AAUS Scientific Diving History
and Regulations
Objectives
• Upon completion of this module, the
participant will be able to:
– Define scientific diving
– Outline the History of Scientific Diving and
the exemption to OSHA commercial diving
standards
– Identify the mission, purposes and goals of
AAUS
Objectives
• Upon completion of this module, the
participant will be able to:
– Outline the operational control mechanism
within Scientific Diving
– Discuss policies, procedures, and
requirements detailed in AAUS Scientific
Diving Standards
Scientific Diving
• Scientific diving is defined (29 CFR
1910.402) as diving performed solely as a
necessary part of a scientific, research, or
educational activity by employees whose
sole purpose for diving is to perform
scientific research tasks
History of the Scientific Diving
Exemption
• In 1982, OSHA exempted scientific diving
from commercial diving regulations (29
CFR Part 1910, Subpart T) under certain
conditions which are outlined below
• The final guidelines for the exemption
became effective in 1985 (Federal Register,
Vol. 50, No. 6, p. 1046)
History of the Scientific Diving
Exemption
• 1975 - Petition filed by United
Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of
America AFL-CIO
• Urged an emergency temporary standard
(ETS) be issued with respect to diving
operations
• ETS issued on June 15, 1976 to be effective
July 15, 1976
History of the Scientific Diving
Exemption
• Challenged in U S Court of Appeals by
several diving contractors
• ETS withdrawn in November 1976 and
permanent standard was formulated
• Final Standard for Commercial Diving
became effective October 20, 1977
• Scientific diving was not exempted
History of the Scientific Diving
Exemption
• American Academy of Underwater
Sciences (AAUS) was formed to petition
OSHA for an exemption
• Submitted arguments for ANPR on
October 15, 1979
• Self-regulation
• Consensual standard for over 20 years
• Low accident incidence rate
• Final Ruling granting exemption effective
November 28, 1982
Scientific Diving Exemption
29CFR 1910.401(2)(iv)
• OSHA exempted from commercial diving
regulations any diving operation defined
as scientific diving and which is under the
direction and control of a diving program
containing at least the following elements:
Scientific Diving Exemption
29CFR 1910.401(2)(iv)
• A diving safety manual which includes at a
minimum: Procedures covering all diving
operations specific to the program; including
procedures for emergency care, recompression
and evacuation; and the criteria for diver
training and certification
Scientific Diving Exemption
29CFR 1910.401(2)(iv)
• Diving control (safety) board, with the majority
of its members being active scientific divers,
which shall at a minimum have the authority to:
• approve and monitor diving projects, review and
revise the diving safety manual, assure compliance
with the manual, certify the depths to which a diver
has been trained, take disciplinary action for unsafe
practices, and assure adherence to the buddy system
(a diver is accompanied by and is in continuous
contact with another diver in the water) for scuba
diving
29CFR 1910.401(2)(iv)
Appendix B to Subpart T
• OSHA has granted an exemption for
scientific diving from commercial diving
regulations under the following guidelines
(Appendix B to Subpart T):
• The Diving Control Board consists of a majority of
active scientific divers and has autonomous and
absolute authority over the scientific diving
program's operation
29CFR 1910.401(2)(iv)
Appendix B to Subpart T
• The purpose of the project using scientific
diving is the advancement of science;
therefore, information and data resulting from
the project are non-proprietary
• The tasks of a scientific diver are those of an
observer and data gatherer
• Construction and trouble-shooting tasks
traditionally associated with commercial
diving are not included within scientific
diving
29CFR 1910.401(2)(iv)
Appendix B to Subpart T
• Scientific divers, based on the nature of their
activities, must use scientific expertise in
studying the underwater environment and
therefore, are scientists or scientists-intraining
THE AMERICAN ACADEMY
OF UNDERWATER SCIENCES
(AAUS)
AAUS
• Incorporated in California in 1983
• Active since before the OSHA exemption
of 1982
• Currently over 100 organizational
members
• Recognized by OSHA as the scientific
diving standard setting organization
AAUS
101 Bienville Blvd
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
251-861-7504 Phone
Email: aaus@disl.org
Web Address: http://www.aaus.org
AAUS
• AAUS Organizational Members, or OM(s),
include Universities, Marine Labs,
Museums, and others involved in
scientific diving activities throughout the
United States and around the world
AAUS Mission Statement
• The mission of the American Academy of
Underwater Sciences (AAUS) is to
facilitate the development of safe and
productive scientific divers through
education, research, advocacy, and the
advancement of standards for scientific
diving practices, certifications, and
operations
AAUS Purposes and Goals
• To develop, review and revise standards
for safe scientific diving certification and
the safe operation of scientific diving
programs;
• To collect, review and distribute statistics
relating to scientific diving activities and
scientific diving incidents;
AAUS Purposes and Goals
• To conduct symposia and workshops to
educate the membership and others in
safe scientific diving programs and
practices;
• To represent the scientific diving interests
of the membership before other
organizations and government agencies,
and;
AAUS Purposes and Goals
• To fund research, education and
development of safe scientific diving
programs and practices
Research
vs. Scientific
Diver (Rec.)
