On 18 December 2024, students at the Colne Community Secondary School in Brightlingsea, Essex had a unique opportunity to dive into the world of professional scuba diving and marine technology at the Colne Careers Day. Presented by Dr. Jon Chamberlain, Director of the Marine Technology Research Unit at the University of Essex, the event offered students an exciting glimpse into underwater exploration and the wide range of career paths available in this field. Using cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology, we immersed students in a world they might never have seen before—the wonders beneath the waves.
Scuba Diving Training: A Gateway to Adventure
Scuba diving is not only an exhilarating hobby but also a professional career path with a variety of opportunities. Whether it’s marine research, underwater photography, or environmental conservation, diving can take you to some of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. To become a professional diver, however, one must undergo training, starting with basic certification from PADI, SSI, or BSAC. This training includes learning vital skills such as diving techniques, mastering the use of specialized equipment, and following safety protocols.
However, beyond the technical skills of diving, the profession requires attributes like critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork—skills that students can start building in school. For example, students working together on group projects or tackling complex science problems are developing the very skills they’ll need for real-world diving scenarios. In challenging or unfamiliar dive environments, the ability to think quickly and collaborate with a team is crucial, and these are exactly the kinds of skills fostered in the classroom.
Marine Technology: The Future of Scuba Diving Careers
In addition to traditional diving, marine technology is a rapidly growing field that has revolutionized underwater exploration. Tools such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), underwater drones, and sonar equipment are being used to explore the ocean depths, increasing safety and making research more efficient. Careers in marine technology span a wide range of roles, including ROV pilots, marine engineers, and environmental scientists.
Skills from disciplines like physics, engineering, and computer science play an essential role in marine technology. At the Colne Careers Day, we highlighted how subjects taught in school, such as mathematics and computer programming, are directly applicable to the industry. The event gave students a sense of how the classroom can lay the foundation for a successful career in marine technology, an area that combines innovation, problem-solving, and environmental awareness. Communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are just a few of the key qualities essential for both divers and marine technologists.
Virtual Reality: A Window into the Dive
One of the most exciting parts of the Colne Careers Day was the chance to use a Meta Quest 3 VR headset to simulate an actual dive. Over the course of the day, Dr. Jon Chamberlain presented to groups of 4-6 secondary school students, giving them a five-minute presentation on scuba diving and marine technology. Students had the opportunity to put on the VR headset and explore the underwater world themselves.
The experience was great fun, students “swam” through vibrant coral reefs, encountered schools of fish, and marveled at the beauty of of a white tip reef shark swimming across the reef, all from the safety and comfort of their school’s auditorium. The VR technology was an eye-opening way to show students what it’s like to explore the oceans firsthand, and the smiles and excitement on their faces as they explored the underwater world were priceless.
The Next Generation of Marine Scientists
The Colne Careers Day at Brightlingsea Secondary School demonstrated just how exciting a career in scuba diving or marine technology can be. By combining real-world knowledge with innovative VR experiences, students gained a deeper understanding of the skills and opportunities available in this dynamic field. Whether they’re interested in becoming professional divers or working with cutting-edge marine technology, the event was a great way to inspire students to think about their future careers under the sea.