New Student Resources

Congratulations on taking the first step toward a commercial diving career. Whether you’ve just applied or you’re already counting down to your start date, this page pulls together everything you need to get ready for training.

Before You Arrive: Your Checklist

1. Confirm your start date: Check the current Program Schedule to see upcoming NSSD and USSD class dates, along with when the Diver Medic Technician (DMT) and Underwater Burning Specialist (UBS) courses run.

2. Pay your registration fee: Secure your seat with the $155 non-refundable registration fee, which covers processing, document intake, and admissions support. Pay Your Registration Fee to lock in your spot.

3. Complete your dive physical: Every student must be cleared as fit to dive by a UHMS-affiliated physician before training begins. Download the required forms and get this scheduled as early as possible — it’s the step most likely to cause delays if it’s left too late.

4. Read the student catalog: The Student Catalog is the official source for tuition and fees, program details, attendance and grading policies, and graduation requirements. Read it before you arrive so nothing on campus catches you off guard.

5. Gather your gear: Review the Equipment List for the personal gear you’ll need — some items must be purchased through FCDI directly, others you can source on your own or bring from home.

6. Take care of financing: If you haven’t already, make sure your tuition plan is settled — whether that’s third-party financing, in-house payment, or VA education benefits — through Financial Services or the VA Benefits page.

What to Expect on Day One

Hours: Classes run Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Dress code: FCDI t-shirt (required during school hours), steel-toe boots, and no loose jewelry or piercings. Full dress code details are in the Student Catalog.

Attendance matters: Commercial diving certification requires strict attendance — USSD students, for example, can’t miss more than 3 days in any 5-week module or 10 days total in the program. Review the full attendance policy in the catalog before you start.

Bring your documents: Have your dive physical clearance and any required paperwork with you on your first day.

Still Need To Apply?

If you haven’t finished enrolling yet, start with our Enrollment Guide for a full step-by-step walkthrough, or head straight to Apply Now.

(Veteran using VA education benefits? Use the VA Enrollment Guide instead — it covers the same ground plus the steps specific to your GI Bill.)