Filson Film’s documentary “Below the Surface” provides an eye-opening portrait of Seattle area diving culture that few know. Filson’s documentary highlights that diving is no easy undertaking; rather it requires perseverance and courage to succeed.
The school offers seven-month commercial diver training programs that equip students in welding, salvage, nondestructive testing, and hazardous waste materials management. Furthermore, hands-on experience with underwater hydraulic equipment is provided.
Training
Divers Institute of Technology in Seattle, WA, provides a comprehensive program in commercial diving. Students receive both classroom instruction and hands-on practice at our state-of-the-art dive facility; upon completing their course, they receive a certificate that often leads them directly into employment in the industry.
College of the Holy Cross boasts a relatively small student body of 229 full-time students and relatively high tuition, but most are eligible for financial aid. Classes run on a semester rather than a quarter basis and offer several degree programs; students can study online or at another campus.
DIT provides more than an extensive curriculum; its career support services include resume preparation, job interview practice, and access to a career counselor. Furthermore, inland and offshore diving companies’ recruiting events occur regularly at DIT.
Transportation (240 degrees awarded in 2021) was the top major in one-year certificate awards at DIT, while Air Transportation (28,409 degrees awarded) came second.
DIT recently saw 1,645 graduates this past year, of which 36% were female and 64% were male graduates with an average age of 30 compared to the national average of 25.
DIT was established in 1968 and is located at the north end of Lake Union in Seattle’s historic Wallingford district. This facility includes a dock, marina, and diving boats for students on-campus, with all dives conducted in natural underwater environments. DIT offers classes on fundamental marine safety principles and first aid practices. Furthermore, it’s the only school nationwide providing Canadian Standards Association Unrestricted Surface Supplied Air Diving certification allowing students to work internationally.
DIT is an excellent place for anyone interested in trades to explore their skillset. Their instructors are highly knowledgeable and supportive of their students. The program can be challenging but rewarding, giving you invaluable experience as a commercial diver.
Careers
Commercial diving is an ideal career choice for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, getting their hands dirty, and making good money. Military veterans may use their GI Bill benefits to cover training costs; furthermore, this path to high salaries is relatively short; six months of commercial diver training could result in jobs paying over $100,000 annually!
Divers Institute of Technology in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood stands out as a world-renowned commercial diving school, having opened in 1968. Students receive real-world professional diving instruction as well as certifications. Due to the high demand worldwide for this type of work, graduates from Divers Institute can often find employment all around the globe.
After graduation from DIT, most graduates seek employment with a company that will offer ample dives. This will allow them to hone their skills and build up an impressive resume; those with enough experience could even go on to start their own diving company! In addition, DIT provides numerous scholarships that may cover tuition or gear costs.
Professional divers are in high demand across the United States, particularly regarding oil rig repairs and bridge/dam/infrastructure maintenance/repair work caused by hurricanes/natural disasters. DIT graduates can expect an annual average earnings potential of approximately $50,000.
DIT students must be at least 18 years old and possess either a high school diploma or GED certificate to attend. Furthermore, applicants must pass a physical examination and take several courses; active duty military and veteran students are eligible for fee waivers that help cover class costs more efficiently.
DIT offers an exceptional student-to-teacher ratio of 14-1 and provides various student services – such as career services for its completers – along with a high placement rate (92%). Furthermore, this college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Courses offered
This school provides various courses to prepare students for commercial diving and underwater welding careers. Their 900-hour training program covers physics, essential dive medicine, CPR/first aid, dive equipment components/operation/hyperbaric chambers/rigging. Furthermore, training includes oilfield diving/hazardous environment intervention training, underwater welding/cutting training, UDT (Underwater Diving Technician) certification, and nondestructive testing services.
Students participating in their training will gain practical experience diving up to 165 feet depth in open water. They will learn to operate a rig and communicate with surface control teams. Furthermore, they will complete a scuba certification course and earn their ADCI entry-level diver certification – something all commercial divers require to work at any job site.
In addition to offering a comprehensive selection of training programs, this school also provides its students with other resources, including free dive manuals, workbooks, and logs throughout their program. Students may also access tutors and ask their instructor for an updated progress report at any time. Recruiters from both inland and offshore dive companies frequently visit to give students networking opportunities with professionals.
This dive school boasts an outstanding record in producing top-tier commercial divers. Over four decades ago, its graduates worked all around the globe. Most instructors are former military members who served with U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force; additionally, it maintains a large fleet of diving vehicles and a state-of-the-art training facility in Seattle, Washington.
Students interested in commercial diving must be 18 years old and possess either a high school diploma or GED certificate, pass a physical exam and medical screening, as well as complete an aquatics school program that offers instruction in physics, basic dive theory, commercial diving operations, CPR/first aid/scuba and underwater welding as well as provide access to a welding/burning lab with 11,000-gallon training tank.
Reviews
Divers Institute of Technology provides students various programs, such as welding, salvage, nondestructive testing, equipment maintenance, deep water diving, dive medicine, and hazmat. There’s even an accelerated degree program available. Students participate in hands-on training models provided by instructors – an excellent way to learn the industry quickly before finding employment when their course concludes!
This college follows an open admissions policy, which accepts students who meet minimum academic requirements such as high school grades and test scores. Other factors, such as extracurricular activities, interviews, and application essays, may also come into play. Therefore, visiting their admissions website is wise for more information about college requirements.
According to the school, graduates typically earn an estimated median annual income of $47,100 upon graduating, which surpasses the national average by more than $5,000. Furthermore, students may apply for scholarships and grants; please remember to use them annually to secure financial assistance.
Student retention and graduation rates at this school exceed Washington state averages, signaling to prospective students that their experience here has been positive. Furthermore, it boasts an outstanding student-to-faculty ratio. Unfortunately, it may not be an appropriate fit for those looking for private schools; tuition revenues at for-profit colleges often go towards paying investors or funding non-educational spending like advertising – making education at such institutions prohibitively expensive, though many receive financial aid to cover this expense.
