CDA Technical Institute's Commercial Diver Program
CDA Commercial Diver Program Male Commercial Diver Female Commercial Diver

Choose your character & start the adventure!

Choosing the right school to pursue your goals as a commercial diver is the most important career decision you'll make. Find out what it takes! Select a challenging career with CDA.

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Not all programs are created equally, Do the research before you dive in! Learn More!

Underwater welding sounds freaking awesome, But which school offers the best program??

CDA Technical Institute (CDA) is the only fully-accredited diver training program with IMCA-recognized training, on-campus housing and a full meal plan.

CDA has got a lot more to offer, easy choice!

CDA offers a comprehensive and rigorous 20 week program. Become a world class diver. A CDA diver.

Huh?! What the &%#$

And so the adventure begins...

Wow! I must be dreaming...

Not everyone is cut out to be a commercial diver/underwater welder. Do you have what it takes for this career?

Age: 18 or older
Ability to Swim: Yes
Respiration: 15/MIN
Mechanical Ability: Yes
High school GRAD or GED: YES

To be a commercial diver, you could be working in confined space, dark water, limited visibility. The career requires commitment, dedication, and a strong work ethic.

All students at CDA must be 18 years of age, have a strong work ethic, be in good physical condition, have completed high school, (or earned a GED) and pass an entracne interview. Want to get started? You can apply now!


Mechanical skills are a must

Having passed the requirements, the candidate is accepted as one of the elite students at CDA Technical Institute.

Course Work: Rigorous and comprehensive. Be prepared for long days of classwork, practical applications, and studying.

Course work includes all CSA standards for DCBC certification:
Diving Physics
Diving Physiology, Decompression, & Emergency Management Procedures
Diving Equipment, Systems, & Procedures
Practical Use of Diving Equipment
Diving Hazards & Legislation
Diver Communication Systems
Rigging
Underwater Inspections & Searches
Hand & Power Tools
Water Jetting, Airlifts, Venturi Dredges, & Lift Bags
Cutting & Welding Equipment
Underwater Explosives
Underwater Construction Techniques
Hyperbaric Chamber Operations
Want to learn more? Request a catalog.

Dive Medicine: Covers Physiology, Decompression, HazMat and Safety.

Top Side Training teaches diver communications

CDA's Blackwater training fully prepares you for the real world conditions of a commercial diver.

CDA offers 3,000 minutes of bottom time, deep water as well as rigorous training in a dark, swift tidal current, limited visibility environment. Learn more about what makes CDA better.

Deepwater Training

After 20 weeks of hard work with experienced instructors, you are a world class diver ... a CDA diver!

20 weeks later ...

Graduation Day ...

CDA offers career assistance and we invite dive companies to visit CDA to recruit our graduates. CDA has a full-time career services coordinator who works closely with each graduate to ensure their success. Have more questions? Check out our FAQs.

The Career

Overview video for CDA's commercial diver program in Jacksonville, Florida

What do commercial divers do?

Commercial diving is industrial construction that takes place underwater. Commercial divers work all over the world, and are experts in underwater welding, underwater salvage and recovery, underwater inspection, and installation.

Learn more about our programs

More Testimonials

Video testimonial from a recent CDA graduate Another testimonial video from CDA's commercial diving school

Underwater Welding

After all the reseach I've done and instructors I've talked to, CDA is bar-none the premier dive school in all of America.

Cameron Duncan
Graduate, CDA

Inside CDA's comprehensive underwater welding program
Inside CDA

I want to be an Underwater Welder

CDA's internationally-recognized training includes a comprehensive underwater welding program that goes beyond industry standards.  Our instructors spend one-on-time time with each student to perfect their skills.

CDA's training is more than just underwater welding.  A successful underwater welder needs to be highly trained and proficient in all facets of commercial diving.  This is where CDA graduates excel.

With advanced training and multiple certifications, CDA graduates are highly sought-after by leading dive companies.  Become a World Class Diver:  A CDA Diver.

Request a Catalog

Start Dates

CLASS 0414-A Monday, April 7th, 2014
(5 spots open)
CLASS 0414-B Monday, April 21st, 2014
(10 spots open)
CLASS 0514-A Monday, May 5th, 2014
(24 spots open)
CLASS 0514-B Monday, May 19th, 2014
(19 spots open)

Apply Now

School Vacations

CDA will be close the weeks of:
April 1st (Spring Break)
July 29th (Summer Vacation)
November 25th (Fall Break)
December 23rd &
December 30th (Winter Break)

Holidays

Memorial Day - May 27th, 2014
Independence Day - July 4th, 2014
Labor Day -  September 1st, 2014*

*Subject to the Deep Water Training Center schedule.

 

Requirements

List of requirements for becoming a commercial diver

Our program simulates the demands of a real commercial diver with daily physical training, 10-hour days, and safety meetings.

  • 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

View all program requirements

Cost

Above and Beyond the Standard Training

CDA Technical Institute (CDA), formerly Commercial Diving Academy, is the ONLY fully-accredited diver training program with IMCA-recognized training, on-campus housing and a full meal plan. CDA’s training is complete, comprehensive and intensive to ensure our graduates are recruited by the industry’s leading dive companies.

Estimated Tuition for 2013: $21,820

View all program costs

How to compare schools

Get in Touch

General Inquiries

CDA's Commercial Diver Program

Apply Now

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News & Press

What's New?

CDA Newsletter - Summer 2012

CDA Newsletter - Summer 2012

News from CDA Technical Institute

CDA Newsletter - Spring 2012

CDA Newsletter - Spring 2012

Passings and new beginnings

CDA Newsletter – Summer 2011

CDA Newsletter – Summer 2011

Exciting Developments at Commercial Diving Academy

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