Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center: Marine Corps Student Information

140213-N-CG436-031 PANAMA CITY, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2014) Students at Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) conduct training operations in the center's 40-foot-deep Aquatic Training Facility. NDSTC, the largest diving facility in the world, trains more than 1,200 military divers from every branch of service each year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Scichilone)

Questions and comments concerning the U.S. Marine Corps Combatant Diver Course through e-mail or phone to:

Commanding Officer
Attn: USMC Combatant Diver Course
Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center
350 South Crag Road
Panama City, Florida 32407-7016

(850) 230-7051
(850) 235-5838
(850) 235-5266
DSN: 436

MCD DSN: 436-5265

NDSTC_PNMA_USMC-WEB@navy.mil

Download the Commanding Officer’s Checklist.

The U.S. Marine Corps trains combatant divers at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in conjunction with the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, Virginia. The course provides the best possible combatant diving and tactical swimming training available.

Medical Prerequisite Requirements

Review Physical and ensure it has been signed by a DMO (Diving Medical Officer).
Ensure a Naval Special Warfare, Special Operations; Dive Physical is within 2 years of the course graduation date.
HIV must be within two (2) years, TB screening must be current upon reporting to MCDC.
Documented Pressure TEST or NMPC Waiver indicating that the Command/UNIT was unable to perform the TEST.
Pressure Test: To include a pressure test to 60 feet with a 10 minute bottom time. (Reference: U.S. NAVY DIVING MANUAL REV. 7A; Chapter 18; pages 30-31).
If waivers are needed, ensure approval action from BUMED and HQ USMC.

Request for medical waivers must be mailed to:

CHIEF OF BUREAU OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY (MSF7)
2300 E STREET N.W.
WASHINGTON D.C 20372-5300

Send approved waiver to the following address:

PP&O (POG-40)
Navy Annex (Room 4A)
Arlington, VA 20380-1775

(703) 692-4305
(703) 692-4306

General Prerequisites

See the downloadable Commanding Officer’s Checklist.

Waivers to the course prerequisites must be obtained prior to course convening date from:

PP&O (POG-45)
WORK (VoIP)
(703)692-4305
DSN: 222-4305

Note: A must-pass Initial Physical Screening Test (PST) is conducted on training day (1). Students who fail any event of the physical screening test will be considered not physically fit to safely continue with training, and will be returned to their parent commands on this training day. Students must be within height and weight standards in accordance with Marine Corps Order. For PST details see Commanding Officer’s Checklist.

Special Instructions

Students will be required to wear the appropriate swim cammies.
Ensure students report with: Commanding Officer’s Checklist, Medical Record, and waivers (as required)
Required Uniforms and Equipment: See the Commanding Officer’s Checklist.
All incoming students must report, with original orders, to the NDSTC quarterdeck, building 350, no later than 2200 on the last day prior to the class convening date. Students arriving after 2200 will report to the NDSTC quarterdeck the next morning for official command endorsement.

Entry Level Training (ELT) Marines will be directed to the Navy Gateway Inn and Suites (NGIS) at 101 Vernon Ave. Panama City, FL 32407. Due to this being a military installation, you must enter 366 Solomans Dr. to successfully navigate to the NGIS.

ELT Marines have priority to the limited rooms available at the NGIS and MUST occupy a room on-base if available. For ELT Marines only, the MCD staff will reserve rooms at the NGIS for you.

If on-base lodging is unavailable, students will book off-base lodging via DTS.

*Due to the geographical location of the schoolhouse and the possible requirement for hyperbaric recompression therapy treatment, students should reserve lodging at either the Fairfield Inn & Suites at 7718 Front Beach Rd or Home 2 Suites at 7710 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach.

-If they are available in DTS, book in DTS and then contact Melanie Hadaway at 423-505-4572. Provide your name and mention you are with the Marine Corps Dive Course.

-If they are NOT available in DTS, call the above number. There may be a room available that DTS cannot see.

-If neither of those options work, book a hotel near NSA Panama City.

Navy Gateway Inns & Suites
101 Vernon Ave Panama City, FL 32407

(877) 628-9233 Ext. 726
DSN: 436-2500

Report to the NDSTC quarterdeck and read the red MCD information board for convening instructions.