Human Performance & Inner Engineering

Deep Institute

Next-generation vocational training for the future of diving

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DEEP Institute trains divers to be competent and capable, for optimum physical and psychological subsea performance.

Within DEEP’s mission to radically increase access to our oceans, Sentinel exists to remove the inherent technical barriers to living and working subsea. DEEP Institute exists to increase the number of competent, qualified divers capable of doing so.

The DEEP Institute syllabus combines the best of relevant commercial and military dive training with vocation-specific modules for roles within scientific, subs, technology and habitat-diving disciplines.

Every DEEP training course sits atop a foundation of Human Performance, focussed on improving the physical and psychological capabilities of sub-sea operators across all disciplines.

The combination of vocational and Human Performance programmes delivers the highest standard of subsea operators, with the mental and physical bandwidth to handle emergency situations calmly and correctly.

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A scientific approach to achieving our potential

Human Performance

The principles of Human Performance and Inner Engineering are deeply integrated into our approach – we’re dedicated to maximising the skills of sub-sea operator across all disciplines. In this video Rob Colley, Director of DEEP Institute, explains our approach to Human Performance.

Syllabus Overview

DEEP Institute’s syllabus is comprised of the following modules. Each contains multiple segments which may be combined to produce a comprehensive, vocational qualification.

School of fish

Ocean Economy Awareness

This initial course aims to offer sufficient content to support awareness of key topics facing the ocean sector. These courses will be delivered by a blend of DEEP staff supplemented by guest speakers from partner organisations, universities, and institutes.

Marine Operator standing on pontoon

Marine Operator

DEEP’s Marine Operator program equips participants with the knowledge and skills required for effective operation in marine expeditions. It covers fundamental principles, emergency response, first aid, aquatic safety protocols, and boat operation for specific tasks. It establishes a solid foundation for future exploration and specialisation.

Free diver in water

Freediver

Participants will immerse themselves in the world of free diving, experiencing the unique sensation of exploring underwater without the use of Scuba equipment. This is a huge innovation in human performance training. The module will also cover scientific free diving techniques and applications which are rarely practiced and utilised in the industry, affording participants a unique and transferrable skill.

Open Circuit Diver photographing wreck

Open Circuit & CCR Diver

These comprehensive modules focus on advanced expedition diving. Participants will receive in-depth training in both open circuit and closed-circuit rebreather systems, attaining mastery over the intricacies of each. The diving life support equipment is the vehicle to enable the individual to be able to safely carry out useful work at depth, therefore a large focus of the course is on oceanography techniques.

testing

Submersible Operator

The DEEP Submersible Pilot course is a comprehensive program designed to train individuals to a high level of proficiency in submersible piloting, rescue techniques and basic maintenance in the confined water environment. In addition, the course trains individuals in the full range of surface officer duties focussing on emergency procedures, communications and tracking.

Diver preparing to go underwater in a KM17 dive helmet

Habitat Diver

DEEP’s Habitat diver modules equip participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence to operate safely in the long-term operation and habitation of Sentinel.

More details and course booking

DEEP’s full syllabus will be published and available to book for the next intake in January 2024.

Human Performance & Inner Engineering

Meet your instructors

Headshot of Rob Colley
ROB COLLEY
DIRECTOR, DEEP ELITE PERFORMANCE & TRAINING

Rob’s 23-year military career took him worldwide, including specialist maritime operations. In 2014, freediving piqued his curiosity about human potential, eventually leading him to become a yoga teacher. His journey blends military wisdom, freediving depth, and mindfulness to promote resilience and well-being through consistent practice.

KIRK KRACK
HUMAN PERFORMANCE LEAD

Kirk is one of the world’s leading Freedivers and Freedive instructors and consultants. His credits include Avatar: Way of the Water, Suicide Squad and Black Panther.

“Developing a Habitat Diver Training program, from scratch, and integrating it with the Habitat Diver Code of Practice is an exciting challenge. With over three-decades’ experience, I’ll help take a recreational diver and enable them to live, work and thrive in a Sentinel.”

Phil Short
Underwater Missions Lead, DEEP

With thanks to:

  • a. Deep-owned Triton 3300/3 submersible descending a sea-wall

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