The Smithsonian Scientific Diving Program (SDP) is comprised of a diverse collection of divers who work collaboratively with many entities outside the Smithsonian Institution (SI) in the pursuit of underwater scientific research.  Below is stated the SDP policy regarding the minimum standards which all divers must meet prior to conducting diving operations when;

1. Diving under the auspices of the SDP as an SI Diver, OR
2. Diving at an SI Facility or SI Hosted event, OR
3. Diving with SI Divers.  

Unless otherwise specifically addressed, all divers conducting dives with the SDP are required to:

1) Be certified as a Scientific Diver through an Organizational Member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) in accordance with 3.0 of the SDSM and,

2) Have conducted at least 25 open water dives or possess equivalent training and operational experience as determined by the Smithsonian Scientific Diving Officer (SDO).

Divers must abide by the policies outlined in the SI-SCIENTIFIC DIVING SAFETY MANUAL.  

See specific minimum standards for:

• SI-SCIENTIFIC DIVER 
• DIVER-IN-TRAINING

Visiting Divers must meet these requirements as Scientific Divers.
The SDP does not accept Visiting Divers who are Divers-in-Training.

If your HOME INSTITUTION IS NOT AN AAUS OM or you DO NOT HAVE A HOME INSTITUTION:
Consult your SI UDO in advance of committing to research requiring diving at an SI FACILITY  and/or diving with SI DIVERS.