From Service to Subsea: Military Transition Program

Why Choose PDA?

At PDA, we understand the mindset, professionalism and dedication that come from military service.
Our instructors include former defence professionals who recognise the strengths service leavers bring — focus, resilience and precision under pressure.

As an ELCAS-approved training provider and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we’re committed to helping you build a rewarding civilian career in commercial diving.
Whether you’re a Royal Navy diver or have transferable skills from another branch, our training is designed to help you achieve HSE-recognised commercial diving qualifications.

Military Diver Conversion Course

Our Military Conversion Course (MCC) bridges the gap between military qualifications and commercial certifications, providing a structured pathway into the subsea industry.

Courses run Monday to Friday and are both intensive and rewarding — requiring full focus and commitment.
Due to our coastal location, weather can occasionally affect schedules. On rare occasions, weekend dives may be arranged to ensure all required assessments are completed.

Your first day begins with an induction and meet-and-greet with instructors, support staff, and fellow candidates.
Our Business Support Team will verify your HSE Diving Medical, passport photos, and photo ID, before instructors brief you on the HSE assessment process, student code of conduct, and issue your diving kit.

During Week 1, you’ll complete the First Aid at Work & O2 Provider (Commercial Diving Endorsement) course.
Start times may vary slightly, with First Aid sessions beginning around 9:00AM.
Once this is complete, the course start time shifts to 8:30 AM —and punctuality is key!

‍

• Week 1: HSE First Aid @ Work & O2 Provider, Training Tank Dive
• ‍Week 2: HSE Professional SCUBA – Lazaretto Point (Beach Entry, Open Water)Week 3: HSE Professional SCUBA – Dunoon Timber Pier (Buoyancy Control, Self-Rescue)
• Week 4: HSE Professional SCUBA – DSB Sleat (Surface Standby Rescues, 18m–30m Dives)
• Week 5: HSE Surface Supplied – Dunoon Timber Pier (Subsea Tooling & Inspection)
• Week 6: HSE Surface Supplied – Dunoon Timber Pier (Subsea Tooling & Inspection)
• Week 7: HSE Surface Supplied – DSB Sleat (Surface Decompression / Working Up To Depth)
• Week 8: HSE Surface Supplied – Coastal Guardian (Deep Week)
• Week 9: HSE Surface Supplied – DSB Sleat (Group Task, Subsea Tooling & Inspection)
• ‍Week 10: HSE Wet-Bell Top-Up Course

Eligible candidates can use Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) to help cover part of training costs.

‍

“After serving 10 years in the Royal Navy, PDA helped meturn my diving experience into a commercial career in offshore construction.”
— Mark L., HSE-qualified Diver

Our graduates now work across the globe in offshore energy, marine construction and underwater engineering — bringing their military values and professionalism into the subsea world.

‍