Collaborator

Scientists who are from other organizations and are conducting research in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution (SI) are required to receive diving AUTHORIZATION from the Scientific Diving Program (SDP).  If you are collaborating on a project with Smithsonian Institution (SI) and your home institution is:

  • a current AAUS Organizational Member (OM), you may be authorized to dive under RECIPROCITY DIVER status.
  • NOT a current AAUS Organizational Member (OM) but has a Scientific Diving Program, you may request to establish RECIPROCITY DIVER status with SI.
  • NOT an AAUS OM and do not belong to a Scientific Diving Program, contact the appropriate SI Diving Officer.  

Diver Authorization

1. Do you qualify to dive with SDP?  See SDP MINIMUM DIVING STANDARDS

2. Do you have an SI Sponsor?  All Visiting Scientists must have an SI Sponsor. 

3. Are you officially registered as a Visiting Scientist?  This is required before your dive application can be processed.

Minimum requirementsSDP MINIMUM DIVING STANDARDS

Dive HelmetRECIPROCITY DIVER REQUIREMENTS