Dive Instruction

Training Mission at NDSTC

Rigid Tactical delivers basic and advanced diving instruction at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) in Panama City, Florida. Each year, over 1,200 students from across U.S. military branches and allied nations receive elite training in:

  • U.S. Navy (deep sea divers, submarine SCUBA, Seabee underwater construction)
  • Joint Services (diving officers, EOD officers)
  • Medical (diving medical technicians and officers)
  • U.S. Army (engineer divers)
  • U.S. Marine Corps (combatant divers)
  • U.S. Coast Guard (divers)
  • U.S. Air Force (pararescue operators, combat controllers)
  • Law enforcement, government agencies, and international partners

World-Class Facilities Include:

  • 23 certified diver life support systems
  • 6 hyperbaric recompression chambers
  • 2 diving simulation facilities (up to 300 ft)
  • One of the largest pools in the U.S.
  • Submarine lock-out trunk
  • Two 133-ft Yard Diving Tenders (YDTs) with mixed gas and recompression capabilities
Dive Instruction
Dive Instruction
Dive Instruction

Instructor Qualification, Certification & Evaluation Program

Rigid Tactical instructor program is fully aligned with U.S. Navy high-risk training directives ensuring compliance with Naval Education and Training Command.

Qualification Process Includes:

  • Rigorous screening: interviews, service record review, medical/psychological evaluations (every 3 years), drug screening
  • Instructor familiarization as a student, personalized guide creation, and performance evaluations
  • Written designation and qualification logging in ESAMS
  • Completion of Instructor Training Course (ITC) before independent instruction

Ongoing Certification:

  • Quarterly spot evaluations
  • Annual safety training
  • Recertification upon transfer, curriculum change, or mishap
  • Training in Operational Risk Management (ORM), Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), and safety protocols

Our instructors remain fully qualified, compliant, and operationally prepared to deliver high-risk training.

Our Team: Veterans with Purpose

Rigid Tactical is powered by proud veterans and seasoned professionals with extensive experience supporting U.S. military operations. Our team has served in sensitive missions during both peacetime and combat, bringing unmatched expertise and dedication.

Human Capital Strategy:

  • Honor & Service: Every team member is committed to the values forged through military service.
  • Excellence & Integrity: We uphold the highest standards in all training and operational support.
  • Mission-Driven: Our focus is on empowering the warfighter and enhancing national security.
  • Talent Strategy:
    • Recruit top-tier talent
    • Assess and select high performers
    • Retain and empower teammates
    • Advance our vision and mission through leadership and innovation