Diver (AAUS)
•
•
•
•
•
•
NO STANDARDIZED
INSTRUCTION
PRACTICAL TRAINING
ONLY
VARIABLE NUMBER OF
TRAINING DIVES
NO MEDICAL
LIFETIME CERT
NOT RECOGNIZED AS A
PROFESSIONAL
QUALIFICATION
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
OSHA DEFINED
MUST MEET AAUS
TRAINING STANDARDS
AAUS MEDICAL REQUIRED
MINIMUM 100 HOURS
TRAINING
MUST MAINTAIN
CERTIFICATION STATUS
EMERGENCY TRAINING
REQUIRED
RECOGNIZED AS A
PROFESSIONAL
QUALIFICATION
AAUS SCIENTIFIC DIVING
STANDARDS
AAUS Diving Standards
• These standards were developed and
written by the AAUS by compiling the
policies set forth in the diving manuals of
several university, private, and
governmental scientific diving programs
AAUS Diving Standards
• These programs share a common heritage
with the scientific diving program at the
Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO)
• Adherence to the SIO standards has
proven both feasible and effective in
protecting the health and safety of
scientific divers since 1954
Volume 1
Sections 1 through 6
Required For All
OM Diving Manuals
SECTION 1:
GENERAL POLICY
Purpose
• The purpose of AAUS Scientific Diving
Standards is to ensure that all scientific
diving is conducted in a manner that will
maximize protection for scientific divers
from accidental injury and/or illness, and
set forth standards for training and
certification that will allow a working
reciprocity between organizational
members
Operational Control
• OM Auspices includes any scientific
diving operation in which an OM is
connected because of ownership of any
equipment used, locations selected, or
relationship with the individual(s)
concerned
Operational Control
• This includes all cases involving the
operations of employees of the OM or
employees of auxiliary organizations,
where such employees are acting within
the scope of their employment, and
operations of other persons who are
engaged in scientific diving of the OM or
are diving as members of an organization
recognized by the OM
Operational Control
• It is the OM’s responsibility to adhere to
the AAUS Standards
• The administration of the local diving
program resides with the OM’s Diving
Control Board (DCB)
Operational Control
• Each OM is responsible for the
development and maintenance of a
scientific diving manual containing
policies and procedures that will enable
the OM to meet requirements for local
environments and conditions as well as
complying with the AAUS minimal
standards
Operational Control
• The regulations in the OM’s Diving
Manual shall be observed at all locations
where scientific diving is conducted
Operational Control
• The Diving Safety Officer (DSO) is
responsible through the DCB for the
conduct of the OM scientific diving
program
Operational Control
• The DSO is empowered by the DCB and
guided in the performance of the required
duties by the advice of the DCB, but
operational responsibility for the conduct
of the local diving program is retained by
the DSO
Operational Control
• The DCB:
• Has autonomous and absolute authority over
the scientific diving program’s operation
• Shall approve and monitor diving projects
• Shall review and revise the diving safety
manual
• Shall assure compliance with the diving safety
manual
Operational Control
• The DCB:
• Shall certify the depths to which a diver has
been trained
• Shall take disciplinary action for unsafe
practices
• Shall assure adherence to the buddy system
for scuba diving
Operational Control
• The DCB:
• Shall act as the official representative for the
OM in matters concerning the scientific diving
program
• Shall act as a board of appeal to consider
diver-related problems
• Shall recommend the issue, reissue, or the
revocation of diving certifications
Operational Control
• The DCB:
• Shall recommend changes in policy and
amendments to AAUS and the OM’s diving
safety manual as the need arises
• Shall establish and/or approve training
programs through which the applicants for
certification can satisfy the requirements of
the OM’s diving safety manual
• Shall suspend diving programs that are
considered unsafe or unwise
Operational Control
• The DCB:
• Shall establish criteria for equipment selection
and use
• Shall recommend new equipment or
techniques
• Shall establish and/or approve facilities for
the inspection and maintenance of diving and
associated equipment
Operational Control
• The DCB:
• Shall ensure that the OM’s air station(s) meet
air quality standards as described in Section
3.60 of the AAUS manual
• Shall periodically review the DSO’s
performance and program
• Shall sit as a board of investigation to inquire
into the nature and cause of diving accidents
or violations of the OM’s diving safety
manual
Operational Control
• The Lead Diver:
• For each dive, one individual shall be
designated as the Lead Diver
• This individual shall be at the dive location
during the diving operation
Operational Control
• The Lead Diver is responsible for:
• Coordination with other known activities in
the vicinity that are likely to interfere with
diving operations
• Ensuring all dive team members possess
current certification and are qualified for the
type of diving operation
Operational Control
• The Lead Diver is responsible for:
• Briefing dive team members on:
• Dive objectives
• Unusual hazards or environmental conditions likely to affect
the safety of the diving operation
