A new route into one of the most demanding and highly paid areas of professional diving has opened, with DEEPannouncing applications for its UK HSE Closed Bell Diver Training program.
Delivered from a purpose-built campus in the southwest of England, near Chepstow, the course introduces a next-generation training environment designed specifically for saturation diving preparation.
A Facility Built for the Future of Saturation Diving
At the centre of the program is what DEEP describes as the most advanced closed bell diver training system in the world, and currently the only one of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere.
Constructed on a bespoke barge system within a protected freshwater quarry, the site offers controlled, year-round conditions with depths reaching 80 metres. The setup includes a six-person living chamber and a three-person diving bell, allowing trainees to experience realistic saturation diving procedures in a safe, managed environment.
This level of infrastructure reflects the increasing technical demands of offshore diving, particularly as energy projects expand across oil, gas, and renewables.
A Direct Pathway Into Saturation Diving
The three-week course, priced at £30,000, is aimed at experienced commercial divers looking to progress beyond surface-supplied operations.
Training combines theory and practical application, covering key areas such as closed bell operations, life-support systems, transfer under pressure, and emergency response protocols. It is specifically structured to bridge the gap between offshore surface-supplied diving and full saturation diving roles.
According to Dennis Nelson, the program is designed to open doors across the global offshore sector.
He noted that the training provides a clear progression route for divers seeking work in the North Sea and beyond, while also highlighting future applications including habitat diving, scientific operations, and extended-duration underwater missions.
Globally Recognised Certification
Successful candidates will earn the UK HSE Closed Bell Diver certification, issued by the UK Health and Safety Executive. This qualification is widely regarded as the highest level of commercial diving certification for mixed-gas and saturation bell diving.
It is a critical requirement for those pursuing careers in offshore industries, where saturation divers play a key role in subsea construction, inspection, and maintenance.
High Demand and Limited Availability
Interest in the program is already strong. Initial course places have been allocated to candidates from an existing waitlist, with further applications now open for additional courses starting in January 2027.
Courses are set to begin in autumn 2026, giving prospective candidates time to meet the strict entry requirements.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must already be established commercial divers. Prerequisites include:
- A recognised surface-supplied diving qualification to 50 metres, held for at least 12 months
- A valid certificate of medical fitness covering the course duration
- A current First Aid at Work certification
- A minimum of 100 logged dives and 100 hours underwater since qualification
A Shift in Commercial Diver Training
The launch of this facility signals a broader shift in how high-level commercial diving is taught. By combining controlled environments with full-scale operational systems, training providers are moving closer to replicating real offshore conditions without the inherent risks.
For divers aiming to step into saturation work, this program represents a rare opportunity to access cutting-edge infrastructure and a globally recognised certification pathway in one place.
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