility to maintain an approved Diver's Log Book. Your future employer uses these logs to verify experience, dives, and academic training for hiring and promotion within the diving industry. The Diver's Log Book must contain a personal passport-size photo which is embossed to the page. Each student is responsible for keeping the Diver's Log Book current and accurate. Instructors will verify dives and will stamp each entry with the official NUPI stamp. 8. Welding Requirement Students pursuing their commercial diving cards are required to complete welding requirements theory and 30 hours of practical welding, consisting of 12 hours of oxyacetylene cutting and 18 hours of shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). Students holding a D1.1:2G or higher Performance Qualification are exempt from practical hours of surface welding. 9. International Requirements Many countries have unique regulations for the training of commercial divers. Additional training after graduation may be required if you plan to work internationally. Please check the qualifications, certifications, work permit regulations, and immigration requirements of the particular country being considered. Be aware that foreign immigration laws may restrict or prevent your working overseas. It is highly recommended that students apply for a passport prior to completing the program, and ensure you have the needed immunizations. 10. TWIC Card Students enrolled in the Professional Commercial Diving program should review the information on the Transportation Security Administration I (TSA) website regarding TWIC card requirements and eligibility. Most students entering the commercial diving industry will be required to have a TWIC card prior to employment. The TSA has strict requirements on the criteria that must be met for TWIC card eligibility. All students are advised to become familiar with the requirements. For more information, go to . Note: Students are advised that, due to the nature of the program, class start and end times may be set outside normal university schedules. More information will be provided at the time of orientation.
Non-Destructive Inspector Technician (4 courses; 12 quarter units)
An adventurous career awaits. To learn more, please contact nupi@nu.edu or by calling 858-642-8600.