Steps to Apply

The Marine Diving Technology program will begin accepting new applications starting on March 1, 2025 for the Fall 2025 Semester. If you are interested in applying, please review our program requirements.

MDT Program Requirements: Prior to applying for the MDT program, students must have completed, or be scheduled to complete prior to the start of the semester, a basic open water scuba certification from a nationally recognized diving agency such as NAUI, PADI, SSI, or CMAS. 

Please follow these steps to apply:

1.   Apply to the college for admission (here) www.sbcc.edu/apply

2.  Apply to the MDT program by completing the MDT Application.  Please email your application in a "PDF" format, no jpegs or photos will be accepted, to echoranic@pipeline.sbcc.edu, or mail your application to the Santa Barbara City College, c/o MDT, 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109.  If you are already currently scuba certified, you can forward a copy of your certification along with your application. You can APPLY starting on March 1, 2025, and if you are not yet scuba certified, this document can follow your application. It is encouraged to apply EARLY to be sure that your application is processed before the semester start date. Once we receive your application, you will be contacted by our department via email.

3.   Complete the dive physical using our physical exam form in its ENTIRETY (NO EXCEPTIONS). It must be our form in order to meet the ADCI requirements. Please note that because this is an occupational physical it may not be covered by your medical insurance. The physical will expire within one year of the initial date of the exam so please complete your physical after MAY 22nd for the fall 2025-2026 school year. Your physical needs to be in our office by August 17, 2025 or you will not be allowed to participate in the swim test.

4.   Conditional Acceptance to the Program - You are conditionally accepted into the program pending all of your required documents are received by the deadline date of August 17, 2025.  All new incoming students will also need to take and pass our swim test scheduled during MDT 101. You will need to pass all of the swimming skills to qualify for the program. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

5.   Obtain Required Equipment - If you pass the swim test and therefore qualify for the program, you will be responsible for purchasing certain equipment required for the course. The list of required equipment can be found here.