Training Course in Scientific Diving / European Scientific Diver (ESD)

After the successfull restart of the Scientific Diving Courses at Lake Constance the upcoming 2026
course is hereby announced. The course is organized by Teraqua in collaboration with Archaeotask
GmbH, based in Engen/Hegau, as an accelerated program following the DGUV Rule 101-023
„Forschungstauchen“.

The course provides intensive training in professional diving skills for scientific purposes and concludes
with a theoretical and practical examination conducted by the examination board oft he German
Statutory Accident and Prevention Institution (Berufsgenossenschaft). Participants will receive
certification as a Geprüfter Forschungstaucher, which is equivalent to the European Scientific Diver.
This internationally recognized certificate will be issued by the German Scientific Diving Commission
(KFT) upon request.

The course consists of four parts:
1. Entry check: January 16th at Löffingen/Black forest. Exercises: (1) 1000 m distance swimming
with snorkel, mask and fins within 16 min (2) 1 minute static apnea while performing a bowline,
a clove hitch and a eight knot (3) 40 m distance diving in apnea with fins and mask (4)
approaching a BCD in apnea and put on equipment under water (5) a theoretical test at Level
CMAS **.
2. Theoretical Training: After passing the entrance exam, the theoretical part begins in January
2026. Weekly 1.5-hour online seminars will cover the physical, medical, technical, and legal
foundations of scientific diving.
3. Practical Training Phase 1: From April 13 to 24 the first practical training will take place at
the Engen/Hegau base near Lake Constance.
4. Practical Training Phase 2 and Examination: From June 8 to 22 the second practical training
will take place at Engen/Hegau base near Lake Constance. The Examination will take place
from June 23 to 25 at the same place.

Entry Requirements
The course targets students, postdoctoral researchers, scientists, and technicians in aquatic scientific
disciplines.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. A valid diving certificate at least at the level of CMAS** or equivalent.
2. A minimum of 70 open-water dives with a total dive time of at least 30 hours, including at least
10 dives deeper than 15 meters and 5 dives deeper than 25 meters.
3. Experience with dry suits (15+ logged dives).
4. A valid occupational diving medical certificate issued by an authorized occupational medical
institution.
5. A complete diving kit, including a dry suit (air tanks and weights will be provided; some
equipment may be supplied upon prior arrangement).
6. Proof of completion of a CPR course (conducted by a certified institution) within one year
before the final examination.
7. Certification as a "Rescue Swimmer" Level 2.
All applicants must demonstrate practical skills at the level of CMAS** or equivalent as part of the
entrance exam.
Since there are no standardized European certifications for first aid, rescue swimming, and occupational
diving medical certificates, certifications issued outside Germany will be accepted if deemed equivalent
to the German documents. For questions about equivalency, please contact archaeotask@teraqua-
ausbildungsbetrieb.de.

Application
Applications, including a brief motivation letter and a diving résumé, should be sent to Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein.
by December 31, 2025. Proof of entry requirements (1-2) are to be submitted by the start of the
theoretical training block, along with the signed training contract. Requirements (3–7) must be fulfilled
before the start of the practical training block.
Course Fees
The course fee is € 2.950,00. The fee includes the use of course infrastructure, the examination fee, and
certification costs by the German Scientific Diving Commission. Travel, accommodation, and meals are
not included.

For more information about training facilities and scientific diving in Germany and Europe, visit:
https://www.forschungstauchen-deutschland.de
http://www.teraqua.de
https://www.archaeotask.de