Divers Institute of Technology
General Information — Divers Institute of Technology
About (Overview)
Divers Institute of Technology (often abbreviated DIT) is a private, for-profit technical institution specializing in commercial diving and underwater operations training, based in Seattle, Washington. It was founded in 1968 with a mission to equip students with realistic, hands-on skills for the demanding commercial diving industry. Over the decades, DIT has distinguished itself by offering a rigorous program that includes open water dives, deep dives, underwater welding, salvage operations, hazmat training, rigging, and more, preparing graduates for work in offshore, inland, and global diving sectors.
The training philosophy emphasizes practical experience, safety protocols, and multiple industry certifications so that graduates are job-ready. The institute operates on a compact schedule, with new classes starting monthly and a full program spanning about seven months for completion of its core commercial diving curriculum. Class sizes are kept relatively small, and retention historically has been high, reflecting the intensity and selective nature of the sport. DIT also maintains strong placement relationships, reporting that roughly 90 percent of graduates eligible for placement find employment in commercial diving within months of program completion.
Contact Information
Address: 1341 N Northlake Way, Suite 150, Seattle, Washington, USA
Phone: (206) 783-5542
Email / General Inquiries: admissions@diversinstitute.edu
School Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1968 |
| Type | Private, for-profit technical institute |
| Specialization | Commercial diving, underwater welding, salvage, hazmat |
| Accreditation | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) |
| Campus Location | Wallingford area on the north end of Lake Union, Seattle |
| Program Duration | ~7 months (900 hours) |
| Certifications Offered | CSA Unrestricted Surface Supplied Air Diver, HazMat, welding, rigging, SCUBA, etc. |
| Typical Class Size | ~20–25 students |
| Employment Placement (2023–2024) | ~90 percent of eligible graduates |
Divers Institute of Technology Rankings
| Category | Ranking / Position |
|---|---|
| National / U.S. | Not ranked in general university rankings; recognized within specialized commercial diving and vocational training circles |
| Global | Not applicable (vocational institute) |
| Industry / Specialty | Among only two U.S. dive schools offering CSA international surface-supplied air diver certification, giving graduates wider international recognition |
Divers Institute of Technology Academics
Divers Institute of Technology Faculties / Departments
Because DIT is a highly focused technical institute, it does not have traditional “faculties” in the humanities or social sciences. Rather, instruction and training are organized into technical divisions or training modules such as:
- Diving Operations / Commercial Diving
- Underwater Welding & Cutting
- Salvage & Recovery
- HazMat & Hazardous Materials Handling
- Rigging, Hydraulic Tools & Equipment
- Dive Medicine & Physics
- Occupational Safety & Industry Compliance
- Specialized Advanced Training (e.g. Supervisor, Hat Operator, Mixed Gas)
Divers Institute of Technology Courses and Programs / Majors
DIT offers a single core program specialization rather than multiple broad majors. The list of training components includes:
- Commercial Diver / Professional Diver Instructor track
- Underwater Welding & Cutting
- Salvage Operations
- HazMat Procedures & Remediation
- Rigging / Light & Heavy Equipment Handling
- Hydraulic Tools / Tools for Underwater Construction
- Dive Medicine, Physics, Decompression Theory
- Deep Open Water Dives & Decompression Training
- Advanced Certifications (e.g. Kirby Morgan Hat Technician, Diver Medic Technician)
Online Learning
Divers Institute of Technology does not emphasize online coursework for its core diving training modules, due to the inherently hands-on and safety-critical nature of diving instruction. The underwater, welding, and deep dive components require in-person, supervised training in real water environments and cannot be replicated fully online. Some theoretical or safety / classroom lecture segments may be provided in hybrid formats, but the institution is fundamentally experiential in orientation.
Average Test Scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.)
| Test | Score Range / Notes |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not required, not published |
| ACT | Not required, not published |
| GRE | Not applicable |
Retention and Graduation Rates
DIT historically maintains relatively high retention in its tightly scheduled program. For example, in a past period, the retention rate per class was about 90 percent. Because the program is intensive and cohort-based, most students who begin the program stay until completion. In more recent institutional disclosures, DIT reports that its “graduation rate” across cohorts may exceed 90 percent, meaning most students who are accepted and start the program complete it.
Divers Institute of Technology Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
DIT does not typically enforce strict minimum GPA or standardized test score thresholds. Admission decisions focus more on physical fitness, medical eligibility, motivation for commercial diving, and capacity to complete a demanding technical program. Applicants are expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent, meet health/medical criteria, pass physical or medical screenings, and satisfy admissions interview requirements.
Divers Institute of Technology Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 100 percent (open admission policy) |
Divers Institute of Technology Application Requirements
To apply to DIT, prospective students submit an application form and provide proof of high school completion (diploma or GED) or equivalent. Applicants undergo medical and physical evaluations to ensure readiness for diving and exposure to pressure. There may also be prerequisite fitness or swimming ability requirements. Applicants may submit a personal statement or interest explanation, and meet with admissions staff in interviews. International applicants must show English proficiency and submit relevant passport / visa documentation. Medical clearance, immunization records, and possibly proof of insurance are also required.
