Become a certified Submarine Pilot!
The Professional Submarine Pilot Courses are an extensive training program with both theory and diving lessons to give you an exciting balance between hands-on submarine experiences and academic studies. In the first stages of pilot training, you will be conducting all of your dives under the strict supervision of the pilot instructor. After completion of this course, you will be able to work as a submarine pilot or surface officer.
There are two types of courses which are avaiblable to both private individuals as well as candidates who seek employment as a professional submarine pilot:
• Chief Pilot Course - 14 days
• Surface Officer Course - 10 days
The Chief Pilot Course involves all topics off the Private Pilot Course, with more in-depth practical training dives and also includes Surface Officer training. With this comprehensive course you will achieve the highest level of knowledge to become a professional submarine pilot.
The Surface Officer is responsible for maintaining communication with the submersible and is in charge of the safety of the entire operation. After completion of the Surface Officer Course you will be able to work as a qualified Submarine Surface Officer.
These professioanl submarine pilot crouses take place in partnership with Dutch submersible manufacturer U-Boat Worx and take place on the island of Curaçao. The land-based training facility is located close to a pristine deepwater reef, offering incredible submarine diving opportunities.
We can arrange a full package including accomodation on the island.

Note: A number of prerequisites* are required for these courses.
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Chief Pilot Course
The Chief Pilot Course offers the highest rated level and knowledge to become the a professional submarine pilot. This training involves all topics for both Surface Officer training and Private Pilot Training, but with more in-depth practical training dives and a more theory lessons. In the first stages of this submarine pilot course, you will be conducting all of your dives under the supervision of a pilot instructor. As you progress, you will start to dive further and deeper, and become more efficient in handling the submarine. In the second stage of the training, you will learn instrument diving to enable you to dive regardless of environments. When you have completed this submarine pilot course, you will be certified as a Chief Pilot and a Surface Officer, since both are included in this course.
Type of course: Professional
Duration: 16 days (including 2 leisure days to relax and clear your head from your training!)
Study Type: Theory and practical both with exams
Certification: Chief Pilot Certificate
Training dives: 20
Experience dives: 3
Top-side dives: 10
Exam Dives: 1
Prices from: € 30000 -
Surface Officer Course
You will learn various aspects of operating a submersible such as communication, safety and all top-side control tasks but the course also covers topics such as regulations, permits & vessel operations.
You can later decide to continue with the practical training dives required to obtain the Chief Pilot Certificate.
Type of course: Professional
Duration: 10 days
Study Type: Theory and practical both with exams
Certification: Surface Officer Certificate
Training dives: 2
Experience dives: 0
Top-side dives: 10
Exam Dives:1
Prices from: € 15000 -
*Prerequisites
• Proficiency in English
• VHF Certificate
• Boat Certificate
• Seafarer’s medical certificate before starting
• Minimum age of 21
• SCUBA Certificate (only for Chief Pilot Course)
Professional Pilot Courses can take place year-round. The courses are taught to just 2-4 people at one time to ensure all candidates get personal attention and real dive time.
• Chief Pilot Course - 14 days: from € 30000
• Surface Officer Course - 10 days: from € 15000
Extensions
Call us today on +31 (0) 858 771 583