The training is designed to meet the requirements of the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Diving at Work Regulations. A commercial diving qualification can support careers in:
- Archaeology
- Aquaculture
- Inshore and inland diving
- Media and film
- Scientific research and marine biology
The University has arranged discount rates with Andark for this optional opportunity for University of Southampton students. You do not need to apply for or complete the training to enrol on or graduate from any University of Southampton degree programme.
Information session
Find out more about commercial diver training at the University information session.
- Date: Wednesday 11 November 2026
- Time: 1pm to 2pm
- Location: Henry Charnock lecture theatre, Waterfront Campus
Fitness and medical requirements
Diving requires a level of physical fitness. Some medical conditions may prevent you from diving.
Before you apply for scuba diver training, read the Recreational Diving Medical Declaration. This will help you understand whether a pre-existing medical condition could affect your ability to take part.
HSE SCUBA diving courses
The diving courses require a commitment over several weekends during the year. Places are subject to availability and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. You arrange your place directly with Andark.
You do not need previous diving experience or your own equipment to get started.
Courses available
The University has arranged discounted rates with Andark for the following courses:
- HSE Scuba 10 days - approximately £2,700
- HSE Scuba plus First Aid at Work (FAW) 13 days - approximately £3,000
If you already have a recreational sport diving qualification, you may be able to start at a higher level and reduce the cost of your training.
You can also take any prerequisite qualifications for the HSE courses, at a discounted rate with Andark.
Commonly offered packages include:
Package 1
This package is suitable for beginners with no diving qualifications.
- Duration: 11 days
- Cost: approximately £2,100
- Includes:
- PADI Open Water course including drysuit
- PADI Advanced Open Water course and Nitrox EANx
- Rescue Diver plus FAW and O₂ Speciality (Emergency Oxygen Provider)
Package 2
This package is suitable for beginners with no diving qualifications.
- Duration: 9 days
- Cost: approximately £2,000
- Includes:
- PADI Open Water course including drysuit
- PADI Advanced Open Water course and Nitrox EANx
- Rescue Diver plus Emergency First Response (EFR) and O₂ Speciality (Emergency Oxygen Provider)
Package 3
This package is suitable for open water divers.
- Duration: 7 days
- Cost: approximately £1,500
- Includes:
- PADI Advanced Open Water course including drysuit
- Rescue Diver plus FAW, Nitrox EANx and O₂ Speciality (Emergency Oxygen Provider)
Useful links
If you are interested in recreational diving, you may also be able to gain experience through Southampton University Sub-Aqua Club (SUSAC).