Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Professional Diving and Safety
This program provides you with the essential tools and knowledge to excel in the competitive world of occupational diving. Learn everything from the physiology of diving and the use of specialized equipment, to the planning and…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Professional Diving and Safety?
The Diploma in Professional Diving and Safety
This program provides you with the essential tools and knowledge to excel in the competitive world of occupational diving. Learn everything from the physiology of diving and the use of specialized equipment, to the planning and execution of safe underwater operations in diverse environments. Master the techniques of underwater inspection, repair, and construction, with a rigorous focus on current regulations and risk management.
Differential Advantages
- Recognized Certification: Endorsed by [Name of Institution], expanding your career opportunities.
- Expert Instructors: Professionals with extensive experience in commercial diving, rescue, and safety.
- Intensive Training: Realistic dives in diverse scenarios, simulating demanding working conditions.
- Safety First: Emphasis on safety protocols, first aid, and underwater emergency management.
- Professional Networking: Connection with leading companies in the sector and professional development opportunities.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
28-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Deep Diving: Master air and mixed-fuel diving techniques, safety protocols, and international regulations.
- Technical Skills: Learn to operate specialized equipment, perform underwater inspections, and weld and cut.
- Risk Management: Identify and mitigate hazards in underwater environments, learn first aid, and develop emergency plans.
- Professional Certification: Obtain a recognized accreditation that will open doors for you in the diving industry.
- Practical Experience: Participate in simulations and real-world projects that will prepare you for the professional world.
- Boost your career with training integral in the exciting world of professional diving.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Legal framework, regulations and history of professional diving
- Historical evolution of commercial and industrial diving
- International regulatory framework: IMCA, ADCI, OSHA and Maritime Authority regulations
- Legal responsibilities of the diver, diving supervisor and contractor
- Operating Documentation: Logbook (Logbook), Work Permits and Checklists
- Professional ethics, standards of quality and occupational health in underwater works
- Professional diving typologies: Inshore, Offshore, Scientist and Help
- Organisation of the diving crew and roles on the job site
- Professional diving certification bodies
02
Applied underwater physiology and physiology
- Physical laws of gases (Boyle, Charles, Dalton, Henry) in hyperbaric environment
- Respiratory mechanics, buoyancy and heat transfer in the water
- Physiopathology of diving: barotraumas of ear, sinuses and lung
- Decompression Disease (EDC): Etiology, Symptoms and Classification
- Nitrogen narcosis, oxygen toxicity (Lorrain Smith and Paul Bert effect)
- Catched gas syndrome, arterial gas embolism (EGA) and hypercapnia
- Occupational medical examination and physical fitness for commercial diving
- Applied gas laws
03
Autonomous and surface dependent diving equipment
- Commercial autonomous diving equipment (Scuba Heavy-Duty) and limitations
- Surface Air Supply Systems (SBM/Surface Supplied Diving)
- Diving helmets (Kirby Morgan), face masks (bandmask) and maintenance
- Diving Umbilicals: Composition, Pressure Test, Marking and Handling
- Breathable air compressors, storage banks and air quality (CGA/EN)
- Diving suits: wet, semi-dry, dry and hot water systems
- Underwater communications: umbilical and emergency wired systems
- Diving equipment maintenance
04
Decompression tables, gas mixtures and hyperbaric medicine
- Decompression theory, tissue models and ascent speeds
- Management of commercial decompression tables (US Navy, DCEM, French Marine)
- Use of hyperoxic mixtures (Nitrox/EANX), Trimix and Heliox in deep diving
- Decompression procedures in water and decompression with oxygen on the surface (Surdo2)
- Multi-seater/single-seater hyperbaric chambers - operation, components and security
- Camera emergency treatment protocols for EDC and EGA
- Normobaric and hyperbaric oxygen therapy as support for first aid
- Treatment of decompressive accidents
05
Underwater work techniques and industrial tools
- Handling of hand, pneumatic and hydraulic underwater tools
- Underwater Thermal Cutting Techniques (Burning Electrode/Broco) and Oxycote
- Introduction to wet and dry (hyperbaric) underwater welding
- Use of Lifting Bags and Rig Calculations
- Management of waterjet systems (waterjetting) and dredging
- Visual Inspection and Video Recording/Underwater Photography for Engineering
