Scientific Diving & Boating Safety

Diving Program Requirements

diver in pool

New Scientific diving program requirements

If you are anticipating doing any Scientific Diving at the University of South Florida or with the Florida Institute of Oceanography, you will be required to complete the following nine steps. Once everything listed below is completed to the satisfaction of the Scientific Diving Office the Scientific Diving candidate will be issued a “Diver-in-training” certification.  

  1. Complete the USF Scientific Diving Application and forward it to the USF Scientific Diving Office.

  2. Complete the USF Scientific Diving Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement and forward it to the USF Scientific Diving Office

  3. Forward copies of the following documents to the USF 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

    If you are no longer current (or never have been current) in First Aid, CPR or Oxygen Provider, you can still proceed through the program but the above listed certifications must be obtained before being granted a “Scientific Diver” designation.

  4. Complete USF Scientific Diving Medical Exam Overview, Evaluation and History Form. Take the form to the physician of your choice and have the physician forward the results to the USF Scientific Diving Office. 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. Take the written USF Scientific Diving Scuba Exam. Send in the answer sheet to the USF Scientific Diving Office. Schedule a date to review the exam.

  6. Schedule a pool water skills evaluation with the Scientific Diving Office.

    View Requirements

    • Swim Underwater 25 yards without any aids
    • Swim 400 yards in under 12 minutes
    • Tread water for 10 minutes without any aids
      OR
    • Tread water for 2 minutes with hands out of water
    • Transport a diver of equal size 25 yards
    • Develop other relevant skills/techniques for your project

     

  7. Schedule a Scuba Skills in Pool evaluation with the Scientific Diving Office.

    View Requirements

    • Enter the pool with most appropriate entry
    • Clear a fully flooded mask
    • Demonstrate air sharing (both alternate air and buddy breathing), both as donor and recipient, both with and without face mask on
    • Demonstrate the ability to switch between snorkel and regulator while swimming on the surface
    • Demonstrate understanding of hand signals
    • Demonstrate simulated in water rescue breathing
    • Remove and replace equipment while underwater
    • Demonstrate watermanship ability to the DSO’s acceptance
    • Develop other relevant skills/techniques for your project

     

  8. Every scientific diver must provide proof of medical insurance. If you are a full time USF or FIO employee (not OPS) then you will be covered by USF 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. There is a direct link on the USF Scientific Diving web page to DAN Insurance since DAN is the company of choice for most scientific divers.

  9. Schedule a Scuba Skills Open Water evaluation with the Scientific Diving Office. This evaluation is scheduled at a site determined by the Scientific Diving Office. The Scientific Diving candidate will incur any boat or entry fees. Equipment can be provided by the USF Scientific Diving Office.

    View Requirements

    Snorkeling Evaluation:

    • Dive to a depth of at least 10 feet using proper snorkeling techniques

    Scuba Evaluation:

    • Demonstrate sharing air both as donor and recipient
    • Enter & exit water using most appropriate techniques
    • Swim 400 yards on the surface using snorkel with scuba
    • Demonstrate good judgment while diving
    • Demonstrate an emergency swimming ascent
    • Flood and clear regulator
    • Flood and clear mask
    • Demonstrate good neutral buoyancy techniques
    • Demonstrate self rescue and buddy rescue techniques
    • Demonstrate navigation skills
    • Develop other relevant skills/techniques for your project


Required Project Forms