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Diver-In-Training

General: This category recognizes that a diver has the knowledge skills and experience necessary to continue training as a scientific diver under supervision, as approved by the DSO.  The intent of this category is to allow future Smithsonian Scientific Divers to begin their work prior to completion of the scientific diving course OR if recently completed the course, prior to completing the requisite 25 dives.

Eligibility: Smithsonian personnel (including but not limited to: Volunteers, Fellows, Interns, Contractors, and Employees) who require the use of scuba for research activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Scientific Diving Course participation/completion with less than 25 open water dives; OR Dive Rescue and Advanced Open Water Diver from an internationally recognized recreational certification and a minimum of 25 open water dives.
  • SDP swim test completion
  • SDP check-out dive
  • SDP written exams

Limitations: Divers must abide by the limitations outlined in the  SI-SCIENTIFIC DIVING SAFETY MANUAL and shall be supervised at all times.  Initial depth limitations will be set to 30 fsw.

Steps to authorization: 

To enroll in the SI Scientific Diving Course:

  1. Contact your SI Unit Diving Officer (UDO) on when the course will be available
  2. Submit enrollment letter with Supervisor or Sponsor approval
  3. Ensure diving is included in your performance plan (Employees only)
  4. Create a DecoStop account (UDO will provide link) 
  5. Receive diving medical clearance from SI-OHS (See UDO for guidance)
  6. Successfully complete SDP swim test, supervised by UDO

If not currently participating in the SI Scientific Diving Course and not a Reciprocity Diver:

  1. Receive Supervisor or Sponsor approval
  2. Contact your Unit Diving Officer (UDO) to see if you qualify and when the course will be available
  3. Create a DecoStop account (UDO will provide link) 
  4. Provide the following diving records:
    • Logs of last 25 open water dives
    • Recreational scuba certification cards for Advanced Open Water and Rescue
    • Current DFA Pro or equivalent training (within one year)
  5. Successfully complete SDP swim test
  6. Successfully complete SDP check-out dive
  7. Successfully complete SDP written exam

If you are a Reciprocity Diver with less than 25 open water dives:

  1. Submit your application under RECIPROCITY divers once you have at least 25 open water dives. Reciprocity divers with less than 25 dives are not accepted to dive with the SDP.