SEATTLE, Wash. — Dive classes were going Monday at the Divers Institute of Technology in Seattle, following class disruptions, instructor absences, and student concerns over training certification.
The school’s current director is absent due to a medical procedure, according to two former directors who spoke with KIRO 7.
The institute trains students for commercial diving careers, offering instruction in one of the most hazardous and lucrative fields.
Since last week, some instructors and students have not attended classes and raised questions about administrative communication and program completion.
Students at the Seattle facility described growing confusion surrounding recent class disruptions.
Andrew Kelly, a student at the Divers Institute of Technology, said students initially learned of trouble when instructors did not appear.
“We found out last week that it was an instructor strike,” Kelly said.
Alexis Cleary, another student at the institute, said administration declined to clarify the situation when approached by students.
“And when we asked if it was potentially a strike, because we had a feeling it was, they said they couldn’t speak on it,” Cleary said.
Kelly expressed concern over his academic progression.
“I’m in scuba right now, and the next month is my deep dives, and I’m in a month and a half, and I don’t know if I’m going to be graduating,” Kelly said.
Online, and at the school, some students alleged that attendance records had been doctored and that certain instructors lacked proper certification.
Cleary expressed fear that administrative issues could impact their professional credentials.
“I don’t want the potential for my training to get invalidated, because the instructors, that they have chosen, do not hold the certifications that are required,” Cleary said.
KIRO 7 could not independently verify the claims regarding certifications or attendance records, and former directors did not confirm them.
The two former directors who spoke to KIRO 7 off camera stated that the recent conflicts were not related to diving operations or safety standards.
“There was not any violation of diving protocols or regulations. It was simply, basically I consider it to be a personality conflict, that could have been handled differently... We are taking every step to ensure that that kind of incident never happens again,” one of the former directors said in a statement to KIRO 7.
The former directors added that students and instructors who were absent during the disruptions will not face retaliation upon returning to school, and that the school will work within the guidelines of Washington law.
Despite the disruptions, students acknowledged that the institute remains one of the few programs offering preparation for deep-water ocean diving.
“Yes, very hopeful, this is one of the best schools in the industry,” Kelly said, expressing optimism about completing the program and securing employment.
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