Training

1. When becoming a Scientific Diver in Training, one must complete the following steps:

• Become a Certified Recreational Diver through one of the following scuba diving certification agencies:  Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI),  Scuba Schools International (SSI),  National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI).

• Pass a swim test of 400 yards for 10 minutes and swim 25 yards underwater.
• Pass a Pool Exam that includes Basic Skills, Air Sharing, and  Diver Rescue skills.
• Pass an Open Water evaluation after having completed and passed Basic Skills, Air Sharing and Compass Navigation tests.

2. When transitioning from being a Diver in training to Scientific Diver with 30 foot maximum depth, one must complete the following steps:

• Completed CPR, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, Rescue Diver Training.
• Applied training to procedures based on research methods to be used underwater (which includes 12 dives supervised by the Diving Safety Officer).
• Written Exam.

3. When transitioning to becoming a Scientific Diver with maximum of 60 feet, one must complete 12 scientific dives at the 30 foot or less level.

4. When transitioning to becoming a Scientific Diver with maximum of 100 feet, one must complete 4 scientific dives at the 60 foot or less level.

5. When becoming a Scientific Diver with maximum of 130 feet, one must complete 4 scientific dives at the 120 foot or less level.

For more information, please contact the Dive Safety Officer, Professor Phillip Lobel.

The Office of Research Compliance maintains a dedicated training site for information about programs offered by each compliance area. Click here for more information on becoming a scientific diver