Underwater Multimedia and Outreach Specialist Program

This program introduces the skills and challenges of professional underwater research diving, combining advanced dive techniques with visual storytelling for science and conservation. Participants gain hands-on experience in dive planning, risk management, and producing impactful photo and video content in real-world field conditions at Tvärminne.
Program outline

This program is designed to introduce the challenges and skills required to carry out professional underwater research diving while focusing on capturing compelling visual content to communicate science and conservation. Participants will gain expertise in advanced dive techniques, dive planning, team coordination, and risk management for task-loaded operations in challenging environments.

Days during the program will combine theoretical components—covering camera and lighting systems from action cameras to mirrorless full-frame and 360° setups, composing and shooting underwater, planning and executing media campaigns, editing and producing engaging content to reach broad audiences — with hands-on practical experience under the guidance of our expert instructor team.

The program will be based at Tvärminne Zoological Station in Southern Finland, with diving carried out boat-based in the archipelago off the station, providing participants the opportunity to apply skills in real-world conditions while learning to transform their research into impactful multimedia storytelling.
Trainers

, Finnish Scientific Diving Academy, Coordinator | Underwater Photographer

Triton Society, Coral Reef Scientist | Underwater Filmmaker

+ Invited speakers delivering expert insights to media shooting in challenging conditions
Core modules and content

The course covers the following areas:

  • Mastery of dive techniques enabling focus on composing and shooting underwater
  • Dive planning, field drills and team roles for complex underwater frames
  • Risk management for task loaded diving operations
  • Underwater communication specific to work with lightning and modelling divers
  • Overview and hands on experience with different camera and lightning systems
  • Insights into applying new camera technologies (360deg filming)
  • Applying Virtual Reality headsets for sharing underwater content in an engaging format
  • Basic skills in editing video and still images
  • Research storytelling and planning/execution of media campaigns to maximize outreach
  • Approaches how to turn reach into sponsorship
  • Data management and backup filing
Course prerequisites
  • Minimum 18 years old
  • Advanced Open Water / CMAS 2* or equivalent
  • 50 Logged Dives
  • Drysuit Experience
  • Owning your own drysuit
  • Capacity to maintain position underwater without moving fins/hand
  • Good foundations of trim and buoyancy
  • Maintaining precise buoyancy control
  • One of the following:
    • Scientific Dive qualification
    • Bachelor or Master degree (or enrolled) in a relevant field
    • Involvement in a scientific organization or institute
    • Involvement in a conservation/restoration organization
Dates

The program is delivered as a single, intensive block.

Arrival at Tvärminne: 8 August 2026
18:00 Breaker and course opening

Course dates: 9–15 August 2026

Departure from Tvärminne: morning of 16 August 2026
Price

The cost for the program (€2000) covers all training, diving activities, boat, single/twin cylinders and specialist camera/scientific equipment used on program. Includes human factor online learning.
Accommodation Package

Accommodation and food will be organised in a package on site.

Full package includes:

  • Twin shared accommodation
  • 08.08 Dinner
  • 09.08 – 15.08 Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • 16.08 Breakfast

Other meals can be booked around this according to travel plans.  for participants of the program are based on the station pricing for collaborating researchers (UH Collaborations). This will be paid directly to the Tvärminne Zoological Station at end of program by credit/debit card.

Students from University of Helsinki and other universities have special pricing options for this package.

If you pay via a company/institute with a registered tax number a VAT free invoice might be issued. Please check with the HY+ service that issues the invoices after registration.
How to get to the station

Fly into Helsinki airport.  

Take the train from the airport to Hanko train station. From here, participants can arrange a shared Taxi directly to Tvärminne Zoological Station. 

Car pooling can also be arranged between participants. Rental cars available for less than 150EU per week, depending on season and availability. 
Diving equipment required for all course participants
  • Undergarments suitable for less than 14oC exposure for 45min dives
  • Drygloves with undergloves, or minimum 5mm wetgloves
  • Steel Backplate and Harness (these can be arranged to borrow) Single/Twin set Regulators
  • Optional: Action cameras, camera setups, underwater strobes and video lights
     
  • Single/twin cylinders and specialist equipment are supplied as part of program
  • Drysuit
  • Drygloves with undergloves, or minimum 5mm wetgloves
  • Hood (8mm+ recommended)
  • Fins, no split fin design
  • Mask and backup mask Wetnotes
  • Torch
  • Single/Twin cylinder wing
Surface equipment recommended

Summer in Finland can include various weather conditions. Come prepared for days on the water in windy and rainy conditions with air temperature ranges from 12 - 25 oC.
  • Suitable footwear for being on boats
  • Hat for sun protection
  • Wind- and waterproof shell jacket with hood
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Beanie
  • Sunglasses
  • Fleece jacket
  • Windproof trousers
Registration

Registration following the link will register your interest for the program. After revision of the suitability to join the program you will receive a link for a deposit. After the deposit is made your spot and participation in the program is secured. 
More info