• Modifications to diving or emergency procedures
necessitated by the specific diving operation
• Suspending diving operations if in their opinion conditions
are not safe
• Reporting to the DSO and DCB any physical problems or
adverse physiological effects including symptoms of
pressure-related injuries
Operational Control
• Reciprocity and Visiting Scientific Diver:
• Two or more AAUS OMs engaged jointly in
diving activities, or engaged jointly in the use
of diving resources, shall designate one of the
participating DCBs to govern the joint project
Operational Control
• Reciprocity and Visiting Scientific Diver:
• A scientific diver from one OM shall apply for
permission to dive under the auspices of
another OM by submitting to the DSO of the
host OM a Request for Diving Reciprocity
Form (see AAUS Appendix 6)
• This form must be signed by the diver’s home
DSO or DCB Chair
Operational Control
• Reciprocity and Visiting Scientific Diver:
• A visiting Scientific Diver may be asked to
demonstrate their knowledge and skills for
the planned dive
• If the host OM denies a visiting Scientific
Diver permission to dive, the host OM shall
notify the visiting diver and their DCB with
an explanation of all reasons for the denial
Operational Control
• Waiver of Requirements:
• The organizational Diving Control Board may
grant a waiver for specific requirements of
training, examinations, depth certification,
and minimal activity to maintain certification
Consequence of Violation of
Regulations
• Failure to comply with the regulations of
the diving manual may be cause for the
revocation or restriction of the diver's
scientific diving certificate by action of the
OM DCB
SECTION 2:
DIVING REGULATIONS FOR
SCUBA (OPEN CIRCUIT,
COMPRESSED AIR)
Introduction
• No person shall engage in scientific diving
operations under the auspices of the OM
scientific diving program unless they hold
a current certification issued pursuant to
the provisions of this manual
Pre-Dive Procedures
• Dive Plans:
• Dives should be planned around the
competency of the least experienced diver
• Required for all scientific diving operations
• Must be formulated by the Lead Diver prior
to the start of a project
Pre-Dive Procedures
• Dive Plans Include:
• A list of participants, their qualifications and
the type of certificate or certification held by
each diver
• The approximate number of proposed dives
• The location(s) of proposed dives
Pre-Dive Procedures
• Dive Plans Include:
• Estimated depth(s) and bottom time(s)
anticipated
• Decompression status and repetitive dive
plans, if required
• Proposed work, equipment, and boats to be
employed
• Any hazardous conditions anticipated
Pre-Dive Procedures
• Dive Plans Include:
• An Emergency Plan with the following
information:
• Emergency contact information for each diver
• Nearest accessible hospital
• Nearest operational decompression chamber
• Available means of transport
• Emergency contact numbers appropriate for the
dive location
Pre-Dive Procedures
• Diver Responsibilities:
• Each diver shall conduct a functional check of
his/her diving equipment in the presence of
the diving buddy or tender; enduring that
their equipment is in proper working order
and that the equipment is suitable for the
planned diving operation
Pre-Dive Procedures
• Diver Responsibilities:
• It is the diver's responsibility and duty to
refuse to dive if, in his/her judgment,
conditions are unfavorable, or if he/she
would be violating the precepts of his/her
training, or of the OM’s diving manual
Pre-Dive Procedures
• Diver Responsibilities:
• It is the diver’s responsibility to notify the
DSO/Lead Diver/Diving Supervisor if
he/she is unfit to safely participate in diving
operations
Pre-Dive Procedures
• Equipment Evaluations:
• Each diver shall on every dive have the
capability of achieving and maintaining
positive buoyancy
• A diver’s flag shall be displayed prominently
in areas frequented by boat traffic
• Appropriate safety, and first aid equipment
that is suitable for meeting project needs, and
Oxygen will be available on site
Pre-Dive Procedures
• The environmental conditions at the site
will be evaluated
Diving Procedures
• Solo Diving Prohibition
• All diving activities shall assure adherence to
the buddy system
Diving Procedures
• Refusal to Dive:
• The decision to dive is that of the diver
• A diver may refuse to dive, without fear of
penalty, whenever they feel it is unsafe for
them to make the dive
• The ultimate responsibility for safety rests
with the individual diver
Diving Procedures
• Termination of the Dive:
• A diver will terminate the dive, without fear
of penalty, whenever they feel it is unsafe to
continue the dive, unless it compromises the
safety of another diver already in the water
Diving Procedures
• Termination of the Dive:
• The diver shall terminate the dive while there
is still sufficient tank pressure to permit the
diver to safely reach the surface, including
decompression time, or to safely reach an
additional air source at the decompression
station
Diving Procedures
• Emergencies and Deviations from
Regulations:
• Any diver may deviate from the requirements
of this standard to the extent necessary to
prevent or minimize a situation that is likely
to cause death, serious physical harm, or
major environmental damage
• Such actions require a written report be
