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Diving Safety Program

Dive Training

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Scientific Diver-In-Training Process

A diver conducting an underwater survey

In keeping with the training requirements of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences and UH policy, the UH Diving Safety Program does not offer training to the general public. The UH Scientific Diver Qualification Course (SDQC) is considered employer-provided, occupational safety training, and is generally only open to UH faculty, staff and students who need it to complete their official UH research or educational activities. In rare circumstances, UHDSP will accommodate scientists from partner AAUS or state or federal agencies, with the approval of the agency's diving safety control board.

We recommend you read the DIT Application Flow Chart and the DIT Skill Qualification Checklist to help with the application process. Completion of the DIT process is required for the Scientific Diver Qualification Course and QUEST (MARE 264).

Seven Steps

  1. Obtain Open Water or Basic Scuba Certification
  2. Acquire approval from advisor or major professor verifying need for scientific diving
  3. Contact UH-Hilo Unit Diving Coordinator
  4. Complete UH Diver Application and UH Diving Medical Exam
  5. Sign up for DAN Dive Insurance (master level or above)
  6. Provide equipment service records or proof of purchase (equipment rentals can be arranged)
  7. Pass pool and open water skill evaluations

Please navigate to the Forms & Information page to find all necessary documents for your application.

Diver-In-Training Skill Evaluations

DIT Checkouts
- DIT checkouts are by reservation with the UDC.
- DIT checkouts can only be completed after the UH Diver Application, Medical, and DAN Insurance have been obtained.
Note For Students Transferring to UH Hilo
If you have already completed a Scientific Diver training course at another university or institution, you may be eligible to transfer your training to University of Hawaiʻi. Contact the Unit Diving Coordinator for more information.

Scientific Diver Courses

Scientific Diver Qualification Course

DAN First Aid Professional Responder Course (DFA Pro)

Semi-Annual Refreshers Offered to Current UH-Hilo Faculty/Staff and Students
Dates: Available upon request
Cost: $60.00

Maintaining Active Diver Status

The following are required to remain an Active Status diver. We recommend you periodically check your diver status and stay up to date on all requirements.

  1. Proof of physical fitness and current medical examination
  2. Current DFA Pro certification
  3. Current DAN insurance coverage
  4. Monthly dive logs (12 dives annually, 1 every 6 months)
  5. Maintain diving equipment (annual inspection, service per manufacturer's specifications)

If your medical condition changes or an injury occurs, we require a physician's approval to return to diving activity.