- Taking measurements, concrete sampling and basic non-destructive tests (END)
- Underwater hydraulic tools
06
Security, Risk Analysis and Emergency Assessment
- Operational Risk Assessment (JHRA/HAZOP) Applied to Diving Sites
- Procedures for rescue of trapped or unconscious diver in the background
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and Medical Evacuation (Medevac)
- Environmental Hazards: Currents, Water Pollution, Zero Visibility and Confined Spaces
- Diving works in water intakes, dams, pipes and areas with risk of differential pressure (Delta P)
- Prevention of entrapment, umbilical entanglements and loss of communications
- Diving Accident Investigation, Root Cause Analysis and Technical Reports
- Diving Emergency Plan
07
Saturation diving and complex offshore operations
- Principles of Saturation Diving and Limited Solubility Theory
- Saturation systems architecture on board ships DSV (Diving Support Vessel)
- Diving Bell Operation (SDC) and Surface Life Chambers (DDC)
- Habitability, Helium-Oxygen Atmospheres and Microclimate Management in Saturation
- Hyperbaric Rescue Boat (HRV) and Saturation Dropout Protocols
- Coordination with Remote Operation Vehicles (ROV) and Deck Cranes
- Safety standards of the offshore oil and petrochemical industry
- Saturation systems and bells
08
Management of diving projects and operational simulation
- Planning, estimation of times and costs in underwater engineering works
- Logistics of mobilization of diving equipment, gases and technical personnel
- Leadership of the supervisor of diving, safety briefing and debriefing
- Auditing and inspection of dive stations before the start of the work
- Quality management and compliance with customer specifications
- Comprehensive Emergency Drills: Air Loss, Pollution and Entrapment
- Presentation of the final project
- Final project: Preparation of the diving and safety operations plan for an underwater work
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Experienced recreational divers seeking professional certification and to expand their career opportunities in the underwater sector.Maritime and aquatic professionals (marine biologists, engineers, inspectors) who need diving training to perform specific underwater tasks.Members of rescue and safety teams (firefighters, police officers, coast guards) who require advanced diving skills for int
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Master underwater rescue techniques and first aid
- 02Inspect and maintain professional diving equipment
- 03Apply safety regulations and protocols in underwater operations
- 04Leading and managing diving teams in diverse environments
- 05Perform specialized underwater work using advanced tools and techniques
- 06Assess risks and develop emergency plans for diving operations
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Professional Offshore Diver: Inspection, repair, and maintenance of underwater infrastructure.
02Salvage and Rescue Diver: Participation in search, rescue, and recovery operations for submerged objects.
03Underwater Civil Engineering Diver: Construction, repair, and maintenance of bridges, piers, and other underwater structures.
04Aquaculture Diver: Maintenance of cages, inspection of fish populations, and other tasks in marine farms.
05Scientific/Archaeological Diver: Support for marine research and documentation of submerged archaeological sites.
06Professional Diving Instructor: Training of new divers in safety techniques and procedures.
07Dive Supervisor: Planning and supervision of diving operations, ensuring compliance with regulations. Safety.
08Hyperbaric Chamber Technician: Operation and maintenance of recompression equipment for the treatment of diving accidents.
09Diving Safety Consultant: Advising companies and organizations on safety protocols for underwater activities.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Maritime-port sector, including commercial diving, underwater research, aquaculture and offshore platform security.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Probably so, given that safety is a key component of the diploma, which usually includes rescue and first aid specific to diving.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Previous Diving Certification:Advanced recreational diving certification (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) at a minimum; or demonstrable diving experience.Physical and Medical Fitness:Medical certificate of fitness for professional diving, issued by a physician specializing in hyperbaric medicine or diving medicine.Aquatic Skills:Demonstrate swimming and aquatic rescue skills, including prolonged floatation, diver towing, and emergency water rescue.Documentation:Updated CV, copies of diving certifications, medical certificate, ID/Passport, accident insuran
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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