submitted to the OM DCB explaining
circumstances and justifications
Post-Dive Procedures
• After the completion of a dive, each diver
shall report any physical problems,
symptoms of decompression sickness, or
equipment malfunctions
Flying After Diving
or Ascending to Altitude
• The minimum preflight surface interval
following a Single No-Decompression
Dive is 12 hours
• The minimum preflight surface interval
following Multiple Dives Per Day or
Multiple Days of Diving is 18 hours
Flying After Diving
or Ascending to Altitude
• The minimum preflight surface interval
following Dives Requiring Decompression
Stops is 24 hours
• Divers should follow the appropriate
guidelines for preflight surface intervals
before ascending to Altitude above 1000
feet (300 meters), unless the
decompression procedure used has
accounted for the increase in elevation
Diving Log
• Every dive made under the auspices of an
OM shall be logged with the OM Diving
Safety Officer
• Minimum Dive Log Information Includes:
• Date; Time In/Out; Location; Diving Mode;
Diving Classification; Gas Used; Max Depths;
Name of Diver, Buddy, and Lead Diver;
Decompression Method; Detailed report of
any near or actual incidents
Accident / Incident Reporting
• All diving incidents requiring
recompression treatment, or resulting in
moderate or serious injury, or death shall
be reported to the OMs Diving Control
Board and AAUS
SECTION 3:
DIVING EQUIPMENT
General Policy
• All equipment shall meet standards as
determined by the OM DSO and DCB
• Equipment that is subjected to extreme
usage under adverse conditions should
require more frequent testing and
maintenance
• All equipment shall be regularly
examined by the person using it
Regulators
• Regulators will consist of a first stage, a
primary second stage, an alternate air
source (such as an octopus second stage or
redundant air supply), and a submersible
pressure gauge
• The regulator must also provide a IP hose
for connecting to a power inflator
• Regulators to be used with a dry suit must
have an additional port for an IP hose to
connect to the suit inflator
Flotation Devices
• Each diver shall have the capability of
achieving and maintaining positive
buoyancy
• Buoyancy compensators, drysuits or other
variable volume BCD shall be equipped
with an exhaust valve
• Divers wearing a drysuit will also wear a
BCD
Timing Devices, Depth, and
Pressure Gauge
• Both members of the diving pair must
have an underwater timing device, an
approved depth indicator, and a
submersible pressure gauge
Determination of
Decompression Status
• A set of diving tables, approved by the
DCB, must be available at the dive
location
• Dive computers may be utilized in place
of diving tables but only those makes and
models of dive computers specifically
approved by the DCB or their designee
(DSO) may be used
Support Equipment
• A first aid kit adequate for the diving
operation shall be available at the dive
location
• Oxygen shall be available at the dive
location for emergency situations
Support Equipment
• A diver's flag shall be displayed
prominently whenever diving is
conducted under circumstances where
required or where water traffic is probable
Air Quality Standards
• Breathing air for scuba shall meet CGA
(Compressed Gas Association) Grade E
specifications
SECTION 4:
ENTRY LEVEL TRAINING
REQUIREMENTS
Scope
• This section describes training for the nondiving applicant, previously not certified
for diving, and equivalency for the
certified diver
Evaluations
• Medical Examination:
• The applicant for training shall be certified to
be medically qualified for diving by a licensed
physician before proceeding with the training
outlined in sections four and five
• Details of this examination are discussed in
section six
Evaluations
• Swimming Evaluation:
• Without the use of swim aids, applicants for
certification under AAUS standards must:
• Swim underwater for a distance of 25 yards
without surfacing
• Swim 400 yards in less than 12 minutes
• Tread water for 10 minutes, or 2 minutes without
the use of hands
• Transport another person of equal size a distance
of 25 yards in the water
Evaluations
• Scuba Training - As a minimum in a pool or
sheltered water, the non-scuba certified trainee
must satisfy the DSO of their ability to:
• Clear their face mask
• Alternate between snorkel and scuba while kicking
• Air share as both the donor and recipient, with and
without a face mask
• Demonstrate understanding of underwater signs and
signals
• Assist and transport a passive simulated victim of an
accident
• Remove and replace equipment while submerged
• Demonstrate acceptable watermanship
Evaluations
• Written Examination – The non-scuba certified
trainee and persons desiring equivalency
recognition must demonstrate knowledge of:
• Function, care, use, and maintenance of diving
equipment
• Physics and physiology of diving
• Diving regulations and precautions
• Near-shore currents and waives
• Dangerous marine animals
• Emergency procedures, including buoyant ascent and
air sharing
Evaluations
• Written Examination (continued):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Currently acceptable decompression procedures
Proper use of dive tables
Underwater communications
Aspects of freshwater and altitude diving
Hazards of breath-hold diving and ascents
Diving hazards
