Step by Step Enrollment Guide for Veterans
Available Training Programs at Florida Commercial Diving Institute
Florida Commercial Diving Institute offers several training pathways designed to help veterans transition into rewarding careers within the commercial diving industry. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive diver training, specialized certifications, or advanced medical qualifications, FCDI has a program designed to help you achieve your goals.
Unrestricted Surface Supplied Diver (USSD)
The Unrestricted Surface Supplied Diver (USSD) Program is FCDI’s flagship commercial diver training course. This comprehensive program prepares students for inland and offshore commercial diving careers through extensive hands-on training, underwater welding and burning, decompression procedures, underwater construction, inspections, salvage operations, rigging, and the operation of commercial diving equipment. Graduates earn industry-recognized certifications and develop the skills needed for entry-level employment throughout the commercial diving industry.
Learn More:
https://fcdidiving.com/unrestricted-surface-supplied-diver/
Best For: Veterans seeking the most comprehensive commercial diving training program available.
National Surface Supplied Diver (NSSD) Program
The National Surface Supplied Diver Program is a 16/17-week, 625-hour commercial diving course designed to prepare students for rapid entry into the workforce. Students receive training in surface supplied diving, underwater burning and welding, underwater construction, inspections, salvage operations, rigging, and commercial diving safety procedures.
While FCDI is currently finalizing approval for this program and is not yet accepting enrollments, veterans are encouraged to contact admissions for updates regarding availability.
Learn More:
https://fcdidiving.com/nssd/
Best For: Students seeking an accelerated pathway into commercial diving or companies looking to upskill existing personnel.
Underwater Burning Specialist (UBS)
The Underwater Burning Specialist Program provides focused training in underwater cutting and burning techniques used throughout the commercial diving industry. Students receive hands-on instruction in underwater burning equipment, safety procedures, and practical applications commonly used in marine construction, salvage, repair, and demolition projects.
Learn More:
https://fcdidiving.com/underwater-burning-specialist/
Best For: Commercial divers seeking specialized underwater burning certifications or employers looking to expand the capabilities of their dive teams.
Diver Medic Technician (DMT)
The Diver Medic Technician Program prepares students to respond to diving-related injuries and medical emergencies in hyperbaric and commercial diving environments. Training includes diving medicine, emergency response procedures, patient assessment, oxygen administration, chamber operations, and treatment protocols utilized throughout the diving industry.
Learn More:
https://fcdidiving.com/diver-medic-technician-dmt/
Best For: Divers, supervisors, and offshore personnel seeking advanced medical and emergency response qualifications.
Step 1: Apply to FCDI
Complete the admissions application online:
https://fcdidiving.com/application-for-admissions/
Once submitted, our admissions team will review your application and discuss available class start dates.
Step 2: Review the Enrollment Agreement
You will receive an Enrollment Agreement containing important information regarding:
- Tuition and program costs
- Registration fees
- Dive physical requirements
- Required books and materials
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Required gear and equipment
- School policies and procedures
Please review, complete, and return all required documents.
Step 3: Apply for VA Education Benefits
Veterans and eligible service members must apply directly through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
FCDI School Code: 25818210
Apply Here:
https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/
Step 4: Obtain Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
After approval, the VA will issue your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which confirms your benefit eligibility and entitlement level.
Step 5: Submit Your COE to FCDI
Once received, submit your Certificate of Eligibility to FCDI for processing.
VA Benefits Page:
https://fcdidiving.com/va-benefits/
Mailing Address:
Florida Commercial Diving Institute
17212 US Highway 19
Hudson, FL 34667
Step 6: Complete Required Documentation
Please provide:
- Driver’s License or Passport
- Social Security Card
- Birth Certificate
- High School Diploma, GED, or Transcript
Photos or scanned copies are acceptable.
Email documents to:
These documents are required for DCBC processing and Florida Department of Education compliance.
Step 7: Complete Your Dive Physical
All students must be cleared as “Fit to Dive” by a UHMS DMAC Level 1 Certified Physician.
Students may locate their own physician through:
Or utilize the physician coordinated through FCDI.
Required Testing
Lab Work
Required tests:
- CBC
- CMP
- Lipid Panel
- Sickle Cell Test
- Urinalysis
Schedule through:
Estimated Cost: $71
Chest X-Ray
West Hernando Diagnostic Center
3315 Commercial Way
Spring Hill, FL 34606
Walk-ins accepted.
Estimated Cost: $36
Physician Examination
After completing labs and x-ray:
https://houseofvalorconcierge.hint.com/signup/divemedical
Physician Examination Cost: $400
Step 8: Housing & Living Arrangements
FCDI does not offer on-campus housing, but off-site housing is available nearby through coordinated efforts on behalf of staff and the local community.
Please reach out to our housing liaison and office manager for additional information:
Students are responsible for arranging housing, transportation, meals, and personal expenses while attending training.
Step 9: Gear & Equipment
Students are responsible for obtaining the required equipment outlined in the Enrollment Agreement.
Important notes:
- Equipment does not need to be purchased before the first day of class.
- Initial training is primarily classroom-based.
- Students may source equipment independently.
- All equipment must meet safety standards and be properly inspected.
Students are taught equipment inspection procedures during training.
Step 10: Finalize Enrollment
Once your application, VA documentation, physical requirements, and enrollment paperwork have been completed, our admissions team will finalize your enrollment and prepare you for your scheduled start date.
Step 11: Start Training
Welcome to Florida Commercial Diving Institute.
Your commercial diving career starts here.
Important Disclaimer
VA benefit eligibility, approval, funding amounts, Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), and processing timelines are determined solely by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Florida Commercial Diving Institute can assist students through the admissions process and provide general guidance regarding VA education benefits; however, FCDI cannot guarantee approval, benefit amounts, housing allowances, or processing timelines.
Program costs, equipment requirements, third-party vendor pricing, and course availability are subject to change without notice.