Dive Planning

An OSU Dive Plan (PDF) must initially be filed with the DBSO and approved by the DCB for all scientific diving projects. Dives should be planned around the competency of the least experienced diver. The dive plan should include the following information:

  • Diving Mode(s) and Gas(es)
  • Divers’ authorizations
  • Approximate number of proposed dives
  • Location(s) of proposed dives
  • Estimated depth(s) and bottom time(s) anticipated
  • Decompression status and repetitive dive plans, if required
  • Proposed work, equipment, and boats to be employed
  • Any hazardous conditions anticipated
  • Emergency Action Plan (AAUS Standards Appendix 7)

In water details of the dive plan should include:

  • Dive Buddy assignments and tasks
  • Goals and objectives
  • Maximum depth(s) and bottom time
  • Gas management plan
  • Entry, exit, descent and ascent procedures
  • Perceived environmental and operational hazards and mitigations
  • Emergency and diver recall procedures

Logging Dives

All research dives are to be logged into the Online Dive Log ;or e-mailed to the DBSO within one month of completing the dives. The OSU online dive log is the preferred method of logging dives. As an alternative, a standardized Dive Log Template (XLS) is available for divers not using the online log. During any 12-month period, each certified scientific diver shall log a minimum of 12 dives in accordance to AAUS Standards. The OSU Dive Log Roster Template (PDF) may be used in the field to keep track of pertinent dive log details in between each dive.

Maintaining Certification

Diving Physical: An OSU Medical Evaluation (PDF) and OSU Medical History (PDF) are required within the preceding 5 years (3 years if over the age of 40, 2 years if over the age of 60) from the last diving medical evaluation. Following any major injury or illness, medical clearance to return to diving must be obtained from a physician. Please refer to the OSU dive medical evaluation instructions and contact the OSU DBSO if you have any questions concerning your fitness to dive.

CPR, First-Aid & Emergency Oxygen Administration: Certifications are to be kept current. The length of certification depends on training agency standards. Most courses of these types require recertification every two years.

Depth Certification: At least one dive to the depth of certification shall be made during each six-month period to keep the certification. Information about how to increase your current depth certification can be found in the Depth Certification section.

Logging Dives: All research dives are to be logged into the Online Dive Log or e-mailed to the DBSO within one month of dives. A standardized Dive Log Template (XLS) is available for divers not using the online log. During any 12-month period, each certified scientific diver shall log a minimum of 12 dives.

Equipment: All life-support equipment shall be regularly examined by the diver. Regulators (1st & 2nd Stage), alternate air sources, hoses, gauges, computers, drysuits, and BCs are to be inspected and tested at 12 month intervals and overhauled if required. SCUBA cylinders must be hydrostatically tested in accordance with DOT standards, and a visual inspection performed annually. An equipment inspection form should be completed by a certified repair technician and submitted to the Diving Safety Office annually.

Lead Diver Authorization

The Lead Diver is a formal designation appointed by the DBSO. They must be a certified scientific diver with appropriate experience and training to conduct the diving operation. For each dive, one individual shall be designated as the Lead Diver who shall be at the dive location during the diving operation.

The Lead Diver is responsible for:

  • Ensuring dives are conducted in accordance with Section 2.0 of the AAUS Standards.
  • Ensuring all dive team members possess current authorization and are qualified for the type of diving operation.
  • Coordination with other known activities in the vicinity that are likely to interfere with diving operations.
  • Ensuring safety and emergency equipment is in working order and at the dive site.
  • Suspending diving operations if in their opinion conditions are not safe.
  • Reporting to the DCB, through the DBSO, any physical problems or adverse physiological effects including symptoms of pressure-related injuries.

The Lead Diver Checklist (PDF) is a tool designed to help OSU Lead Divers while in the field. It is the Lead Diver's responsibility to notify the DBSO of serious problems immediately and in general provide a debrief upon cessation of diving.

Equipment Rentals

All life-support equipment shall be regularly examined by the diver. Regulators (1st & 2nd Stage), alternate air sources, hoses, gauges, computers, drysuits, and BCs are to be inspected and tested at 12 month intervals and overhauled if required. SCUBA cylinders must be hydrostatically tested in accordance with DOT standards, and a visual inspection performed annually.  An equipment inspection form should be completed by a certified repair technician and submitted to the Diving Safety Office annually.

The OSU Scientific Diving program has a limited selection of gear available for divers to use. Gear is only issued to Active status Scientific Divers who demonstrate a need to dive for work or for proficiency purposes. For more information on how to check out dive gear from the Scientific Diving Program please contact the DBSO.

The OSU Academic and Recreational Dive Center rents gear, equipment, and air fills to current OSU employees and students with active OSU ID numbers. Students and employees may register for multiple sets of gear. Non-OSU employees or students may still register for air fills.

Close Call / Incident Reporting

All diving incidents / close calls must be reported to the DBSO in a timely manner as stated in section 2.70 of the AAUS standards. The OSU Incident / Close Call Report form (PDF) can help with this.

Medical Examination

The AAUS/OSU Medical Evaluation (PDF) 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 DBSO. OSU Student Medical Services/Occupational Health Services, Plageman Hall, 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.

Dive Accident Insurance

The OSU Dive Control Board strongly recommends that all OSU Scientific Divers belong to Diver’s Alert Network (DAN) or carry and maintain equivalent dive accident insurance. Go to the DAN website and use referral number 1339703 on your membership application.