Scientific Diving & Boating Safety

Incoming Diver Requirements

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø diver

steps for scientific diving candidates

If you are anticipating doing any scientific diving at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø or with the Florida Institute of Oceanography, review the Steps to Become a Research Diver at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø (PowerPoint).

You are required to complete the following steps:

  1. Schedule time with the diving safety office and your major professor/PI to discuss the specifics of your research diving project and needs.

  2. Review the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Standards for Scientific Diving Manual.

  3. Complete the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Scientific Diving Application and the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Scientific Diving Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement.

  4. Complete ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Scientific Diving Medical Exam Overview, Evaluation and History Form. Although any physician can be used to complete the exam it is strongly suggested the physician have some knowledge of hyperbaric medicine. All the tests specified on the medical release MUST be conducted. We can not conduct any in water work without the medical release.

  5. Provide copies of the following documents to the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Scientific Diving Office:
    • Scuba Certification Card showing your highest level of certification
    • CPR Card showing current certification
    • First Aid Card showing current certification
    • Oxygen Provider Card showing current certification

  6. Take the written ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Scientific Diving Scuba Exam. Send in the answer sheet to the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Scientific Diving Office. Schedule a date to review the exam.

  7. Every student diver is required to submit proof of supplemental diving insurance and medical insurance. If you are a full time ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø or FIO employee (not OPS) then you will be covered by ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø or FIO. If you are a student or an OPS employee then you must obtain additional medical insurance. There are several suppliers for this insurance such as PADI or DAN. Visit , since DAN is the company of choice for most scientific divers.

  8. Submit your recent dive logs and diving experience.

  9. Submit your application packet as one pdf document.

  10. Schedule confined water evaluations with the Scientific Diving Office.

  11. Complete relevant theory, knowledge development, practical training, and skill development.

  12. Schedule open water evaluations with the Scientific Diving Office.

Required Project Forms