The Ocean Corporation is dedicated to empowering individuals through focused technical education in commercial diving and nondestructive testing. For over 55 years, we have provided students with hands-on training and job-ready skills without the unnecessary general education courses found at a traditional four-year university. Our personalized approach gives each student the practical skills, foundational knowledge, and mindset of excellence necessary to succeed. By delivering exceptional educational value, we prepare our graduates to confidently enter the workforce and exceed expectations in their chosen career path.
At The Ocean Corporation, we believe quality vocational training should be accessible. Unlike a four-year college or traditional university, our admission process is designed to get you started quickly. There are no placement tests, entrance exams, or test scores required. If you meet the following straightforward requirements, you can begin your journey toward a rewarding technical career.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to enroll in our programs. This requirement applies to recent high school graduates, returning students looking for a career change, and veterans transitioning to civilian careers in the skilled trades. There is no maximum age limit, so mid-career professionals seeking a new direction are welcome to apply.
All prospective students must hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Unlike many community colleges or vocational colleges that require placement exams, The Ocean Corporation does not require standardized test scores for admission. If you have completed your secondary education in the United States or hold an equivalent credential from another country, you meet our education requirement.
Our commercial diving program requires students to pass a dive physical examination conducted by a licensed physician. This medical evaluation confirms you can safely perform underwater work in physically demanding environments. Students in our nondestructive testing program do not require a dive physical but should be prepared for hands-on training that may include climbing, lifting, and working in industrial settings.
When considering how to apply to trade school, prospective students want to know they are making the right investment. Here is why thousands of graduates have chosen The Ocean Corporation over community college, vocational college, or a traditional four-year university:
The Ocean Corporation has been training commercial divers and NDT technicians since 1969. We were the first U.S. trade school to include bell diving in our curriculum, the first to offer underwater NDT training, and the first to provide nuclear diving instruction. Our reputation is recognized by employers across the United States and around the world.
Our programs are designed to get you into the workforce quickly. Unlike a four-year college or university that requires years of general education, our focused curriculum can be completed in approximately 30 weeks. Every course is built around the practical skills employers are actively seeking.
Our Houston campus includes multiple dive tanks ranging from 8 to 24 feet deep, welding labs, a recompression chamber, and a full suite of NDT equipment. Students gain real-world experience through open-water dives, zero-visibility training, and work on actual industrial equipment. This is not classroom theory; this is job-ready technical education.
Graduates receive lifetime access to our career services team. We host employer recruitment events, maintain relationships with hiring companies in the diving and inspection industries, and provide job placement support long after you complete your training. With over 15,000 alumni, many of our graduates find themselves working alongside other Ocean Corp graduates.
We understand that paying for school is a major concern. The Ocean Corporation participates in federal financial aid programs and can help you explore trade school scholarships, VA benefits, and other funding options. Our financial aid team is dedicated to making quality vocational training accessible regardless of your financial situation.
What do I need to apply?
You need a high school diploma or GED. There are no placement tests, entrance exams, or standardized test scores required to apply to The Ocean Corporation.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. The Ocean Corporation participates in federal student aid programs. Our financial aid team can help you complete your FAFSA application and explore trade school scholarships, VA benefits, and other funding options based on financial need.
Where is the school located?
The Ocean Corporation is located at 10840 Rockley Road in Houston, TX. Our 4.2-acre campus is purpose-built for commercial diving and nondestructive testing education.
Do I have to attend school in person?
Yes. While we offer limited streaming for some coursework, our programs are hands-on by design. Commercial diving and NDT training require in-person attendance to complete the practical components of your technical education.
How long does it take to complete the application process?
The application process at The Ocean Corporation can be completed in a matter of days. Once you submit your free online application and speak with an admissions representative, you can begin coordinating financial aid and student services. Many students complete the entire admission process within one to two weeks.
Do I need any prior experience to apply to trade school?
No prior experience is required. Our programs are designed for high school graduates, returning students, and career changers with no background in diving or nondestructive testing. All training starts from the fundamentals and builds toward industry certification.
How is trade school different from a community college or four-year university?
Trade school focuses exclusively on job-specific skills without the general education courses required at a community college or four-year college. Our programs are shorter, more affordable, and designed to get you into the workforce quickly. The Ocean Corporation’s commercial diving program can be completed in approximately 30 weeks compared to two to four years at a traditional college.
Can veterans use VA benefits to pay for training?
Yes. The Ocean Corporation is approved for VA educational benefits. Veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible dependents can use GI Bill benefits to cover tuition and related expenses. Our financial aid team specializes in helping veterans navigate the application process for military education benefits.
What career paths are available after graduating from The Ocean Corporation?
Graduates of our commercial diving program pursue careers as offshore divers, underwater welders, salvage divers, and inspection technicians. NDT graduates work as certified inspectors in industries including oil and gas, aerospace, nuclear power, and manufacturing. Our lifetime career services team helps connect graduates with employers across the United States and internationally.