Scientific Diving Training

The Smithsonian Scientific Diving Program provides Scientific Diving Training Courses to SI Employees, Interns, Volunteers, Fellows and Contractors who will be participating in Smithsonian underwater research.

The 100 hour Scientific Diving Course consists of the following:

  • Diving Skills
  • Safe Practices
  • Dive Planning
  • SDP Policy
  • Barotrauma
  • Hazardous Marine Life
  • Diving First Aid
  • Diver Rescue
  • Underwater Navigation
  • Diving Physiology
  • Diving Physics
  • Gas Laws
  • Decompression Theory
  • Dive Computers
  • Underwater Environment
  • Specialty Training as needed.

If you are eligible to participate, CONTACT your SDP Unit Diving Officer for enrollment information.

  • Student performs injured diver rescue drill during open water training for Smithsonian's Scientific Diver Course

    Student performs injured diver rescue drill during open water training for Smithsonian's Scientific Diver Course.

  • Students receive on-site compressor training at Smithsonian Research Station in Bocas del Toro, Panama

    Students receive on-site compressor training at Smithsonian Research Station in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

  • Underwater navigation is an essential skill taught at the Smithsonian Scientific Diving Course

    Underwater navigation is an essential skill taught at the Smithsonian Scientific Diving Course.

  • Surface Marker Buoys are released at a safety stop

    Surface Marker Buoys are released at a safety stop as part of the open water training for the Smithsonian Scientific Diving Course.