home arrow-down arrow-up menu new-tab phone fax mail

Skip to content

Diving Safety Program

Dive Training

Scientific Diver-In-Training Process

We recommend you read the DIT Application Flow Chart and the DIT Skill Qualification Checklist to help with the application process.

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

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

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.

Courses Currently Scheduled

Scientific Diver Qualification Course

The Scientific Diver Qualification Course (SDQC) at UHH is offered during the summer and as needed during the fall and spring semester. The course is intended to enhance students' diving and underwater research knowledge in preparation for a career in sectors such as marine science, oceanography, conservation, geology, and more. This course is not for credit hours, but for certification and experience. It is an invaluable addition to any prospective diver or scientist’s career path.

Summer 2019 SDQC - May 27th - June 9th
- Applications & Medicals Due: 2/20/19
- DIT Checkouts Complete: 3/31/19
- eLearning Complete: 4/30/19

Summer Science Diver Qualification Course Flyer

DAN First Aid Professional Responder Course (DFA Pro)

DFA Pro is taught during the SDQC, with refresher courses every fall and spring semester. This course is intended for divers who are required to have first aid, CPR and oxygen first aid training prior to diving as part of their job responsibilities. It combines the training from Emergency Oxygen for Scuba Diving Injuries, Neurological Assessment, First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries as well Basic Life Support: CPR and First Aid. It meets U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for workplace CPR and first aid.

Spring 2019 Refresher
Dates TBD
Fall 2019 Refresher
Dates TBD

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.