Guide Star Platinum level
Connecticut Scuba Academy Scientific Dive Program
SCIENTIFIC DIVER TRAINING COURSE
Connecticut Scuba Academy's Scientific Diving Program trains and supports scientists, students, technicians, and volunteers in using underwater techniques and technology necessary to safely conduct their research in underwater environments. The Academy has multiple partners we collaborate with, offering our students a diverse selection of research opportunities. The CTSA AAUS Scientific Diving Course is a 100+ hour course required of anyone wishing to use SCUBA for their scientific research or employment under the auspices of CTSA. 2 courses are planned annually. The course curriculum includes:
- Physics and Physiology of Diving, Decompression Theory and Dive Planning, Equipment and Environmental Considerations, Academy Scientific Diving Program and Policy, and subtidal sampling techniques
- Dive Rescue
- Diving Emergency First Aid (CPR, first aid, oxygen administration, field neurological examination, and hazardous marine life) training
- Nitrox
- Written CTSA Scientific Diver examination and
- 12+ supervised open water dives.
Minimum course prerequisites include
- Entry-level diver certification from an internationally-recognized SCUBA training agency (the Academy can provide the open water course).
- Submission of the CTSA Scientific Diver Application via CTSA's Web diver portal
- CTSA Diving Medical Clearance. You may use your physician provided they complete all tests indicated for an Initial Exam.
- Swimming and Skin Diving Evaluation; All participants in the Diving Course must exhibit swimming and watermanship skills appropriate for SCUBA activities.
In confined water, participants must
- Swim underwater without fins for a distance of 25 yards without surfacing
- Swim 400 yards in less than 12 minutes without swim aids.
- Tread water for 10 minutes, or 2 minutes without the use of hands, without swim aids.
- Without using swim aids, transport a person of equal size a distance of 25 yards in the water.
Equipment Requirements; Students are to provide a mask, snorkel, fins, exposure suit (7 or 5 mm wetsuit, hood, boots, gloves), diving computer, weight belt, weights (~16-20 lbs), and a dive bag. The Academy Dive locker has equipment available for the class, though it is strongly recommended that participants purchase their personal dive equipment. Please consult with Academy Instructors or Diving Locker Supervisor before any gear purchase to discuss your best options and pricing.
Additional Information
The Academy Science diving program runs twice a year, dependent on the participants. The course schedule is early spring to mid-summer, then mid-summer to fall.
The Academy runs a special winter course from October to June every year. The winter course is designed to give students plenty of time to complete assignments and extra pool time for skill development. The winter program is perfect for full-time students or individuals with already full schedules.
- Course Fee*: $1500 +$100 each if SDI equivalent certifications are desired.
- Prerequisites:
- Open Water Scuba certification from a nationally recognized training agency. This can be done through the Academy.
- Complete all seven forms found under Science Diver Application Forms
- Completed online modules.
- Enrollment Cap: 8 students (additional sections may be scheduled with sufficient demand).
- Content Delivery:
- Online learning platform
- In-class instruction and hands-on experiential skills development.
- NOAA Diving Manual 6th Edition (www.bestpub.com $116)
- Skill development: Participation in multiple research programs throughout Connecticut and New England.
- Research: Students will participate in actual research with our partner agencies and organizations while taking the course, gaining real-world experience.
- Expeditions: The Academy offers educational research and reef restoration expeditions to Florida and Bonaire (Epencess for expeditions not included).
- Who Should Enroll: Certified divers wishing to increase their in-water competence and obtain scientific diver certification.
Course fee includes:
- Access to the online learning platform.
- Diver Alert Network: Diving First Aid for Professional Divers
- Class remote and in person.
- Training dives plus pool. (transportation, meals, incidentals not included)
- Tanks & fills
NOT INCLUDED: NOAA Manual, Travel, lodging, meals, incidentals, and optional individual DAN and AAUS membership fees
.Email Academy@ctscuba.org to register