Cause, symptoms, treatment & prevention of: Near
drowning, air embolism, CO2 excess, squeezes, O2
poisoning, N2 narcosis, exhaustion & panic,
respiratory fatigue, motion sickness, hypothermia,
and hypoxia/anoxia
Evaluations
• Open Water Evaluation – At a minimum
the non-scuba certified trainee and
persons desiring equivalency recognition
satisfy the DSO of their ability to:
• Surface dive to a depth of 10 ft without scuba
• Air sharing as both donor and receiver
• Enter & Leave water while wearing scuba
gear (surf or vessel)
Evaluations
• Open Water Evaluation (continued):
• Kick on the surface 400 yards while wearing
scuba gear but not breathing from scuba unit
• Demonstrate judgment adequate for safe
diving
• Complete a simulated emergency swimming
ascent
• Clearing of mask and regulator while
submerged
Evaluations
• Open Water Evaluation (continued):
• Achieve and maintain neutral buoyancy while
submerged
• Demonstrate techniques of self-rescue and
buddy assist
• Navigate underwater
• Plan and execute a dive
Evaluations
• Open Water Evaluation (continued):
• Successfully complete 5 openwater dives for a
minimum total time of 3 hours (11/2 hrs
cumulative bottom time on scuba)
• No more than 3 dives shall be made in one
day
SECTION 5:
SCIENTIFIC DIVER
CERTIFICATION
Certification Types
• There are two scientific diver certification
types under AAUS standards:
• Temporary Diver Permit
• Scientific Diver Certification
Temporary Diver Permit
• This permit constitutes a waiver of the
requirements of Sec. 5 and is issued only
following a demonstration of the required
proficiency in diving
• The permit is usually reserved for visiting
scientists or personnel, including
volunteers, not normally associated with
OM programs
• It is valid only for a limited time, as
determined by the OM DCB
Temporary Diver Permit
• This permit is not to be construed as a
mechanism to circumvent existing
standards set forth in this manual
Scientific Diver Certification
• The scientific diver certification is a
professional diving qualification; it has no
equivalency in the recreational diving
community
• Eligibility:
• Only persons involved with scientific diving
under OM auspices are eligible for scientific
diving training and certification
Scientific Diver Certification
• Prerequisites:
• Application to the OM DSO
• Medical approval
• Issuance of a Diver-In-Training Permit
(signifies certification as a diver through an
internationally recognized certifying agency
or successfully training specified in Section 4)
• Other OM defined prerequisites (example:
release & waiver, etc.)
Scientific Diver Certification
• Scientific diver certification is issued to
personnel participating in scientific diving
under OM auspices
• The diver must complete additional
theoretical aspects and practical training
for a cumulative minimum time of 100
hours
Scientific Diver Certification
• Required Training Topics (include but not
limited to):
– Diving Emergency
Care Training
– Dive Rescue
– Dive Physics
– Dive Physiology
– Scientific Diving
Regulations &
History
– Dive Environments
– Decompression
Theory &
Application
– Scientific Method
– Data Gathering
Techniques
– HazMat Training
Scientific Diver Certification
• Suggested Training Topics (include, but
not limited to):
•
•
•
•
•
Specific Diving Modes
Small Boat Operation
Specialized Breathing Gases
Specialized Environments & Conditions
Specialized Diving Equipment
Scientific Diver Certification
• Practical training must include a checkout
dive evaluating the OW skills listed in
section 4 followed by at least eleven ocean
or openwater dives in a variety of dive
sites and conditions, for a cumulative
bottom time of 6 hours
• These dives must be supervised by a
certified Scientific Diver with experience
in the type of diving planned and with the
knowledge and permission of the DSO
Scientific Diver Certification
• A diver's qualifications, as stated on the
initial certificate, may be changed by the
DSO/DCB to reflect additional experience
and/or training, or changes to the divers
certification status
Depth Certifications
• In addition to the minimum 12 dive
requirement to qualify as a Scientific
Diver, there are specific depth
certifications and progression
requirements within AAUS standards
Depth Certifications
• 30 Foot
• This is issued after you demonstrate the skills
listed in Section 4
• 60 Foot
• 12 logged training dives between 31 and 60
feet for a minimum total time of 4 hours
• 100 and 130 Foot
• 4 logged training dives near the maximum
depth category
Depth Certifications
• Depths greater than 130 ft
• A diver may be certified to depths of 150 and
190 ft after the completion of four training
dives near each depth
• Diving on air is not permitted beyond a
depth of 190 ft
Depth Certifications
• Certification Progression
• Divers are required to progress from the 30 ft
certification to the 60 ft certification and
successively to the deeper certification levels
after successfully completing the mandatory
dives and cumulative time requirements
• These dives are planned and executed under
close supervision of a diver certified to the
certification depth and with the knowledge
and permission of the DSO
Maintaining Certification
• During any 12-month period, each
certified scientific diver must log a
minimum of 12 dives
• At least one dive must be logged near the
