Since it was founded in 1968, Divers Institute of Technology has equipped people of all walks of life with the skills necessary for underwater construction. As one of only three educational facilities in the country that can offer international certification, DIT alumni support the maritime industry all over the world.

Divers Institute of Technology offers a seven month course in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. In the end, students will gain over thirteen certifications for a career in the underwater maritime industry.

Instructor Jeff prepares to go underwater. He wears a shirt and bibs over his dry suit as a protective layer from jagged metals, barnacles, and other hazards that could compromise his diving gear.

Underwater “burning” is demonstrated. The fuel rod used reaches temperatures around 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to easily cut through any material a diver may encounter.

A student enters the water from a classroom barge.

A student prepares to enter a water tank to demonstrate knot tying skills. The message DON’T HIT MET written on the helmet is a humorous reminder that the student will be blindfolded during his time in the suit.

Through a window, instructor Britt observes a student in a water tank.

Instructor Jeff lowers into the classroom water tank.

A pneumatic chainsaw in use, one of the many underwater tools that students will learn to use.

Instructor Jeff left the world of finance to pursue a career in diving. Instructors are encouraged to maintain work in the industry, and sometimes call on their students to join them on locations such as oil platforms, salvage operations, and, recently, a nuclear power plant.

Many students have never used conventional machine shop tools prior to their enrollment. Before learning to weld, cut, or burn underwater, students learn in a shop environment.

Instructor “Woz”.