It is the responsibility of each scientific diver to maintain their fitness and proficiency as a diver.

Oregon State University Scientific Diver Classifications

Scientific Diver: Diver meets 100 hour training criteria, including dive number and bottom-time requirements. A checkout dive may be required if not previously completed at the time of classification as a Trainee or via reciprocity from another research diving program.

Scientific Diver-in-Training: A newly trained scientific diver who has not yet completed the required scientific dives and bottom times. Individuals qualified at the Trainee level must dive with an active OSU scientific diver at all times.

Visiting Diver: Diver certified through reciprocity from another scientific diving program.  Any visiting Scientific Diver may be asked by the OSU DCB to demonstrate their knowledge and skills for the planned dive.

Oregon State University Scientific Diver Status

Active: It is each individual diver's responsibility to keep their certification up to date. All OSU Scientific Divers must maintain up to date records on file with the OSU Diving Safety Program. Records include:

  1. Current Medical Evaluation and Medical History forms with no contraindications for diving 
  2. Current certifications in First Aid, CPR and Oxygen Provider
  3. Annual proof of equipment service and maintain 
  4. Meet the 12 dives per year standard minimum as mentioned in the AAUS Standards for Scientific Diving (Nov 2018) with at least one dive to their depth limit certification within the last 6 mo.
  5. Proof of current Dive Accident Insurance (most commonly through DAN)

Restricted: Diver has one or more non-medical deficiencies, (i.e., CPR / O2 provider is not current, equipment not inspected within 12 months or diver has not maintained the 12 divers per year activity level) but is otherwise qualified to dive according to standards of the OSU Diving Safety Manual. The OSU Diving Control Board has the authority to grant a waiver for specific requirements of training, examinations, depth certification, and minimum activity to maintain certification for any OSU diver. It is intended that in most cases the waiver is temporary to allow the diver to continue diving while correcting the deficiency. Restrictions are applied on a case by case basis by the DCB and may include temporary revocation of lead diver status, the requirement to dive only under the supervision of another OSU Active Scientific Diver, or a requirement to use OSU dive program-maintained equipment as appropriate.

Inactive: Diver has let medical examination expire and/or has not maintained minimum dive frequency of 12 dives per year for over a year. It is assumed that an inactive diver is no longer involved in research that includes diving. Reconsideration for active dive status requires contacting the DBSO, updating your records and may require refresher training and/or a skills/academic evaluation.

Depth Certifications and Progression to Next Depth Level

A certified diver may progress to the next depth level after successfully completing the required dives for the next level.  Dives deeper than certification depth shall be planned and executed under close supervision of a diver certified to that depth, with the knowledge and permission of the DBSO. Only under these circumstances may the diver exceed their depth limit. 

  • Certification to 30 Foot Depth - Initial permit level, approved upon the successful completion of training.
  • Certification to 60 Foot Depth - A diver holding a 30 foot certificate may be certified to a depth of 60 feet after successfully completing 12 logged dives to depths between 31 and 60 feet, for a minimum total time of 4 hours.
  • Certification to 100 Foot Depth - A diver holding a 60 foot certificate may be certified to a depth of 100 feet after successfully completing, 4 dives to depths between 61 and 100 feet. The diver shall also demonstrate proficiency in the use of the appropriate Dive Tables. 
  • Certification to 130 Foot Depth - A diver holding a 100 foot certificate may be certified to a depth of 130 feet after successfully completing, 4 dives to depths between 100 and 130 feet. The diver shall also demonstrate proficiency in the use of the appropriate Dive Tables.
  • Certification to 150 Foot Depth - A diver holding a 130 foot certificate may be certified to a depth of 150 feet after successfully completing, 4 dives to depths between 130 and 150 feet. The diver must also demonstrate knowledge of the special problems of deep diving, and of special safety requirements.
  • Certification to 190 Foot Depth - A diver holding a 150 foot certificate may be certified to a depth of 190 feet after successfully completing, 4 dives to depths between 150 and 190 feet.  The diver must also demonstrate knowledge of the special problems of deep diving, and of special safety requirements.