Admissions
Requirements
Admission Requirements
18 years of age- High School Diploma or GED
- Ability to swim
- Good physical health
- Ability to obtain a TWIC card*
- Mechanical ability
- Strong work ethic
- Entrance interview
CDA strongly recommends a working email address. In an effort to expedite communications and minimize our environmental impact, CDA relies heavily on electronic mail.
All of the classes at the Academy are taught in English. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Proficiency can be determined by the student achieving a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For information on the test, applicants may write to TOEFL, Educational Testing Service, Box 899, Princeton, New Jersey 08540-6200, U.S.A., www.toefl.org, or contact the U.S. Embassy in their home country. The minimum TOEFL scores are: 500 (paper-based), 173 (computer-based), 61 (internet-based).
*Many diving companies and all port workers are now required to carry a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card. Find information about disqualifications that would prevent you from obtaining a TWIC card by visiting http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/twic/index.shtm.
We also recommend that students obtain a passport, if they do not already have one. Click here for the instructions for first-time applicants.
International Applicants - All non-U.S. citizens must submit the following:
1. Copy of current passport (the page with the name and the picture). The passport needs
to be valid at least 6 months after the completion of the Academy.
2. An official certificate of completion for secondary school. Academic records not in
English must be accompanied by an official certified translation.
3. Evidence of Medical Insurance. All international students on non-immigrant visas must
maintain medical insurance coverage for themselves and any dependents.
Immigration form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility), needed to obtain a student visa, is not
issued until the applicant has (1) been officially accepted by the Academy, (2) paid the processing and registration fees, (3) submitted a financial statement indicating how
expenses will be met while attending the Academy, and (4) submitted a photocopy of a
passport.
Steps to Apply:
1. Review the industry, career information and disqualifying conditions on the website and call the Admissions Office with questions and to confirm availability.
2. Click on Apply Now to fill out the Enrollment Agreement online and enter your credit card information to pay the $100 non-refundable registration fee. You can also download the application forms from the “Download an Application” page and enclose a check or money order.
3. Fill out the online questionnaire at https://www.commercialdivingacademy.com/questionnaire.da (This will appear online immediately after you submit the application from the “Apply Now” page.)
4. Download the Medical History form and fill it out completely. The Physical Examination Form can be completed by our school’s UHMS-certified physician on the first date of school ($399). You can also have the physical done by a local UHMS-certified physician. A list of these approved physicians is found at: http://www.uhms.org/Default.aspx?tabid=249.
5. Submit the Medical History form, along with a copy of two signature IDs: driver’s license, state ID, passport or Social Security Card; and a copy of your health insurance card.
6. Enclose a copy of your High School Diploma/GED or request a transcript be sent to the school.
7. Send priority mail to:
Commercial Diving Academy
Attention: Admissions
8137 North Main Street
Jacksonville, FL 32208
Or contact the office for free overnight service.
Disqualifying Conditions per the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI):
History of seizure disorder other than early childhood febrile (high fever) conditions.
Cystic or cavitary disease of the lungs, significant obstructive or restrictive lung disease, or recurrent pneumothorax
Chronic inability to equalize sinus and middle ear pressure
Significant central or peripheral nervous system disease or impairment
Chronic alcoholism drug abuse, or history of psychosis
Significant hemoglobinpathies
Significant malignancies
Grossly impaired hearing
Significant osteonecrosis
Chronic conditions requiring continuous control by medication
Pregnancy
