Texas Valhalla Missile Silo Diver

SDI Texas Valhalla Missile Silo Diver

The SDI Texas Valhalla Missile Silo Diver Specialty is an exclusive certification offered only by OCD Divers and can only be earned during our Valhalla Missile Silo Dive Trip. This is one of the rarest scuba certifications in the world — fewer than 20 divers globally hold this specialty rating.

This program trains divers to safely explore the historic underground missile silo environment, navigate the vertical structure, and manage the cold, clear freshwater conditions found inside the silo. The course is designed specifically for the Valhalla site and focuses on environmental awareness, buoyancy control in confined vertical spaces, and safe dive planning for deep, cold-water overhead-adjacent environments without penetration.

What You’ll Learn

This specialty includes training and skills specific to the Valhalla Missile Silo environment:

Site orientation: Understanding the structure, layout, and unique hazards of the missile silo.
Cold-water diving: Managing thermal exposure, gear configuration, and dive duration in 60°F water.
Vertical environment control: Buoyancy, trim, and controlled ascents/descents inside the silo shaft.
Light management: Using primary and backup torches in low-light conditions.
Environmental protection: Avoiding silt disturbance and maintaining safe distance from walls and infrastructure.
Dive planning: Depth management, gas planning, and safe turn points for the silo environment.

Program Overview

Training takes place entirely at the Valhalla Missile Silo during the OCD Divers trip. Students complete academic preparation before the trip, followed by on-site briefings, skill development, and two training dives inside the silo. Successful completion earns the exclusive SDI Texas Valhalla Missile Silo Diver certification — a rating held by fewer than 20 divers worldwide.

Prerequisites:

Minimum age 18, or 15 with parental consent
SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent
Comfort diving in low-light and cold-water environments

Where Training Takes Place

This specialty is only taught during the OCD Divers Valhalla Missile Silo Dive Trip. All training dives occur inside the silo, approximately 130 feet deep, with water temperatures around 60°F year-round.

Trip details and registration: Valhalla Missile Silo Dive Trip

Required Gear

Due to the cold-water environment and low-light conditions, the following gear is required:

5mm or 7mm wetsuit (drysuit optional)
Hood
Dive torch set (primary + backup)
Gloves recommended

Standard scuba equipment suitable for deep, cold-water diving is required. Gear packages and rental options are available. Visit our continuing education gear options here: Continuing Education Diver Add On Options