Underwatertimes.com News Service - April 6, 2015 23:18 EST
submarine pilot school

Waterproof Expeditions is offering submarine pilot classes

Waterproof Expeditions in collaboration with U-Boat Worx now offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a submarine pilot.

Adventurous types, submarine enthusiasts, explorers and submersible operators can sign up for a selection of pilot training courses to be held in August 2015. No experience is necessary, as U-Boat Worx' expert instructors will teach all the ins and outs.

Courses will be held off the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea, known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of world-class shipwrecks. A fully-equipped 30-meter yacht will support the training courses and take the pilots to all the best dive sites.

This is the first time that private individuals can take part in such course. Trainees will learn the ropes aboard a U-Boat Worx C-Explorer 3, the world's most advanced personal submersible. This one atmosphere submersible is fully certified and offers air-conditioned comfort as well as an unimpeded 360-degree view through its acrylic sphere.

For those who want to get a basic understanding of submersible operations, there is a 2-day introductory course. The 4-day Supervised Pilot License goes into more depth and allows the pilot to fully operate the submersible under direct supervision of the instructor. A Private Pilot License can be awarded when successfully completing a 6-day training course that covers all aspects of submersible operations including the full range of emergency procedures. Finally, if the goal is a career as a professional pilot aboard yachts or for research institutes, the 10-day Chief Pilot License will prepare participants for submersible operations in every way, from learning all about the laws of physics, to deep dive operations up to 300 meters.

Diving in a submersible requires that you get acquainted with a wide variety of systems, including ballast, life support, electronics and hydraulics. But the courses will be very much hands-on and are designed to give participants as many hours of piloting as possible.

Prices for the training course start at €4,175 per person.