ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
   The MDT program may be started in either the fall or spring semesters. Core marine technician classes may be completed in two 16-week semesters. Acceptance to the college does not guarantee acceptance to the MDT program. The following requirements must be met:

• High school graduation/equivalency
• Completion of required application forms for admission to SBCC
• Completion of required application forms for the MDT department
• Completion of the MDT department diving physical examination requirements
• Successful performance of the department swim test
• Completion of an orientation session (MDT-101)
• Provide full SCUBA equipment for open ocean diving (after initial diver certification course)

DIVING DEGREE CERTIFICATES
   Students who enroll in the MDT programs have options to obtain A.S. degrees or certificates in commercial diving. The training is designed to meet the needs of the marine construction, research, and recreational diving industries.
    AS degree program. The program trains professional commercial divers and technicians. The self-paced modularized training curriculum includes instruction in all phases of commercial diving, hyperbarics, bell/saturation diving, emergency medicine, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to name a few. Teamwork and safety are emphasized in SBCC technician training.
    Marine Science certificate. The marine science curriculum trains students interested in the fields of marine culture, boating and recreation, skin and scuba diving, physical and biological oceanography, scientific research, and marine science education. Satisfactory completion of the two-semester curriculum earns the student a biological sciences departmental marine science certificate.

ROV  TRAINING
    In 1986, the department modified the AS degree curriculum to include an 18-week course of study in undersea vehicle operations. This was done in response to changes that had taken place in industry requiring technicians to have a broader knowledge and skill base for entry-level employment requirements. A knowledge base of undersea vehicle and remote intervention is a standard requirement for entry-level personnel in both manned and unmanned intervention operations.
    The current need for remote intervention training has prompted the department to expand and develop short-term intensive modular programs that are accessible for persons who cannot attend full-time schooling. Currently, very few students come into the program solely requesting remote intervention training, however, many of SBCC's graduates over the last 30 years have launched successful careers in the remote intervention field as a result of their training. Requests for remote intervention training are expected to increase based on the state of the deepwater industry and the aggressive efforts of SBCC.
    SBCC has supporting departments and dedicated curriculum in electronics, welding, drafting, computer technology, and oceanography for students pursuing an AS degree. Theses options allow students to customize their specific training to suit their employment needs.


COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING
   The college is putting a substantial investment in computer-based training options for portions of programs which can be delivered by alternative means, i.e. distance learning. Contract education modules and programs are also available.
    "We are constantly looking at ways to strengthen the program to keep abreast of industry needs," states Don Barthelmess, director of the MDT program.
    The department currently is planning to procure and moore a barge offshore Santa Barbara to double as an openwater lab facility. Additionally, we are working toward finding a mid-sized or work-class ROV system to supplement existing vehicles and more effectively address training needs.