Our world increasingly relies upon the resources and knowledge gained from the ocean and marine environment, our last frontier. This reality requires the Marine Diving Technologies Program to continue to provide the highest quality divers and marine technicians worldwide. The program is open to all interested students for both diving and non-diving classes. The program serves the needs of entry-level students, employees in the workforce and students seeking personal enrichment. Students can attend part time or full-time in both diving and non-diving marine-related classes. Graduates can pursue multiple marine career paths in marine and underwater technology, working above and below the water with many types of sophisticated marine data collection instruments, diving and life-supporting equipment.

Santa Barbara City College’s Marine Diving Technologies Program is recognized worldwide for its vocational excellence. It is the only community college degree program in the nation which is accredited by the Association of Commercial Diving Educators (ACDE), the International Diving Schools Association (IDSA) and the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI). Santa Barbara City College pioneered formalized diver and technician education with the A.S. Degree curriculum in 1968. It was the recipient of the Exemplary Program Award in 1998 from the State of California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

Students who enroll in the Marine Diving Technologies Program have options to obtain an Associate in Science Degree or Certificate in marine technology. Industry-based certifications meeting the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) “Commercial Diver Training ñ Minimum Standard ANSI/ ACDE-01-1998” and the International Diving Schools Association (IDSA) standards are also available for the field of commercial diving. The training is designed to meet the needs of the marine construction, research and tourism industries. These multi-billion dollar marine technology industries are dynamic and require personnel who have a broad training base involving technical skills above and below the water.

The Associate in Science Degree curriculum includes instruction in all phases of commercial diving, hyperbarics, bell/saturation diving, emergency medicine, boating and marine science, to name but a few. Teamwork and safety are the prime emphases of the training.

There are virtually unlimited opportunities and challenges for the individual who desires an exciting and rewarding future researching the world’s needs for resources, 

Skills Competency Award Requirements

Complete all department requirements with a “C” or higher or "P" in each course. Candidates for a Skills Competency Award are required to complete at least 20% of the department requirements through SBCC.

1. Demonstrate proper tending techniques used in commercial diving.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in the safe operation of a hyperbaric chamber.
3. Recognize signs/symptoms and select appropriate treatment schedules for diving related accidents.
4. Rig proper loads and calculate safety factors for lifting applications.
5. Successfully tie knots and perform splicing commonly used in marlinespike seamanship.
6. Demonstrate proficiency in safe small boat handling during various at sea conditions.
7. Perform First Aid and CPR to American Red Cross standards in single and two rescuer mode.
8. Safely perform cutting and welding in both topside and underwater environments.
9. Safely use and operate light-weight and heavy gear diving equipment.
10. Perform routine operation and maintenance of diesel engines and diving compressors.
11. Safely operate and maintain all related surface supplied diving apparatus, support equipment and life support equipment.
12. Perform as a Diving Supervisor in a diving operation demonstrating safe, effective leadership skills.
13. Demonstrate proficiency in performing safety/planning techniques using industry standards.