Aug 22 - 24th
This program is aimed at qualified scientific divers and divers with an interest in the identification of species of algae and macrophytes in the Baltic. The class consists of theory sessions, sampling dives and identification laboratory session after to work through samples.
Non divers can attend to complete the identification component.
For registration and information please contact: FSDA coordinator Edd Stockdale.
looking for specialist or more advanced training, student level courses and citizen scientists interested in developing their dive training in that area.
Training can be obtained by both Finnish and overseas individuals or groups with collaborative connections for European levels of certification.
More specialist courses in polar research diving, underwater propulsion vehicles and other advanced technologies can be offered by arrangement with the Academy.
Customised training programs can be established on request with the Coordinator for specific research projects in addition to consultancy services in expedition logistics, field work and equipment design.
Monthly May - Oct
This program is at entry level for a non-diver to begin diving, covering the basic fundamentals of diving aimed for scientific work underwater. The program is broken into two parts of 1 week each. Successful completion of this program allows a diver to enter the Occupational Scientific Diver program directly.
Election is based on applications and in water tests.
Program outline
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.
Course Prerequisites
18 years old Advanced Open Water/ CMAS 2* or equivalent 20 Logged Dives Drysuit/ Cold Water Experience Bachelor Degree (or enrolled) in a relevant field or involvement in scientific organisation
Core modules and content
The course covers the following modules
Examination
Final examination consists of two parts
Dates
Course 1: May 5th - June 19th
Course 2: Aug 25th - Oct 8th
Trainers
Edd Stockdale, Finnish Scientific Diving Academy Coordinator
Dr Anne Räisänen-Sokolowski, Hyperbaric and Diving Medicine Physician.
Price
The cost for the program (3200 € plus VAT) covers all training, certificates issued during 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 successful completion of course and examination participants will be issued with a Professional Diploma in Scientific Diving. Application can be made to Suomen Tutkimussukelluksen Ohjausyhdistys (STOY) after to attain recognition of competency for the European scientific diving levels. Certificates issued during the course also include: DAN O2 and First Aid Provider The Human Diver Level 0 Certificate ‘The Essentials of Human Factors in Diving’
February 21th - March 2th 2026, Kilpisjärvi Biological Station
This program is aimed to train scientific divers to develop skills and knowledge for working on research projects carried out in polar conditions. Training includes exposure management, moving and transport on ice and snow, location preparation, planning and carrying out under ice diving operations.
The program will be based at Kilpisjärvi Biological Station in Arctic Northern Finland with diving carried out in the ice-covered lake directly in front.
Course prerequisites:
Core modules and content:
The course covers the following areas:
Trainers
Edd Stockdale, Finnish Scientific Diving Academy Coordinator
Erik Wurz, Finnish Scientific Diving Academy Coordinator
Prices for 2026
The cost for the program (2000€) covers all training, diving activities, twin cylinders and setups and specialist equipment used on program.
Storage boxes and ice transport equipment will also be supplied.
Accommodation Package
As the Kilpisjärvi station is in a remote area, accommodation and food will be organised in a package on site.
Full package includes: Twin shared accommodation , Feb 21st Dinner, Feb 22nd- March 1st Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, March 2nd Breakfast
Other meals can be booked around this according to travel plans.
Price for participants of the program are based on the KBS pricing for external researchers and will be finalized when the University updates the 2026 pricing.
This will be paid directly to the Kilpisjärvi Biological Station at end of program by credit card
Students from University of Helsinki and other universities have special pricing options for this package.
There are buses from Tromsø, Kittila and Rovaniemi direct to the research station. Car pooling can also be arranged between participants.
Dates TBC
This program is aimed to train divers qualified on rebreathers in their application to scientific diving based projects. Training includes underwater scientific techniques, project safety and risk management, applications of rebreathers to advance research and planning diving operations.
Course meets the standards of competency at the European Scientific Diver level.
On request. Please contact!
This program is aimed to introduce both students and divers interested in scientific diving to basic skills commonly used in by research scientists underwater. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills to assist in conservation, monitoring and other citizen science based projects.
On request. Please contact!
This program covers the basic use of FFM and underwater communications for applications to scientific diving activities underwater. Training includes full face masks use, communication and applications and tether lines in conjunction with operations.