Occupational Scientific Diver

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.

The Onni Talas Foundation is kindly offering scholarships for students. These scholarships are intended for students enrolled at any Finnish University to gain entry level dive training with the intention of applying it in scientific diving.
Course Prerequisites

If you do not meet all requirements at the application deadline, please outline your plans how to secure the required experiences until the start of the program. 

  • Minimum 18 years old
  • Advanced Open Water/ CMAS 2* or equivalent
  • 30 Logged Dives, include proof (e.g. picture of logbook) in your application, if you have less dives outline your plans to reach the required number until the course starts
  • Must have: Drysuit diving / Cold Water Experience, 15 dry-suit dives minimum, include proof (e.g. picture of logbook) in your application, if you have less dives outline your plans to reach the required number until the course starts
  • Bachelor Degree (or enrolled) in a relevant field or involvement in scientific organisation
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 
  • 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

  1. Part 1 - Dive Project and Report 
  2. Part 2 - Diving Skills and Theory Evaluation
Dates
  • Course 1: 10.05 - 23.06.2027                                                             
  • Course 2: 23.08 - 06.10.2027

Please include in your application if you have a preference for one of the two courses, or if both timings work for you.
Trainers

Finnish Scientific Diving Academy instructional team:

  • Erik Wurz, Ph.D., Finnish Scientific Diving Academy Coordinator
  • Anni Malinen, Finnish Scientific Diving Academy Instructor
  • Dr Anne Räisänen-Sokolowski, Hyperbaric and Diving Medicine Physician. 
  • Specialist expert speakers
Price

The cost for the program (3400 € 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’ SDI Rescue Diver SDI Full Face Mask.
Gear requirements

Students are required to supply their own diving gear. The diving gear needs to be in good working conditions. Drysuits need to be well fitting, non leaking and equipped with dry gloves. 

Recommendations for gear can be found (PDF)

Bring: 

  • Regulator setup
  • Hood
  • Mask
  • BCD
  • Surface marker buoy
  • Spool
  • Wetnotes
  • Backup mask
  • Backup style dive light
  • Fins
  • Drysuit
  • Undersuit suitable for 10degC water temperature for 45min dives
  • Dry gloves and insulation gloves
Application

Please fill in the response forms below for the course you apply to participate in. 

In addition, send the following documents in English as a single pdf-file with filename: OSD_2027_’your name’ to

  • a motivational letter
  • academic CV
  • evidence of enrollment
  • diving qualifications and experience to meet perquisites (or statement of intention of getting training)
  • letter of reference from course coordinator, supervisor or member of teaching faculty to support your application

Deadline for applications for both courses: 13.01.2027. Candidates for both programs will be announced beginning of February. 

There might be spots left open, so please inquire about open spots even after the deadline has passed IF you fulfill all the pre-required experiences.