Dive into the rich legacy of The Ocean Corporation, a pioneering institution in the realm of commercial diving and Nondestructive Testing (NDT) education.
Since our inception in 1969, we have been at the forefront of industry advancements and educational excellence, setting milestones that have not only shaped our journey but also defined standards in the commercial diving and NDT fields. This page is a tribute to our storied history, showcasing the pivotal moments and groundbreaking achievements that have established us as a leader and innovator in specialized vocational training. Join us in retracing the steps of our remarkable journey and discover the relentless spirit and commitment that continue to drive The Ocean Corporation today.
Amidst the burgeoning oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico, the demand for proficient commercial divers began to soar. Recognizing this significant industry shift, The Ocean Corporation strategically positioned itself in the heart of Houston, Texas, establishing a state-of-the-art commercial diver training facility. This initiative was not just about training; it was a visionary step towards filling an essential industry gap. By doing so, The Ocean Corporation not only contributed to the region’s economic momentum but also played a pivotal role in ensuring that vital energy extraction operations had the skilled workforce needed to maintain safety and efficiency in increasingly challenging underwater environments.
The Ocean Corporation was the pioneering U.S. commercial diving school to provide internationally accredited commercial diver certifications, enabling its graduates to work globally. Today, The Ocean Corporation offers three such international certifications, the highest among all commercial diving schools.
The Ocean Corporation forged a joint venture partnership with Oceaneering International, a leading global commercial diving firm and a contractor for NASA’s space sciences.
Driven by a vision to manage autonomous diving operations, The Ocean Corporation strategically acquired Oceaneering’s stake in their joint ventures. This significant move underscored our commitment to excellence and autonomy in commercial diving, allowing us to shape our destiny as a premier independent diver training institution.
Leveraging the hands-on expertise of its diving team, The Ocean Corporation established the Diving Operations Division (DOD). With this new division, they initiated the provision of specialized diving services tailored for inland areas and nuclear power plants.
The Ocean Corporation proudly stands as the first U.S. commercial diving school to incorporate Bell Diving training into its foundational curriculum. With oil and gas exploration venturing into deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Ocean Corp identified and responded to the pressing demand for divers skilled in navigating the heightened depths and pressures.
The Diving Operations Division of The Ocean Corporation holds the distinguished honor of pioneering commercial diving within the nuclear industry in the U.S. Their skilled divers made history by executing the first operational commercial dives inside an active American nuclear power plant, showcasing not only their unmatched expertise but also the groundbreaking advancements The Ocean Corporation brings to the commercial diving sector.
Moved to newer, the larger facility at 5709 Glenmont in Southwest Houston.
The Ocean Corporation blazed a trail in the educational landscape of commercial diving by becoming the first school in the U.S. to weave underwater welding and cutting into the fabric of its primary curriculum. This innovative inclusion demonstrated our commitment to offering comprehensive training, equipping our students with cutting-edge skills that set them apart in the ever-evolving underwater industry.
The Ocean Corporation led the vanguard of specialized education by initiating the United States’ first underwater NDT/Inspection Diver training program. This trailblazing move highlighted our dedication to staying at the forefront of the industry, ensuring our students are equipped with the most advanced and in-demand skills to navigate the dynamic world of commercial diving.
1,000 Graduates!
The Ocean Corporation took a monumental step in shaping the future of the diving industry. We were the proud founders of the National Association of Diver Medical Technicians (NADMT). This groundbreaking initiative highlighted our unwavering commitment to the safety and holistic well-being of divers. As the association evolved in its mission and reach, it eventually transitioned into the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT), continuing its legacy of setting industry standards and promoting best practices. Through such endeavors, The Ocean Corporation ensures that divers are equipped not just with technical skills, but with crucial medical knowledge to navigate their demanding environments safely.
Marking a significant milestone in its illustrious journey, The Ocean Corporation transitioned to a sprawling 1.9-acre location at 10840 Rockley Road in Houston, TX. This expansive move wasn’t just geographical; it signified our ambition and commitment to offering unparalleled training experiences. With this transition, we proudly established one of the world’s largest commercial diver training centers, further cementing our position as a global leader in diving education and training. This state-of-the-art facility showcases our dedication to fostering excellence, innovation, and providing our students with a world-class learning environment.
