• Research Divers conducting a survey along a transect in Belize

    Transect Survey in Belize

    Copyright © 2019 Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Zach Foltz

  • NMAAHC Archaeologist Gabrielle Miller diving at a Slave Wrecks Project at one of the largest sites of trans-oceanic enslavement on the African Coast.

    NMAAHC Archaeologist on a Slave Wrecks Project in Senegal

    NMAAHC Archaeologist Gabrielle Miller diving at a Slave Wrecks Project at one of the largest sites of trans-oceanic enslavement on the African Coast.

    Copyright © 2024 Photo by Marc-André Bernier

  • Dr. Chris Meyer installing Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures in the Dhofar region of Southern Oman

    ARMS Installation in Southern Oman

    Copyright © 2022 Photo by Marco Casartelli

  • Smithsonian Divers Survey for Marine Life on Vessel Hull

    Smithsonian Divers Survey for Marine Life on Vessel Hull

    Copyright © 2021 Photo by Benjamin Rubinoff

  • Smithsonian Ecosystems Exhibit in St Lucie County FL

    Aquarium maintenance for Smithsonian exhibit in St Lucie FL

    Copyright © 2020 Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Zach Foltz

  • Scientific Diving Students observe invasive species in the Caribbean Sea

    Scientific Diving Students observe invasive species

    Copyright © 2019 Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Laurie M. Penland

  • Scientific Diving under the ice near McMurdo Station, Ross Island, Antarctica

    Scientific Diving under the ice, McMurdo Station, Antarctica

    Copyright © 2017 Photo by Steven Rupp

  • Scientific Diving Students measure a shipwreck

    Scientific Diving Students measure a shipwreck

    Copyright © 2017 Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Laurie M. Penland

  • Smithsonian Diving Officers evaluate dive computers

    Smithsonian Diving Officers evaluate dive computers

    Copyright © 2017 Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Laurie M. Penland

  • Barrett Brooks collects algae during BioBlitz in Kane'ohe Bay

    Barrett Brooks collects algae during BioBlitz in Kaneohe Bay

    Copyright © 2017 Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Laurie M. Penland

  • American Trail Exhibit, National Zoological Park

    American Trail Exhibit, National Zoological Park

    Copyright © 2015 Photo by Lindsay Astrab Slater

  • Smithsonian Research Divers Sample Biofouling on Ship Hull in Bermuda

    Invasive Species Research - Marine Biofouling

    Copyright © 2014 Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Laurie M. Penland

Smithsonian Scientific Diving Program

​The Smithsonian Scientific Diving Program (SDP) supports underwater research at the Smithsonian Institution (SI) by establishing and implementing safety standards and procedures for all SI diving activities.  The SDP operates to ensure all diving operations are conducted safely and efficiently, with safety being the primary focus.

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For Science Divers

If your research involves potential diving under the auspices of the Smithsonian, this section of the SDP website is designed specifically for you.

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Where We Are Diving Today

Search Smithsonian Research results in SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS.

Pterois is an invasive species in the Caribbean.
Pterois (Lionfish) is an invasive species in the Caribbean. 
Copyright © 2012 Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Laurie M. Penland

 

Learn about some of the SCIENTIFIC PROJECTS which compel Smithsonian Scientists to dive underwater. 

Dr. Ian Davidson collects samples from hull of ship to test for invasive species
Dr. Ian Davidson collects samples from hull of ship to test for invasive species

 

 

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