Becoming an OSU Scientific Diver

A swiming pool with people in scuba gear.

Becoming an OSU Scientific Diver

Whether you are completely new to Scientific Diving or are transferring in from another AAUS institution, we can get you ready for underwater research. Oregon State University is an organizational member in good standing with the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) and all scientific dives are conducted in accordance with the  most recent AAUS Standards for Scientific Diving. All persons conducting scientific diving under the auspices of Oregon State University's (OSU) Scientific Diving Program (SDP) must have prior authorization to do so, which may involve formal training either at OSU or another institution.

Eligibility for Scientific Diver Authorization at OSU

To be eligible for OSU Scientific Diver authorization, a person must be a current student, staff, faculty, or approved volunteer and have a need to dive as part of their schooling, research, or work for the university. OSU Scientific Divers can obtain AAUS training through OSU or other AAUS institutions. The SDP also has the ability to accept transfer divers from other AAUS institutions.

AAUS standards require a minimum of 100 hours of combined theoretical and practical introductory training. Experience in lieu of training and recognition of prior learning will be determined on an individual basis by the Diving Safety Officer (DSO) and approved by the Diving Control Board (DCB).

New Divers
Transfer Divers

New Divers: Scientific Diver Training at OSU

OSU offers Introduction to Scientific Diving (FW 430/530) in the Spring quarter every year. This is a 4 credit, term-long course and instructor permission is required to register. The course meets or exceeds the AAUS minimum standards and includes lectures, pool lab sessions, and 12 open-water dives. Students who complete the course requirements may become eligible for authorization as an OSU/AAUS Scientific Diver with DSO/DCB approval. Interested students should review the prerequisites listed below and contact the DSO for more details.  See this OSU Scientific Diving course fact sheet for more details.

Minimum Course Prerequisites

  • Permission of Instructor
  • Rescue Diver certification from a recognized training agency (NAUI, PADI, SDI, SSI, etc).
  • Submission of the AAUS/OSU Scientific Diving Application to the OSU DSO
  • Submission of 1.) Medical History Form and 2.) AAUS/OSU Medical Evaluation of Fitness for Scuba Diving showing no contraindications for diving to the OSU DSO
  • Current certifications in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration (can be acquired during term)
  • Proof of diving accident insurance (Divers Alert Network or equivalent)
  • Student must provide basic snorkeling gear and suitable exposure protection. The SDP can provide cutting tool, light, writing slate, and underwater timing device if necessary.
  • Complete the OSU/AAUS Scientific Diver Swim Evaluation (during first lab session)

Recommended Course Prerequisites

  • Cold water diving experience; experience with cold water exposure protection (dry suit, thick wet suit, thick or dry gloves)

OSU Scientific Diver Course Application Paperwork

The Scientific Diving Application is the first document you need to start your diver file and begin the process to become an OSU Scientific Diver. It has your information (name, address, email, etc.) along with copies of certifications and emergency contact and dive history information.

The OSU Medical History Form is completed by the applicant diver and submitted to the OSU DSO.

The AAUS/OSU Medical Evaluation of Fitness for Scuba Diving must be signed by the examining physician (not a Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner) with required tests initialed by the examining physician, then submitted to the OSU DSO. OSU Student Medical Services/Occupational Health Services can perform this physical examination, or the applicant may use a physician of choice. Please note that all tests listed on the form are mandatory- a physician cannot waive any of these requirements. No OSU diving or in-water training may be conducted until the medical evaluation is completed.

These forms can be found in Training & Resources, or requested from the Diving Safety Officer.

The OSU Dive Control Board (DCB) requires that all OSU Scientific Divers carry and maintain proof of dive accident insurance Diver’s Alert Network (DAN) or equivalent.

OSU and AAUS require that scientific divers maintain certifications in First Aid, CPR/AED, and Emergency Oxygen Administration. These certifications may be obtained through an outside provider or through SDP course offerings.

All life-support equipment shall be regularly examined by the diver prior to each use. AAUS standards require annual verification of life-support equipment evaluation and service. Divers using their own equipment for training or research must have their gear inspected annually by an authorized technician, per AAUS requirements with service records submitted to the SDP. SCUBA cylinders must be hydrostatically tested in accordance with DOT standards, and a visual inspection performed annually. 

Transfer Divers:

Transferring Scientific Diver status to OSU from another AAUS institution

If you completed your AAUS Scientific Diving training at another institution and wish to conduct scientific diving at OSU, you will need to establish OSU as your AAUS "home institution." Please reach out to the SDP to coordinate your onboarding. You will need to provide an AAUS Verification of Training (VOT) from your previous institution and submit an OSU Scientific Diving Application and Medical History Forms to the SDP. Any other expired AAUS requirements will need to be updated. Final onboarding will include checkout dives with the OSU DSO or their designee.  

Requirements

Transfer Diver Paperwork

Transferring divers should communicate with their previous institution to obtain an AAUS Verification of Training (VOT). This document serves as proof of prior AAUS Scientific Diver training and authorization.

This document is the first document needed to start your diver file and begin the process to become an OSU Scientific Diver. It has your information (name, address, email, etc.) along with copies of certifications and emergency contact and dive history information. This form can be found in Training & Resources, or requested from the Diving Safety Officer.

The OSU Diving Control Board (DCB) requires that all OSU Scientific Divers carry and maintain dive accident insurance. The most commonly used company is the Diver's Alert Network (DAN).

As a previous Scientific Diver, you may have completed these at your previous institution. OSU requires each of these to be taken every two years, so you may need to retake the courses to become an active diver at OSU. These certifications may be obtained through an outside provider or through SDP course offerings.

All life-support equipment shall be regularly examined by the diver prior to each use. AAUS standards require annual verification of life-support equipment evaluation and service. Divers using their own equipment for training or research must have their gear inspected annually by an authorized technician, per AAUS requirements with service records submitted to the SDP. SCUBA cylinders must be hydro-statically tested in accordance with DOT standards, and a visual inspection performed annually.