The Ocean Corporation

Timeline and Milestones

1969

Recognizing the growth of Oil and gas production offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. The Ocean Corporation incorporated as a commercial diver training facility in Houston, Texas, in order to facilitate the demand for qualified commercial divers.

1971

Became the first U.S. commercial diving school to offer internationally recognized commercial diver certifications allowing Ocean Corp graduates to work worldwide. Currently, The Ocean Corporation issues three international commercial diving certifications—more than any other commercial.

1971

Entered into a joint venture agreement with Oceaneering International—one of the world’s top commercial diving companies and a NASA space sciences contractor.

1972

Bought Oceaneering’s interest in the ventures and became an independent commercial diver training organization.

1972

Drawing on the real-world experience of its diving personnel, The Ocean Corporation organized a Diving Operations Division (DOD) and began providing specialized inland and nuclear power plant diving services.

1972

The Ocean Corporation was the first commercial diving school in the U.S. to include Bell Diving training in its core curriculum. As Oil and gas exploration began moving into deeper waters in the Gulf of Mexico, Ocean Corp recognized the need for divers trained to at these increased depths and pressures.

1973

Divers from The Ocean Corporation’s Diving Operations Division conducted the first operational commercial dives inside a nuclear power plant in the U.S.

1975

Moved to newer, the larger facility at 5709 Glenmont in Southwest Houston.

1979

Became the first commercial diving school in the U.S. to include underwater welding and cutting in its core curriculum.

1980

Began the first underwater NDT/Inspection Diver training program in the U.S.

1980

Graduated 1000 students since 1969!

1982

Founded the National Association of Diver Medical Technicians (NADMT).

1987

Moved to a new 1.9-acre location at 10840 Rockley Road in Houston; set up one of the largest commercial diver training facilities in the world.

1989

Became the first commercial diving school to include Nuclear & Contaminated Diving procedures into its core curriculum.

1990

Purchased an additional 2.3 acres of land adjoining the campus making a total of 4.2 acres.

1993

Became the first and only commercial diving educator in the U.S. to become a Full Member of the world renowned International Diving Schools Association (IDSA).

1993

First commercial diving school in the U.S. to become a corporate member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).

1993

Graduated 5000 students since 1969!

1994

First commercial diving school in the U.S. to become a corporate member of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT).

1996

Became the first commercial diving educator in the U.S. to incorporate remotely operated vehicles (ROV) into the training program.

2001

Ocean Corporation graduate Marni Zabarsky became the first female saturation diver in the Gulf of Mexico.

2002

Recognizing the growing demand for NDT inspectors trained to inspect the nation’s nuclear power plants, refineries, and other infrastructure, Nondestructive Testing (NDT) was added as a separate and distinct academic program.

2003

Became the first commercial diving educator in the U.S. to become a member of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA).

2003

Chosen by the American Petroleum Institute (API) as the location for the first API QUTE qualification exams.

2003

Aided in the development of the Gorski G2000 Commercial Dive hat developed by Ocean Corporation graduate, Leszek Gorski.

2005

The Radiographic Testing training manual used worldwide by most every NDT educator teaching today was written by an Ocean Corporation instructor.

2005

Became the first and only commercial diving educator in the U.S. to issue IMCA international commercial diving certifications. Ocean Corporation alumnus, Ernie Wheeler, was the first recipient of an IMCA commercial diving certification issued in the U.S.

2006

Recognized as School of Distinction by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).

2007

Ocean Corp training tanks, facilities, and diving personnel used first subsea cut using the Integra SEAStallion Diamond Wire Cutting Machine. The SEAStallion Diamond Wire Cutting Machine is most notable for its extensive use in 2011 during the Deepwater Horizon oil platform explosion and sinking.

2008

Ocean Corp training tanks and diving personnel were used to facilitate the Lloyd’s of London underwriting qualifications for the One Atmosphere HARDSUITS developed by Oceanworks International.

2010

Graduated 10,000 students since 1969!

2011

Consulted With NASA engineers on design and development of equipment that may be used during future space missions.

2011

Ocean Corporation president and owner, John Wood, served as Chair of the Accrediting Commission of

2012

The Ocean Corporation training department received a Training Innovator Award for self-paced tutorials from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

2012

Ocean Corporation alumnus and admissions representative, Mike Oden, served as chair of the Greater Houston Section of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing. The GHASNT is the largest chapter of ASNT in the World.

2014

FIrst Designated as a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs.