Connecticut Scuba Academy Scientific Dive Program

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  Connecticut Scuba Academy's Scientific Diving program trains and supports scientists, students, technicians, and volunteers using underwater techniques and technology to conduct research safely in underwater environments. The Academy has multiple partners we collaborate with, offering our students diverse research opportunities. 

CTSA's 100-hour course is based on the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) standards. This scientific diver certification is required to dive under the auspices of CTSA and other Government and AAUS Organizational Members like the California Science Center, Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), the University of Connecticut Uconn), University of Rhode Island (URI), etc. To be fully certified as an AAUS/CTSA scientific diver, already certified divers with an Open water certification must complete a check-out open water scuba dive with the DSO and at least 11 additional dives under the DSO's or a delegate's direction for a total of at least 12 open water dives. Depending on the individual diver's ability, additional dives might be required for those divers. Divers must demonstrate adequate scuba skills, and knowledge of the local diving environment, complete ALL pool work and lectures and pass a written final exam. 

The CTSA AAUS Scientific Diving Course course is recognized and accepted by colleges and universities, government agencies, museums and environmental and archaeological consulting firms, and community science groups worldwide. Two courses are planned annually. The course curriculum includes the following:

• 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 

1. Swim underwater without fins for a distance of 25 yards without surfacing
2. Swim 400 yards in less than 12 minutes without swim aids.
3. Tread water for 10 or 2 minutes without using hands or swim aids.
4. Without using swim aids, transport a person of equal size a distance of 25 yards in the water.

Equipment Requirements; Students must 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. Before making any gear purchase, please consult with Academy Instructors or Diving Locker Supervisor to discuss your best options and pricing.