European Scientific Diver

Join us for the European Scientific Diver program in Croatia this December 2026. The two-week course on the island of Krk trains researchers and data collectors to manage diving operations at the professional level required by scientific projects.
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
  • Minimum 18 years old
  • Advanced Open Water / CMAS 2* or equivalent
  • 100 Logged Dives
  • Diving emergency oxygen provider (DAN etc.), not older than 12 months
  • BLS/AED certificate not older than 12 months
  • Drysuit Experience (20 dives)
  • 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:
    • Bachelor or Master degree (or enrolled) in a relevant field
    • Involvement in a scientific organization or institute
    • Involvement in a conservation/restoration organization
Core modules and content

The course covers the following modules

  • Core Diving Skills
  • Rescue Management
  • Underwater Navigation
  • Physiology, Physics and decompression Theory
  • Diving Laws and Regulations
  • Formulating operational manuals and emergency action plans
  • Specialized Diving Equipment
  • Standards Scientific Diving Skills
  • Core Biological Techniques
  • Core Archeological Techniques
  • Dive Project Planning and Supervision
  • Small boat handling and navigation
  • Full Face Masks, Communications Systems and Tethers
  • Site Locations Survey and Setup
  • Lift Bags and Air Lifts
  • Photography and Videography
Examination

Final examination consists of two parts.

  • Part 1 - Dive Project and Report
  • Part 2 - Diving Skills and Theory Evaluation
Dates

The program is run in one block.

  • Arrive at Krk 05.12.2026 19:00 breaker and course opening
  • Course 06.12. – 19.12.2026
  • Depart from Krk morning of 20.12.2026
Price

The cost for the program (3338 €) covers all training, certificates issued during program, diving activities and specialist equipment used on program, and examination. It also includes shared accommodation and three meals (warm lunch and dinner delivered to site). These prices are at special rates and serve the purpose to allow time together as a team and focusing on learning.

The instructional part of the program, invoiced by University Helsinki, is 1150 € excluding VAT, 1444 € including VAT. If you can proof to have a business account with B2B rights, you might be able to pay the amount without VAT.

Accreditation

After successful completion of the 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 level.

Certificates issued during the course also include:

  • The Human Diver Level 0 Certificate ‘The Essentials of Human Factors in Diving’
  • SDI Full Face Mask
Trainers
How to get to the training site

Fly into Zagreb or Rijeka airport. 

From Zagreb there are frequent buses to Rijeka. From Rijeka buses go to Malinska on the island of Krk. From Malinska we can arrange pickup.

Car rentals are very affordable at that time of year. Please coordinate in the team if you want to share a car.

Diving equipment required for all course participants
  • Diving Drysuit
  • Undergarments suitable for less than 14oC exposure for 90min dives
  • Drygloves with undergloves, or minimum 5mm wetgloves
  • Hood (8mm+ recommended)
  • Fins, no split fin design
  • Mask and backup mask
  • Wetnotes
  • Torch
  • Steel Backplate and Harness (these can be arranged to borrow)
  • Single/Twin set Regulators
  • Single/Twin cylinder wing
  • Optional: Action cameras, camera setups, underwater strobes and video lights

Surface
Winter in Croatia can include various weather conditions. Come prepared for windy and rainy
conditions with air temperature ranges from 0 - 15 oC.

  • Suitable footwear for being on boats
  • Beanie
  • Sunglasses
  • Fleece jacket
  • Wind- and waterproof shell jacket with hood
  • Windproof trousers
  • Water bottle
Registration

Registration following the link above 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.