Diving Program

The FSUCML Academic Diving Program1 (ADP)--established in 1975— oversees and supports all underwater research conducted by faculty, students, and staff from the FSU Coastal & Marine Laboratory and the Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies; the departments of Biological Science, Oceanography, and Anthropology; and the FSU Film School for whom underwater research is an element of their research or job description. Instruction is provided in the use of SCUBA diving as a tool and in the use of remote sensing equipment, including side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiler, and remote operated vehicles. The ADP maintains a complete inventory of SCUBA, remote sensing, and field equipment for the diving needs of students, faculty, and staff associated with the program.

Candidate Scientific Divers can become certified science divers by applying for scientific diving status, completing the appropriate forms, taking a written examination on general SCUBA diving knowledge, and a practical skills and fitness evaluation, including swimming, skin diving, and SCUBA diving skills. Written exams and fitness evaluations are scheduled through the ADP office. Students are required to submit a transcript detailing their coursework. Training requirements are outlined in the FSU Standards for Scientific Diving.

Divers already certified as science divers through a nationally recognized program (e.g., American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) or Canadian Association for Underwater Science (CAUS)) can dive on FSU-sponsored projects either by establishing science diver status directly through ADP or, for visiting students and faculty, by having their home institution establish diving reciprocity with Florida State University.

Dive Plans for every dive event that involves diving or the use of ADP equipment must be submitted to the University Diving Officer four weeks prior to planned diving activities. All dives must be recorded on the online dive log.

Diving Medical Exams are required for all FSU science divers. The exam can be administered by any physician knowledgeable in hyperbaric medicine. The examination results are provided to the ADP University Diving Officer on the provided forms. The Diving Officer, in consultation with the physician, is the sole determiner of an individual’s physical fitness to dive. The cost of this evaluation is the responsibility of the prospective diver. FSU divers on sponsored projects should contact ADP for assistance with grant-funded physicals.

Note: Allow at least six weeks between the physical exam and obtaining ADP clearance

1The FSUCML is an active institutional member of The American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) and the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI).