TOP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Page 2) - (Download all FAQ PDF)

How do I apply to the program?
Fill out the SBCC Application for Admission and return it to the campus Admissions department. If you desire to enroll in the diving portions of the program, certificate or degree- Call (805) 965-0581, x2426 or e-mail mdt@sbcc.edu for an application packet to be sent to you or download application forms here.

1. Apply to the college for Admission at www.sbcc.edu/apply , or submit the enclosed paper application by mail to the attention of the Admissions & Records Office. (Please do not mail this application to the Marine Diving Technology Department.)

2. Complete the MDT application ASAP so that you can ENROLL in your MDT classes. Attach your non-refundable $50.00 application fee made payable to SBCC, MDT and a copy of your basic scuba certification card. (If you are NOT currently scuba certified, you can mail this in later.) You will not be able to enroll in your classes until our DEPARTMENT receives your MDT application. Mail your MDT application to: Santa Barbara City College, Marine Diving Technology, 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109.

3. Complete the “Physical exam” in it’s entirety, including all lab reports, vital capacity, chest x-ray (all items 1-24) NO EXCEPTIONS using the enclosed “Commercial Diving Physician’s” examination report form at least two weeks prior to the swim evaluation date, but no earlier than December 9, 2011 as the physical is only current for one year. (The physical DOES NOT NEED TO BE MAILED IN WITH YOUR MDT APPLICATION, BUT BY THE DEADLINE DATE OF August 8, 2012).

4. The Marine Diving Technology department will contact you within a couple of weeks of receipt or your application either by phone or email.

PLEASE NOTE:  THE PROGRAM IS EXTREMELY IMPACTED, THE EARLIER YOU APPLY AND REGISTER FOR YOUR CLASSES, THE GREATER THE SUCCESS YOU WILL HAVE IN GETTING INTO THE PROGRAM. FYI, YOU ARE NOT GUARANTEED A SPOT UNTIL YOU PASS THE SWIM EVALUATION AND HAVE ENROLLED IN YOUR CLASSES.

*The swim evaluation, MDT 101, is scheduled on August 15th, 2012

Does it really matter in the industry if I have an Associate in Science A.S. degree vs. a certificate?
Studies have shown that those with a degree have a higher earning power than those without. Many marine technology employers require employees who have solid educational foundations in addition to good skill sets. In the commercial diving industry, degrees are not as important at an entry level, but often mean the difference in gaining promotions due to the additional skills they afford an employee after become established with a company.

Is Santa Barbara City College a member of the Association of Commercial Diving Educators? Yes. SBCC founded the ACDE in 1974 and has worked closely with all private Comercial Diving Schools and contractors in the U.S. since to help develop programs to meet the ANSI/ ACDE-01-1998 Commercial Diver Training Minimum Standard, which is sanctioned by OSHA.

What is the cost of living in SB?
Santa Barbara is one of the most desirable places in the world to live, due to the temperate climate, small-town atmosphere and breathtaking views of mountains meeting the Pacific Ocean. With this in mind you can expect higher than normal rents and costs for goods and services. Contact the SBCC Student Services Housing page for current information. Click here for a current housing list.

Do you have financial aid or the GI bill?
Yes, we have both the GI Bill and full Financial Aid. There are numerous scholarships available throught the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College at ext. 2604. Contact Financial Aid dept. ext. 2716 or GI bill ext. 2203 for more information.

Is there a swim test?
A formal swim test is required for entrance into the diving classes within the program. Physical fitness is important for Diver Training. A thorough assessment of watermanship and diving skills will be conducted prior to your beginning dive training course. Please be prepared. This is a rigorous college level diving program designed to train professional divers versus recreational divers. Those who perform to program diving standards will advance. If you are not in good physical condition, it is your responsibility to rectify that prior to starting training. Click here for FAQ about the Swim Evaluation

The swim test consists of:

1. Swim underwater without fins for a distance of 25 meters without surfacing and no push off.

2. Swim underwater without fins for a distance of 50 meters, surfacing 3 times.

3. Swim 350 meters in less than 10 minutes without fins.

4. Demonstrate swimming with snorkel and fins with and without facemask.

5. Skin-dive to a depth of 3 meters and recover a 4.5 kilogram weight (10 lbs.)

6. Demonstrate the ability to rescue a swimmer and carry him/her 25 meters on the surface.

7. Demonstrate the ability to tread water for 10 minutes without swim aids. (5 mins with use of hands, 3 minutes with the wrists out of the water and 2 minutes with the elbows out of the water)

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