Once again, showcasing its pioneering spirit and commitment to holistic diving education. The Ocean Corp. took the unprecedented step of becoming the first commercial diving school to embed Nuclear and Contaminated Diving procedures into our core curriculum. This was more than an addition; it was a testament to our forward-thinking approach, recognizing the evolving needs of the industry. By integrating these specialized procedures, we ensured our students were not only equipped with traditional diving skills but were also prepared to navigate complex and challenging environments safely. This visionary move reinforced our position as thought leaders in the diving education sector, always pushing boundaries to provide our students with comprehensive, cutting-edge training.
In a move signaling both growth and foresight, The Ocean Corporation expanded its footprint by acquiring an adjacent 2.3 acres of land. This strategic purchase wasn’t merely about spatial expansion; it was a reflection of our commitment to providing an enriched and holistic training environment for our students. With a combined expanse of 4.2 acres, our campus transformed into a more comprehensive training hub, offering expansive facilities and resources. This acquisition underscored our dedication to investing in the future, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of diving education and can offer our students a world-class learning experience in a state-of-the-art setting.
The Ocean Corporation achieved a distinguished accolade, setting itself apart in the realm of diving education. We proudly became the first and sole commercial diving educator in the U.S. to attain Full Membership status with the globally respected International Diving Schools Association (IDSA). This wasn’t just a membership; it was a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, quality, and international standards. Being recognized by the IDSA not only solidified our reputation on the global stage but also underscored our dedication to offering unparalleled training that aligns with the best international benchmarks. As members of this esteemed association, we ensure that our students receive an education that is both globally recognized and of the highest caliber.
Distinguishing itself from its peers, The Ocean Corporation marked yet another significant milestone. We became the very first commercial diving school in the U.S. to achieve corporate membership with the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI). This accomplishment wasn’t just about membership, but a reflection of our unwavering commitment to industry excellence and international collaboration. As a proud corporate member of ADCI, a premier global diving association, we strengthened our promise to ensure that our curriculum, training methods, and safety protocols meet the world’s best standards. This alliance not only elevates our reputation within the diving community but also ensures that our graduates are well-prepared and recognized on a global platform, aligning them with the pinnacle of professional opportunities.
5,000 Graduates!
Setting a new benchmark in the industry, The Ocean Corporation became the first commercial diving school in the U.S. to attain corporate membership with the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT). This pioneering move showcased our commitment to integrating the highest standards of nondestructive testing into our curriculum. By aligning with ASNT, a globally recognized institution, we fortified our mission to provide students with training that’s both comprehensive and at the forefront of industry advancements, ensuring they’re equipped with cutting-edge skills and knowledge. This affiliation further cements our reputation for excellence and our dedication to remaining at the vanguard of commercial diving education.
Once again leading the way, The Ocean Corporation was the first commercial diving educator in the U.S. to integrate training for remotely operated vehicles (ROV) into our curriculum. This innovative step reflected our unwavering commitment to keeping our programs contemporary and ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of underwater operations. By including ROV training, we not only broadened the horizons for our students but also strengthened our position as a forerunner in commercial diving education.
The Ocean Corporation proudly witnessed a groundbreaking moment in the world of commercial diving. One of our esteemed graduates, Marni Zabarsky, achieved a monumental feat by becoming the first female saturation diver in the Gulf of Mexico. Marni’s accomplishment not only shattered traditional gender barriers but also stood as a testament to the high-caliber training provided at The Ocean Corporation. Her remarkable achievement underscores our commitment to empowering all our students, irrespective of gender, with the skills and confidence to excel in the demanding and competitive field of commercial diving. Marni’s pioneering journey has since served as an inspiration for countless individuals, showcasing that with the right training and determination, anyone can break boundaries and redefine industry norms.
With a keen eye on the evolving landscape of critical infrastructure maintenance, and building on our legacy of pioneering educational offerings, The Ocean Corporation astutely responded to the surging demand for specialized inspectors. We launched a dedicated Nondestructive Testing (NDT) program, meticulously designed to equip students with the skills to inspect the nation’s nuclear power plants, refineries, and other pivotal infrastructure, reinforcing our commitment to meeting industry needs head-on.
Marking yet another milestone in our continuous pursuit of excellence, The Ocean Corporation earned the distinction of being the premier commercial diving educator in the U.S. to secure membership with the esteemed International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). This affiliation underscores our commitment to upholding the highest standards in marine operations and further cements our position as an industry trailblazer, ensuring our students receive training that is globally recognized and revered.
