Dive Safety

Scientific Diving at the University of Maine

Scientific diving is defined by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) as diving performed solely as a necessary part of a scientific, research, or educational activity by employees whose sole purpose for diving is to perform scientific research tasks [29CFR1910.402]. As part of an exemption from traditional commercial diving guidelines, OHSA requires that scientific diving programs be supervised by a Diving Control Board and governed by a Diving Safety Manual to provide for the safety of all participants.

Scientific dives use specialized expertise to study the underwater environment and utilize scuba or other diving equipment as a tool by which to gain access to this realm. The primary role of a scientific diver is that of an observer and data gatherer. Common activities include: visual measurements and/or counts of marine organisms, underwater mapping, collection of biological or physical samples, photography, and placement of scientific equipment.

At UMaine, scientific diving is conducted by scientists, professors, research technicians, staff, and students to assist in scientific research in many fields including but not limited to archaeology, biology, ecology, limnology, oceanography, and engineering.

For the most part, scientific diving at UMaine is conducted from the Darling Marine Center. Located on the shores of the Damariscotta River in Walpole, the Darling Center is an ideal site for staging scientific diving activities. UMaine scientists also conduct diving related research around the U.S. and worldwide in Australia, the Caribbean, and other locales.

Since 1995, over 11,000 scientific dives have been conducted at UMaine with an average of 1,400 dives per year. Most diving is conducted from June through October when water temperatures are warmest.

Scientific divers are held to a higher standard than typical recreational divers and must pass stringent physical exams and meet additional training requirements. If you would like to use diving in the pursuit of your research or simply obtain additional information, contact the UMaine Dive Safety Officer, 563-3146 or 581-3321-Ext. 232. A complete description of UMaine diving practices can be found in the UMAINE Standards for Scientific Diving Certification and Operation of Scientific Diving Programs. Please read through this manual and complete the required documentation to expedite your admission to our diving program.

A brief description of the required elements is presented below:

1. Introduction to Scientific Diving and the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS)
For those unfamiliar with scientific diving practices, this provides a generalized description of Scientific Diving as defined by OSHA, and an introduction to the history and mission of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS).

2. Diving Medical Form which includes:

• Diving Medical Exam Overview for the Examining Physician
  Provides the examining physician with a brief overview of the medical considerations faced by scuba divers. Physicians unfamiliar with diving medicine should consult the Selected References in Diving Medicine, or call the UMAINE Diving Safety Officer (DSO) for more information.

• Medical Evaluation of Fitness for Scuba Diving Report
  To be completed by the examining physician; includes their professional medical recommendation regarding your participation in diving activities. Listed tests are required, not optional.

• Diving Medical History Form
  To be completed by the diver and reviewed by the physician prior to the physical exam.

3. University of Maine Scientific Diver Information Sheet provides the UMAINE DSO with information concerning the diver's training and experience. In order to become a qualified Scientific Diver with the University of Maine divers must complete additional training beyond recreational levels and maintain a minimum level of diving activity. This document also contains a list of mandatory equipment. The University has scuba cylinders available for use, but does not provide any other diving equipment.

4. UMAINE Scientific Diver Application
Provides an overview of the elements required for qualification and ranking as a UMAINE diver. Official copy to be completed by the UMAINE DSO, however, it may be used as a checklist by the candidate to monitor progress in the application process.

5. Other Required Documents

• Copy of your scuba certification card(s).
• Documented proof of regulator service, within 12 months (copies of receipts are sufficient).
• Documented proof of current CPR, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration training. This training is required for qualification at the level of Scientific Diver; limited diving activities can be conducted until training is obtained. Training is available from the Diving Safety Officer.

6. Exposure Protection
Summer water temperatures in Maine range from 40-600F (4-150C), with air temperatures from 60-800F (15-260C). Cooler temperatures occur during days of inclement weather. Most diving research is conducted from open boats, and may include multiple dives per day. Divers are encouraged to prepare accordingly and insure they possess adequate exposure protection both in and out of the water.

Click here for additional information regarding training requirements for divers.

Contact Information

UMaine Diving Safety Officer:
Christopher Rigaud
Dept. of Safety and Environmental Management
Phone: 207-563-3146 ext.232

UMaine Diving Control Board:
Warren Riess, PhD.
Bob Steneck, PhD.
Robert Downs
Christopher Rigaud

Acknowledgments
Photos provided by: Bob Steneck, PhD., Dept. of Oceanography