maximum depth of the diver's certification
during each 6-month period
• Divers certified to 150 feet or deeper may
satisfy these requirements with dives to 130
feet or over
Maintaining Certification
• Must maintain current medical; and
current certification in first aid, CPR and
oxygen administration
• Maintaining Fitness to Dive
• It is the divers responsibility to maintain
fitness to dive
• Fitness to dive refers to general physical
fitness adequate to meet projected project
goals and diving conditions, as well as fitness
on a day to day basis including, but not
limited to: proper attitude, hydration, and
nutrition
Revocation of Certification
• A diving certificate may be revoked or
restricted for cause by the OM DSO or
DCB
• Diving Manual Standards violations or
other governmental subdivisions not in
conflict with diving standards may be
considered cause
Recertification
• A diver whose certificate expires or is
revoked may be re-certified after
complying with conditions imposed by
the OM DSO or DCB
SECTION 6:
MEDICAL STANDARDS
General Medical Requirements
• The OM shall determine that divers have
passed a current diving physical
examination and have been declared by
the examining physician to be fit to
engage in diving activities as may be
limited or restricted in the medical
evaluation report
General Medical Requirements
• All medical evaluations shall be
performed by, or under the direction of, a
licensed physician; preferably one trained
in diving/undersea medicine
• The diver should be free of any chronic
disabling disease and be free of any
conditions for which restrictions from
diving are generally recommended
Medical evaluation
shall be completed:
• Before a diver may begin diving
• Thereafter, at 5 year intervals up to age 40,
every 3 years after age 40, and every 2
years after age 60 from the date of initial
evaluation or last equivalent evaluation
• After any major injury or illness, or any
condition requiring hospitalization for
more than 24 hours
Medical Examination Forms
• Medical examination forms detailing the
testing requirements and information to
provide to the physician are available
from the OM DSO
• Written copies of the individual’s fitness
to dive report prepared by the examining
physician shall be obtained by the OM
VOLUME 2
Volume 2
• Volume 2 of the AAUS Standards
addresses areas of scientific diving beyond
standard open circuit scuba using air and
are beyond the scope of this introductory
module
Volume 2
• Examples of these diving modes and
environments include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Nitrox
Aquarium Diving Operations
Staged Decompression
Saturation
Surface Supplied
Rebreathers
Mixed Gas
Study Questions
• Use the following study questions to
review some of the information presented
in this self study module
• When you are finished you can print out
your study questions results
Self Study Questions
AAUS Standards state a scientific diver
certification can be revoked or restricted
for cause by the Organizational Member
DSO or DCB.
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
AAUS Standards state a scientific diver
certification can be revoked or restricted
for cause by the Organizational Member
DSO or DCB.
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
AAUS Standards states: "The decision to
dive is that of the diver. A diver may
refuse to dive, without fear of penalty,
whenever they feel it is unsafe for them to
make the dive.“
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
AAUS Standards states: "The decision to
dive is that of the diver. A diver may
refuse to dive, without fear of penalty,
whenever they feel it is unsafe for them to
make the dive.“
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
The ultimate responsibility for safe diving
procedures rests with the ______.
• DSO
• DCB
• Lead Diver
• Individual Diver
Self Study Questions
The ultimate responsibility for safe diving
procedures rests with the ______.
•
•
•
•
DSO
DCB
Lead Diver
Individual Diver
Self Study Questions
Select all of the topics included in AAUS
Volume 2 Standards.
• Nitrox
• Aquarium Diving Operations
• Staged Decompression
• Saturation
• Surface Supplied
• Rebreathers
• Mixed Gas
• Air
Self Study Questions
Select all of the topics included in AAUS
Volume 2 Standards.
• Nitrox
• Aquarium Diving Operations
• Staged Decompression
• Saturation
• Surface Supplied
• Rebreathers
• Mixed Gas
• Air
Self Study Questions
OSHA exempted scientific diving from
commercial diving regulations in ____.
The exemption can be found in ________
of the OSHA regulations.
• 1982 / 29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T
• 1987 / 29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T
• 1975 / 29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T
• 1990 / 40CFR Part 1460, Subpart T
Self Study Questions
OSHA exempted scientific diving from
commercial diving regulations in ____.
The exemption can be found in ________
of the OSHA regulations.
• 1982 / 29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T
• 1987 / 29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T
• 1975 / 29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T
• 1990 / 40CFR Part 1460, Subpart T
Self Study Questions
Select all Scientific Diver Certification requirements
specified by AAUS Standards. There are a
minimum of four correct answers.
