Diving Safety Program

Dive Training

In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, all UH Hilo dive training has been postponed or cancelled until further notice.

Scientific Diver-In-Training Process

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).

  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.

Diver-In-Training Skill Evaluations

DIT Checkouts
Dates: TBD
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 UH Hilo 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.

SDQC
Dates: TBD

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.

Fall 2020 Refresher
Dates: TBD
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.