Steps to Apply

The Marine Diving Technology program will begin accepting new applications starting on February 1st, 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. You must submit a copy of your certification card prior to the first day of in-water classes.

Please follow these Steps to Apply:

1.   Apply to the college for admission (here) www.sbcc.edu/apply
  • Once you have been accepted to SBCC you will receive a student ID number, also called a K#. This number should be emailed to echoranic@pipeline.sbcc.edu along with your MDT Application (See step 2)
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. If you are not yet scuba certified but have plans to obtain the certification before the swim test, then proof of your certification can be sent in after submitting you application.
  • You can APPLY starting on February 1st, 2025. 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 in its ENTIRETY (NO EXCEPTIONS).
  • You must use this form and complete all required tests and sections 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 18, 2025 or you will not be allowed to participate in the swim test.
4.   Pass the MDT Swim Test
  • You are conditionally accepted into the program pending all of your required documents are received by the deadline date of August 18, 2025. 
  • To finalize enrollment, all new incoming students will need to take and pass our swim test which is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 during MDT 101. Studnets must enroll in MDT 101 to take the swim test.
  • 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 courses. See the Required Equipment List.

NOTE: You do NOT need to complete the dive physical or your open water scuba course before sending in your application. We encourage students to send in the applications starting February 1st. The dive physical and scuba certification can be sent later when completed.

MDT Documents