Application Process
- Request and complete the DIT application packet
- Submit proof of high school completion or GED
- Undergo physical and medical evaluation / clearance
- Participate in admissions interview or evaluation
- Submit any required documentation (ID, English proficiency for international)
- Receive acceptance and enroll in cohort start
- Begin orientation and the technical diving curriculum
Divers Institute of Technology Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term / Item | Deadline / Date |
|---|---|
| Monthly class enrollment | New classes begin each month |
| Financial aid / scholarship deadlines | Variable per term (check prior to start) |
| Admissions processing | Preferably several weeks before class start |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
DIT does not universally require a formal essay for standard admission. However, applicants may be asked to submit a brief personal statement or letter of intent describing motivations for pursuing commercial diving, relevant experience (if any), physical readiness, and commitment to completing an intensive vocational program.
Divers Institute of Technology Scholarships
DIT offers limited institutional scholarships, veterans’ education benefits, and works with financial aid programs for eligible students. Some named scholarships may be available to students in good standing or with demonstrated need. The institute encourages early submission of aid or veterans’ benefits paperwork to maximize eligibility.
Divers Institute of Technology Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Category | Approximate Cost / Notes |
|---|---|
| Base Tuition / Program Cost | ~$25,900 per year (or per program cohort) |
| Net Price (after aid) | ~$39,233 average per year (as reported by some sources) |
| Average Debt at Graduation | ~$9,500 |
| Other Costs (books, gear, housing, travel) | Significant additional costs due to dive gear, travel to diving sites, lodging, safety equipment |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
DIT is heavily male-skewed given the nature of the commercial diving field. Some data indicates about 95 percent male, 5 percent female enrollment. The student body includes both younger graduates and many mid-career or older students seeking a trade change. Racial and ethnic breakdowns are not broadly published, though commercial diving remains less diverse than broader higher education settings.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Because DIT is a technical, high-cost training institute, some students come from low-income backgrounds leveraging financial aid or veterans’ benefits. Disabilities must be evaluated carefully because diving work demands physical fitness, medical clearance, and safety. The institute may accommodate some limitations, but many physical conditions disqualify candidates. The focus is on physical robustness, so support services for disabilities are constrained by occupational safety demands.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Undergraduate Students | ~279 |
| Full-Time Students | ~279 (nearly all enrolled full time) |
| Part-Time Students | ~0 |
| Female Students | ~5 percent |
| Male Students | ~95 percent |
| Students Receiving Aid | ~64 percent |
| Graduates per Year in Core Program | ~264 |
University Diversity
Given its highly specialized mission and trade orientation, DIT’s diversity primarily reflects gender and small representation of minorities. While the field is heavily male, the small proportion of female students signifies gradual inclusion. Ethnic diversity likely varies year to year based on applicant pools. Because certification and fitness requirements are stringent, accessibility is more gated than in general universities. However, DIT maintains a global outlook through its CSA certification and draws some international or cross-border candidates. The community is relatively tight, with students often bonded by intense shared training and physical challenges, which fosters camaraderie across backgrounds despite the narrower demographic breadth than general universities.
Average Earnings
Graduates of DIT typically enter commercial diving roles including offshore diving, underwater construction, inspection, maintenance, and salvage. Earnings vary widely by job site, depth, hazard pay, and experience. Entry-level commercial divers may earn moderate wages, while those working offshore, in deep dives, or in supervisory roles can command significantly higher pay. Because the industry rewards experience, many graduates see their earnings rise steeply within a few years in high-demand diving markets. DIT’s goal is not just to confer a certificate but to enable students to enter roles where their training pays off. The institute’s high placement rate suggests that many graduates secure employment soon after completing training, giving them the opportunity to recoup costs and build toward longer-term earnings growth.
Divers Institute of Technology Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
DIT employs instructors with extensive field experience in commercial diving, many of them veterans of military diving or underwater construction. As of past reports, a majority of instructors are former U.S. military divers. Staff includes program directors, safety officers, dive supervisors, lab and equipment technicians, administrative staff, and placement coordinators. Because the institute is small, many instructors also carry roles in operations, fleet management, or external contracting projects.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
The faculty at DIT often bring a combination of technical diving expertise, certifications, and operational backgrounds. Instructors have served in the Navy, Marine Corps, or commercial diving sectors, with experience in deep diving, salvage, hazardous materials, and underwater welding. Some have attained top “Master Diver” ratings or high-level certifications and have directed training programs or international outreach. Their achievements include contributions to filming, consultancy with government or industry, and curriculum leadership in the underwater sector. The pairing of instructor credibility and real-world experience is central to DIT’s reputation in the diving world.
Divers Institute of Technology Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
DIT does not maintain traditional on-campus dormitories. Students are generally responsible for securing off-campus housing in Seattle. Because the program is intensive and short-term, many cohorts are local or relocate temporarily close to the training facility. The institute may provide housing assistance or referral services but does not own residential housing facilities. Campus life is unconventional: much of the student interaction occurs around training, diving, workshops, maintenance, safety briefings, and shared gear handling rather than typical social clubs or athletics.
Transportation
The campus is located on North Lake Union in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle, accessible via local roads and public transport in the broader Seattle metropolitan area. Students commuting from nearby neighborhoods may rely on buses, personal vehicles, or rideshare. The training facility includes dock and land-based assets, moorage for floating classrooms, and submerged training zones directly adjacent to campus. For deeper dives, the institute uses its dive vessel and offsite marine access points. Campus mobility emphasizes access to waterfront diving platforms, docks, and gear staging areas, rather than walkable interior quadrangles.