European Scientific Diver, Gozo

This program is for people working in the field of scientific research or data collection that requires diving operations. Training emphasizes fundamental scientific diving skills, underwater data collection, effective dive planning, and emergency management.
Program modules
  • Equipment Selection
  • Core Diving Skills
  • Diving Physics and Physiology
  • Emergency Management
  • Dive Planning
  • Laws and Regulations
  • Navigation and Search Methods
  • Lift bags and Air Lifts
  • Core Biological Techniques
  • Core Archaeological Techniques
  • Tethered Diving
  • Full Face Masks and Communication Systems
Timing and location

Arrival: 1 November 2026
Program: 2 November – 21 November 2026
Departure: 22 November 2026

Location: RITUAL Dive x BLOCK Hotel, Xlendi Bay, Gozo
Price
  • 4325 € with shared accommodation
  • 4725 € with private accommodation

The price of the program covers:

  • All training and materials
  • Certificates
  • Diving activities
  • Examination
  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast and packed lunch
Course Prerequisites

Participants must:

  • Be minimum 18 years old
  • Hold Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent)
  • Have minimum 40 logged dives
  • Hold a valid First Aid, BLS and Oxygen Provider certification (DAN etc.)
  • Hold a valid dive medical
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree (or be enrolled) in a relevant field or be affiliated with a research organization, conservation project or scientific institution

Note: Students who do not already hold the required number of dives, Advanced Open Water certification, First Aid, BLS or Oxygen Provider certifications may complete these through an optional add-on training package prior to the start of the ESD program.

Examination

Final examination consists of a written exam and scientific diving skills evaluation.
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) to attain recognition of competency for the European Scientific Diver (ESD) 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

Note: Students who do not hold a Rescue Diver certification may complete this through an optional add-on during the ESD program.
Trainers

Anni Malinen, Finnish Scientific Diving Academy, Instructor, Marine Scientist
Emily Bell, Ritual Dive, OWSI Instructor, Marine Biologist, Scientific Diver
Required equipment
  • Drysuit and undergarments (require a dry suit certification and 30 logged drysuit dives) OR
  • Wetsuit, 7mm with neoprene vest
  • Dry gloves and undergloves or wetgloves
  • Regulators (long hose configuration recommended)
    Backplate and wing
  • Hood
  • Fins
  • Mask
  • Dive computer
  • Compass
  • Wetnotes
  • Torch
  • Cutting tool
  • SMB and spool

Use of cylinders and weights are included in the program fee.

Equipment rental available from Ritual Dive (own equipment recommended):
75€ per week for full kit or Backplate, Wing + Regs
For individual equipment rental costs contact

Registration

Registration following the link will register your interest in the program. After revising the suitability to join the program you will receive a link for a 50% deposit. Once the deposit is made your spot and participation in the program is secured. Final payment is due 2 weeks before the start of the course
How to get there

Direct transfer
Contact with flight details to arrange for direct transfer, door to door, from airport to accommodation.

Self-transfer
There are two routes to get from Malta International Airport to Xlendi Bay in Gozo: either the Gozo Channel Ferry from Cirkewwa terminal, or the Gozo Highspeed ferry from the Valletta terminal (Xatt Lascaris).

Bus or taxis (Bolt/Uber) can be used to get to and from the ferry terminals:

Bus route from Malta International Airport to Cirkewwa Ferry terminal: TD1
Bus route from Malta International Airport to Valletta high speed terminal: TD4

Cirkewwa, Gozo Channel Ferry Schedule:
Valletta, Gozo High Speed Ferry Schedule:

Both routes arrive in Mgarr Harbour, Gozo. From here collection by Ritual Dive can be arranged or we recommend taking a taxi (Bolt/Uber). (Buses are available from Mgarr to Xlendi but we recommend taxi/transfer)