There are seven DGUV-approved training centres in Germany. In addition to the ICBM as the only training centre in Lower Saxony, the universities of Rostock, Kiel and Munich, the AWI on Helgoland and the ZMT in Bremen as well as an archaeological research company in Constance (Archaeotask) offer this intensive training.

The training to become a research diver is organised annually and also earns credit points in the form of three modules

An information event (online) takes place at the beginning of October. Following this, all interested parties must register and take part in a trial training session (approx. 45 minutes of swimming and snorkelling in the university swimming pool).
A maximum of 16 participants will then be selected to take part in the "Research Diver Training I" event. Preference will be given to students and employees of the University of Oldenburg, mainly from the field-researching natural science degree programmes or Institutes.

The training programme lasts two semesters. The programme concludes with an examination before the DGUV's examination committee for research divers.

The ICBM has been an official training centre since 1999 - 272 students and scientists have been successfully trained in 26 courses to date. Many of the research divers trained and certified in Oldenburg have been able to use their qualification for various theses or temporary jobs or projects and in some cases for permanent positions.

Workshop ‘Research Diver Training I’, max. 16 participants (Module: mar466, KP6)
Running throughout the semester: weekly swimming and snorkelling training at the University of Oldenburg swimming pool, culminating in a practical interim examination which must be passed to continue on the training programme.

First aid course (9 teaching units) integrated into the training (usually in December)
Block (approx. mid-March): eight-day theory seminar
Type of examination: 2-hour written exam

Winter semester ‘Training as a Research Diver I’, max. 16 participants (module: mar466, 6 CP)
Throughout the semester: weekly swimming and snorkelling training at the Oldenburg University swimming pool, culminating in a practical interim examination
First aid course (9 teaching units) integrated into the programme (usually in December)
Block (approx. mid-March): Eight-day theory seminar
Type of examination: 2-hour written exam

End of winter and summer semesters: ‘Research Diver II’ training, max. 12 participants (mar467, 6 CP)
Training on the autonomous light diving apparatus (aLTG)
Block (approx. mid- to late March): 2½-week intensive phase at the university swimming pool using the aLTG

Throughout the summer semester:
regular weekly training sessions at the Oldenburg University swimming pool

Block (late May/early June): five-day intensive phase with the aLTG in open water

Afterwards, alongside the weekly swimming pool training: 4–5 individual sessions (from early/mid-June) until the end of the summer term: one day per week: Diving with aLTG in open water (Wednesday)

Summer term holidays

6 weeks of final training with a concluding external examination over 1½ days (before the DGUV examination committee)

1 week of final training: ‘Marine biology field trip to Gammel Albo, Denmark’ (mar468, 6 CP)

Study or employment at the University of Oldenburg (practical natural science specialisation). Free places can be allocated to external applicants - however, this has not been possible in recent years due to high demand.

Health certificate confirming suitability for swimming and snorkelling in a swimming pool (not older than 2 years).

German lifeguard badge silver or higher (not older than 10 years. If necessary, this badge can also be completed parallel to the training from October until the end of the year).

Willingness and ability to expose yourself to physically demanding situations in and under water, as well as a certain basic athleticism and the necessary time availability.

Previous diving experience is not necessary, but can't hurt either.

Not necessary at the beginning - standard equipment for snorkelling can be rented. Own equipment can be purchased at favourable conditions.

For the "Research Diver Training II" event, each participant needs

All other equipment will be provided.

Costs (as of December 2025)
100,00 € Training for research diver I (to be paid: beginning of November)
Practical training with supervision, rental equipment, first aid course

160,00 € Research diver training II: Intensive phase aLTG in the pool (to be paid: beginning of February)
Practical training with supervision, rental equipment

420.00 € Research diver training II: Open water phase (to be paid: mid-April)
Practical training with supervision, rental equipment, costs for material transport

960.00 € Final training / marine biology field exercise: open water, often in external waters (to be paid: beginning of July)
Practical training with supervision, rental equipment, costs for material transport, accommodation and entrance fees, examination fee (€ 160) for DGUV

All 12 participants successfully completed the 2023 final training programme and passed the examination before the DGUV examination committee with good to very good results. Congratulations to them!

Final training 2023: Participants and supervisors in Denmark (Photo: Svenja Steidl)

All 11 participants successfully completed the 2024 final training programme and passed the examination before the DGUV examination committee with good to very good results. Congratulations to them!

Final training 2024: Participants, supervisors and examiners at Kleiner Bornhorster See (Photo: Katja Fiegener)

11 participants successfully completed the 2025 final training programme and passed the examination before the DGUV examination committee with good to very good results. Congratulations to them!

Final training 2025: Participants and supervisors at the Little Belt (Gammel AlboDenmark)