The Ocean Corporation had the honor of being handpicked by the American Petroleum Institute (API) as the esteemed venue for conducting the inaugural API Qualification of Ultrasonic Testing Examiners (QUTE) qualification examinations. This selection not only spotlighted our institution’s advanced facilities but also reinforced our reputation as a frontrunner in the field of technical education and industry alignment.
The Ocean Corporation played a pivotal role in the evolution of the Gorski G2000 Commercial Dive hat, a groundbreaking creation by our esteemed alumnus, Leszek Gorski. This collaboration showcased our commitment to nurturing innovation and industry advancements stemming from our very own graduate network.
Ocean Corporation instructor penned the ASNT Radiographic Testing training manual, then and now widely adopted by a vast majority of NDT educators across the globe. This contribution underscores our institution’s profound influence and leadership in the NDT educational realm.
In 2005, The Ocean Corporation pioneered a significant milestone by becoming the sole commercial diving educator in the U.S. to grant International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) international commercial diving certifications. Notably, our distinguished alumnus, Ernie Wheeler, stands as the inaugural recipient of this IMCA certification within the U.S. boundaries.
The Ocean Corporation proudly achieved a distinguished accolade by being acknowledged as a “School of Distinction” by the esteemed Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). This recognition affirmed our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and the high standards we set in training and education for the maritime industry.
The Ocean Corporation’s state-of-the-art training tanks and facilities, along with our expert diving personnel, played a pivotal role in the inaugural subsea operation of the Integra SEAStallion Diamond Wire Cutting Machine. This cutting-edge machine later gained significant attention in 2011 for its crucial involvement in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil platform explosion and sinking, showcasing its advanced capabilities in high-stakes underwater operations.
The Ocean Corporation’s advanced training tanks, coupled with our seasoned diving personnel, played an instrumental role in aiding the rigorous underwriting qualifications set by Lloyd’s of London for the One Atmosphere HARDSUITS. These sophisticated diving suits, ingeniously developed by Oceanworks International, underscore the innovation at the intersection of technology and deep-sea exploration, and our involvement exemplifies our commitment to leading-edge industry advancements.
10,000 Graduates!
The Ocean Corporation proudly collaborated with NASA’s elite team of engineers, sharing expertise in the intricate design and development of cutting-edge equipment. This partnership was aimed at crafting tools and technology that have the potential to be instrumental in upcoming space expeditions, solidifying The Ocean Corporation’s role at the nexus of terrestrial and extraterrestrial innovation.
John Wood, the esteemed president and owner of Ocean Corporation, held the prestigious position of Chair at the Career Colleges and Schools of Texas (CCST). His leadership at CCST underscores his dedication to the advancement of vocational and specialized education in Texas, reflecting a broader commitment to fostering excellence in career-focused learning. His tenure at the helm of both institutions highlights a deep-seated passion for equipping students with skills that match the evolving needs of industries.
The Ocean Corporation’s dedicated training department was honored with the prestigious Training Innovator of the Year Award from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). This accolade was in recognition of their pioneering approach to education, particularly their innovative self-paced tutorials. Such a distinction not only underscores The Ocean Corporation’s commitment to advanced learning techniques but also places them at the forefront of educational innovation in the industry.
Mike Oden, not only a distinguished alumnus of Ocean Corporation but also a dedicated admissions representative (Then) (Now Dean), has held the notable position of Chair for the Greater Houston Section of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT). This chapter stands out as the largest globally within the ASNT, emphasizing its significance in the nondestructive testing arena. Mike’s leadership in this paramount section underscores his profound expertise and dedication to the field, further solidifying Ocean Corporation’s strong ties and commitment to excellence in nondestructive testing education and industry involvement.
Ocean Corporation has the distinct honor of being recognized as a “Military Friendly School” by the reputable G.I. Jobs magazine for the first time. This designation underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting our military community, ensuring that veterans and their families receive the utmost in educational opportunities and resources. Being identified as such not only highlights our dedication to those who’ve served but also demonstrates our drive to provide an environment where military students can thrive academically and professionally.
Ocean Corporation was honored as the “School of the Year” by the Career Colleges and Schools of Texas (CCST). This accolade is a testament to our commitment to academic excellence, our innovative programs, and our unwavering dedication to student success. Being recognized by CCST, a respected organization in the educational realm of Texas, underscores our institution’s significant contributions to career-focused education and our leadership role in shaping the future of specialized training in the state.
President John Wood receives the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Award” from Career Colleges and Schools of Texas.
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