• Requires a medical examination
• Requires a swim test
• Requires theoretical and practical training for a
cumulative minimum of 100 hours
• Requires a minimum of 24 dives be logged during
any 12-month period
• Includes depth certification requirements
• Requires training in specialized breathing gases
Self Study Questions
Select all Scientific Diver Certification requirements
specified by AAUS Standards. There are a
minimum of four correct answers.
• Requires a medical examination
• Requires a swim test
• Requires theoretical and practical training for a
cumulative minimum of 100 hours
• Requires a minimum of 24 dives be logged during
any 12-month period
• Includes depth certification requirements
• Requires training in specialized breathing gases
Self Study Questions
Aside from any major injury or illness, or
any condition requiring hospitalization;
AAUS Standards state the required
interval for a diving medical examination
is every 5 years for all scientific divers.
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
Aside from any major injury or illness, or
any condition requiring hospitalization;
AAUS Standards state the required
interval for a diving medical examination
is every 5 years for all scientific divers.
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
In addition to medical and minimum number
of dives to be logged annually, AAUS
standards state holders of a scientific diver
certification must also maintain current
certification in first aid, CPR, and oxygen
administration for their certification be
current.
a. True
b. False
Self Study Questions
In addition to medical and minimum number
of dives to be logged annually, AAUS
standards state holders of a scientific diver
certification must also maintain current
certification in first aid, CPR, and oxygen
administration for their certification be
current.
a. True
b. False
Self Study Questions
AAUS Standards state: "A scientific diver
may not deviate from the requirements of
the Diving Safety Manual.“
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
AAUS Standards state: "A scientific diver
may not deviate from the requirements of
the Diving Safety Manual.“
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
AAUS standards allow a diver wearing a
drysuit to forego wearing a BCD.
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
AAUS standards allow a diver wearing a
drysuit to forego wearing a BCD.
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
A major factor in obtaining the scientific
diving exemption was the low
accident/incident rate documented within
the scientific diving community.
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
A major factor in obtaining the scientific
diving exemption was the low
accident/incident rate documented within
the scientific diving community.
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
Match the statement with the correct AAUS topic.
a. Historic Slogan
b. Mission Statement
c. Purposes and Goals
• Dedicated to the advancement and practice of scientific diving.
• To facilitate the development of safe and productive scientific divers
through education, research, advocacy, and the advancement of
standards for scientific diving practices, certifications, and
operations.
• Develop, review and revise standards; collect, review and distribute
statistics; conduct symposia and workshops; represent the scientific
diving interests of the membership before other organizations and
government agencies; and fund research, education and
development of safe scientific diving programs and practices.
Self Study Questions
Match the statement with the correct AAUS topic.
a. Historic Slogan
b. Mission Statement
c. Purposes and Goals
• Dedicated to the advancement and practice of scientific diving.
• To facilitate the development of safe and productive scientific divers
through education, research, advocacy, and the advancement of
standards for scientific diving practices, certifications, and
operations.
• Develop, review and revise standards; collect, review and distribute
statistics; conduct symposia and workshops; represent the scientific
diving interests of the membership before other organizations and
government agencies; and fund research, education and
development of safe scientific diving programs and practices.
Self Study Questions
Match the statement with the correct AAUS topic.
a. Historic Slogan
b. Mission Statement
c. Purposes and Goals
• Dedicated to the advancement and practice of scientific diving.
• To facilitate the development of safe and productive scientific divers
through education, research, advocacy, and the advancement of
standards for scientific diving practices, certifications, and
operations.
• Develop, review and revise standards; collect, review and distribute
statistics; conduct symposia and workshops; represent the scientific
diving interests of the membership before other organizations and
government agencies; and fund research, education and
development of safe scientific diving programs and practices.
Self Study Questions
Match the statement with the correct AAUS topic.
a. Historic Slogan
b. Mission Statement
c. Purposes and Goals
• Dedicated to the advancement and practice of scientific diving.
• To facilitate the development of safe and productive scientific divers
through education, research, advocacy, and the advancement of
standards for scientific diving practices, certifications, and
operations.
• Develop, review and revise standards; collect, review and distribute
statistics; conduct symposia and workshops; represent the scientific
diving interests of the membership before other organizations and
government agencies; and fund research, education and
development of safe scientific diving programs and practices.
Self Study Questions
AAUS standards provide information on minimum equipment
configuration that you need to be aware of and apply. For
example: Assuming each item attached to a regulator first
stage has its own hose and port (no combination items such as
an octopus/inflator), what is the minimum number of ports
necessary for a first stage supporting a diver wearing a
drysuit? (One cylinder, one first stage, account for all
regulator items specified in AAUS standards)
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
Self Study Questions
AAUS standards provide information on minimum equipment
configuration that you need to be aware of and apply. For
example: Assuming each item attached to a regulator first
stage has its own hose and port (no combination items such as
an octopus/inflator), what is the minimum number of ports
necessary for a first stage supporting a diver wearing a
drysuit? (One cylinder, one first stage, account for all
regulator items specified in AAUS standards)
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
Self Study Questions
Select all that apply to the operational control of a Diving
Control Board. There are at least four correct answers.
