This program is for people working in the field of scientific research or data collection that requires diving operations. Employment in the field of scientific diving requires a scientific background but also the training to manage dive operations in an occupational approach with planning, appropriate selection of teams and supervisory roles.
This program introduces and develops skills in all the areas of running scientific diving projects, the management of dive teams, emergency plans and diving skills. The result will be individuals trained for participation in research projects with foundations in scientific diving skills, experience with an array of equipment and the ability to plan efficient diving operations.
At the end of the program, training in specialist fields and experience in supervision can be continued to develop expertise in specific disciplines or project leader roles.
METHOD OF DELIVERY
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Pre-Course Online learning
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In Person training
COURSE PREREQUISITES
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18 years old
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Advanced Open Water/ CMAS 2* or equivalent
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20 Logged Dives
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Drysuit/ Cold Water Experience
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Bachelor’s Degree (or enrolled) in a relevant field or involvement on scientific organisation
CORE MODULES AND CONTENT
The course covers the following modules:
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Core Diving Skills
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Rescue Management
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Underwater Navigation
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Physiology, Physics and Decompression Theory
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Diving Laws and Regulations
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Equipment
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Standards Scientific Diving Skills
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Core Biological Techniques
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Core Archeological Techniques
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Dive Project Planning and Supervision
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Small boat handling and navigation
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Full Face Masks, Communications Systems and Tethers
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Site Locations Survey and Setup
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Lift Bags and Air Lifts
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Photography and Videography
EXAMINATION
The final examination consists of two parts:
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Part 1 – Dive Project and Report
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Part 2 – Diving Skills and Theory Evaluation
DATES
Course runs Monday to Saturday full time:
· Aug 24th – Oct 7th 2026
Exam:
· Oct 5th – 7th 2026
TRAINERS
Finnish Scientific Diving Academy instructional team
Erik Wurz, Finnish Scientific Diving Academy Coordinator.
Dr Anne Räisänen-Sokolowski, Hyperbaric and Diving Medicine Physician.
Specialist expert speakers
PRICE
The cost for the program (€3200 plus VAT) covers all training, certificates issued during the program, diving activities and specialist equipment used on program, and examination.
Participants will need to cover accommodation and food while at the Tvärminne Zoological Station.
Participants will need their own basic diving equipment. Special packages have been arranged to assist participant in the correct equipment options if required.
ACCREDITATION
After a successful completion of the course and the examination, participants will be issued with a Professional Diploma in Scientific Diving.
Application can be made to Suomen Tutkimussukelluksen Ohjausyhdistys (STOY) to attain recognition of competency for the European scientific diving levels.
Certificates issued during the course also include:
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DAN O2 and First Aid Provider
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The Human Diver Level 0 Certificate “The Essentials of Human Factors in Diving”
