The Board of Regents has approved the establishment of a Center for Diver Training and Education (CDTE) at the College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology (CASAT), Currimao campus.

In establishing CDTE, MMSU tied up with the Association of Diving Schools International (ADSI) of Taiwan and the International Technical Divers Federation (ITDF).

The center will provide the necessary equipment and training for local and foreign individuals who are interested to pursue diving as a career or hobby. The courses range from short-term to master-instructor level with fields of specialization in diving engineering and research diving.

The project, which is expected to generate income for the university, hopes to attract tourists who come to the North because of the region’s beautiful dive spots in rich coastal and marine areas.

It will also cater to the training needs of faculty members and students in degree programs that deal with marine aquatic resources and ecosystems, such as marine biology, environmental science, biology, and fisheries.

CDTE boasts of an impressive manpower roster which includes: ADSI Taiwan President Chen Ching Ho and ITDF President Lin Ming Sen, both four-star scuba instructors; Prof. Wilnorie P. Rasay of MMSU CAS, a two-star scuba instructor; and CAS laboratory assistant Reynaldo Abiog, an advance open water diver.