• Has autonomous and absolute authority over the scientific
diving program's operation.
• Has operational responsibility for the conduct of the local
diving program.
• Shall establish and/or approve training programs through
which the applicants for certification can satisfy the
requirements of the organizational member's diving safety
manual.
• Shall be at the dive location during the diving operation.
• Shall assure adherence to the buddy system for scuba diving.
• Empowers and guides the Diving Safety Officer in the
performance of required duties.
Self Study Questions
Select all that apply to the operational control of a Diving
Control Board. There are at least four correct answers.
• Has autonomous and absolute authority over the scientific
diving program's operation.
• Has operational responsibility for the conduct of the local
diving program.
• Shall establish and/or approve training programs through
which the applicants for certification can satisfy the
requirements of the organizational member's diving safety
manual.
• Shall be at the dive location during the diving operation.
• Shall assure adherence to the buddy system for scuba diving.
• Empowers and guides the Diving Safety Officer in the
performance of required duties.
Self Study Questions
The fight to obtain a scientific diving
exemption began in 1975 as a result of a
petition filed with OSHA by the _________.
• United Brotherhood of Carpenters and
Joiners of America
• Association of Dive Contractors (ADC)
• United Auto Workers
• American Academy of Underwater Sciences
(AAUS)
Self Study Questions
The fight to obtain a scientific diving
exemption began in 1975 as a result of a
petition filed with OSHA by the _________.
• United Brotherhood of Carpenters and
Joiners of America
• Association of Dive Contractors (ADC)
• United Auto Workers
• American Academy of Underwater Sciences
(AAUS)
Self Study Questions
Unlike scientific diving, recreational diving
is required by law to adhere to the buddy
system for scuba diving.
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
Unlike scientific diving, recreational diving
is required by law to adhere to the buddy
system for scuba diving.
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
Select all the true statements applying to Scientific Diving and the
exemption to OSHA Commercial Diving regulations. There are
at least four correct answers.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
diving performed solely as a necessary part of a scientific, research, or
educational activity by employees whose sole purpose for diving is to
perform scientific research tasks.
is exempt from commercial diving standards as long as the dives are under
the supervision of a Diving Safety Officer.
must be under the direction and control of a diving program with a diving
manual, and a Diving Control Board.
the tasks of a scientific diver are those of an observer and data gatherer.
construction and trouble-shooting tasks traditionally associated with
commercial diving are included within scientific diving.
scientific divers are scientists or scientists-in-training.
only members of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS)
can qualify for the scientific diving exemption.
Self Study Questions
Select all the true statements applying to Scientific Diving and the
exemption to OSHA Commercial Diving regulations. There are
at least four correct answers.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
diving performed solely as a necessary part of a scientific, research, or
educational activity by employees whose sole purpose for diving is to
perform scientific research tasks.
is exempt from commercial diving standards as long as the dives are under
the supervision of a Diving Safety Officer.
must be under the direction and control of a diving program with a diving
manual, and a Diving Control Board.
the tasks of a scientific diver are those of an observer and data gatherer.
construction and trouble-shooting tasks traditionally associated with
commercial diving are included within scientific diving.
scientific divers are scientists or scientists-in-training.
only members of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS)
can qualify for the scientific diving exemption.
Self Study Questions
One of the requirements for meeting the
scientific diving exemption to OSHA
commercial diving regulations is that the
majority of members of an organization's
Diving Control Board must be active
scientific divers.
a. True
b. False
Self Study Questions
One of the requirements for meeting the
scientific diving exemption to OSHA
commercial diving regulations is that the
majority of members of an organization's
Diving Control Board must be active
scientific divers.
a. True
b. False
Self Study Questions
Which of the following individuals is
required to be present at the scientific dive
site?
• the DSO
• a member of the DCB
• the Lead Diver
• a Diving Medical Technician
(DMT)/Chamber Operator
Self Study Questions
Which of the following individuals is
required to be present at the scientific dive
site?
•
•
•
•
the DSO
a member of the DCB
the Lead Diver
a Diving Medical Technician
(DMT)/Chamber Operator
Self Study Questions
AAUS Standards state: "Under all
circumstances, a diver will terminate the
dive, without fear of penalty, whenever
they feel it is unsafe to continue the dive.“
a.True
b.False
Self Study Questions
AAUS Standards state: "Under all
circumstances, a diver will terminate the
dive, without fear of penalty, whenever
they feel it is unsafe to continue the dive.“
a.True
b.False