Scientific Diving
The University of Michigan (U-M) Scientific Dive Safety Program monitors the health and safety of divers operating under U-M sanctioned programs or research to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. The U-M Scientific Dive Safety Program is managed by the Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Diving Safety Coordinator who:
- Authorizes individuals wanting to dive in conjunction with employment, research, or educational activities at U-M
- Reviews health and safety aspects of research projects and instructional activities which involve skin, scuba, or surface-supplied diving
- Consults with divers and their supervisors about personnel selection and training
- Evaluates work sites and identifies job-related hazards
- Reviews equipment requirements, diving protocol, and operational safety
- Evaluates the condition of the applicant’s diving equipment or U-M owned diving equipment to be used and specifies technical inspection and maintenance requirements by a qualified technician
- Informs divers of the potential risk of working underwater and what to do to protect themselves
Supplemental Information
Safety Authorization for U-M Scientific Diving
Divers must apply for authorization, undergo evaluations, complete training courses, and receive authorization before engaging in scientific dives. To become authorized to engage in scientific diving at U-M, divers must meet with the Diving Safety Coordinator, who will evaluate them for proficiency and competency.
The U-M Diver Authorization document requires the following information about the diver:
- Current Medical approval from a U-M health professional
- Current CPR/first aid certification
- Current DAN oxygen administration certification
- Diving depth and environment(s)
- Training and certification
- Special equipment and breathing gas endorsements, if any
- Restrictions
- Date of expiration
- In-water skill evaluation (pool or open water) depending on nature of authorization
Applying for Authorization
Individuals wanting to dive in conjunction with employment, research, or educational activity must submit the following documents to the Diving Safety Coordinator.
- An Application for Diver Authorization to the Diving Safety Coordinator at divegeek@earthlink.com
- Copies of all diving-related credentials (certifications cards, certificates, authorizations from other universities)
- Diving safety log (logbook, descriptive summary, etc.) documenting the past five years of diving activity
- A brief written description of intended underwater activity including geographic locations, anticipated environmental conditions, anticipated maximum dive depth requirements, and nature of underwater tasks
- The U-M Statement of Understanding form signed
- The U-M Release and Acknowledgement of Risk form signed
Undergoing Evaluations
Divers must,
- Complete an interview with the Diving Safety Coordinator
- Submit all information required on the Checklist for Scuba Diving Authorization
- Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skill of diving for the anticipated mission. This may include swimming, diving skill, and knowledge evaluation.
Renewing Authorization
Divers must renew their authorizations to dive annually from the date of medical examination. Divers are required to:
- Submit documentation of diving activity for prior 12 months
- Complete an annual Divers Medical Examination
- Maintain current first aid, CPR, and DAN oxygen first aid certifications
Diver Training Programs
Training programs available through EHS include the:
- Periodic diver update
- Oxygen provider
- Diving injury management
- Scientific diver
- Oxygen enriched air
- Dry Suits
- Additional Programs as needed
Contact the Diving Safety Coordinator at divegeek@earthlink.com.