Marine Science Center of Northeastern University

Scientific diving is defined (29 CFR 1910.402) 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.

Northeastern University is an organizational member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) and adheres to its standards for scientific diving. On an annual basis, 50-60 NU certified scientific divers make 1200 - 1500 scientific dives. MSC operates a year round scientific diving program with compressor facilities, dive locker and boats available for diving support.

All divers must be certified as scientific divers. Application materials are contained in the NU Diving Safety Manual.. Scientific diver training is offered (Diving Research Methods) during the summer quarter and as part of the Three Seas Program.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SCIENTIFIC DIVER CERTIFICATION
Applicants must convince the Diving Safety Officer and members of the Diving Control Board (DCB) that they are sufficiently skilled and proficient to be certified. Any applicant who does not possess the necessary judgment, under diving conditions, for the safety of the diver and his/her partner, may be denied scientific diving privileges. Minimum documentation and examinations required are as follows:

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
(Located in NU Diving Safety Manual Appendices)

Diving Authorization Form
Medical approval
Proof of diver-in-training permit level or its equivalent
Emergency Care Training
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Standard or basic first aid
- Emergency oxygen administration
Proof of Diving Accident Insurance coverage
(Required for all students)
- Available From Divers Alert Network.

TRAINING
The diver must complete additional theoretical aspects and practical training beyond the diver-in-training permit level for a minimum cumulative time of 100 hours. Practical training shall include at least 12 supervised ocean or open water dives in a variety of dive sites and diving conditions, for a cumulative bottom time of 6 hours.

EXAMINATIONS
Written examination for the certificate level.
Examination of equipment.
Open water check-out dives to appropriate depths with evaluation of diving proficiency skills.

DIVING COURSES AT NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Diving Research Methods BIO U589/BIO G289 2 SH
A field-oriented course designed to introduce SCUBA certified students to techniques used in the study of biology, ecology and physiology of subtidal organisms. Current underwater research methods are learned and implemented in underwater exercises. Potential topics for lectures and labs include: diving physiology, sampling design, statistical analysis, underwater video and photography, population censusing methods, measurement of currents and hydrodynamic forces, underwater telemetry, and use of submersibles in research. Students supply their own dive gear except tanks. Advanced diving and O2 administration certifications are available. Scuba certification and extensive dive physical are required. This course fulfills the training requirements for AAUS Scientific Diver. Offered during the MSC Summer Program

Beginning Scuba BIO U105 1 SH
Focuses on basic skin-diving and scuba-diving skills, with emphasis on safety. Option for Basic Open Water Certification. Check current course offerings for schedule.

DIVE MANUAL (PDF)

For information contact:
Diving Safety Officer
Marine Science Center
430 Nahant Road, East Point
Nahant, MA 01908
Phone: (781) 581-7370
Fax: (781) 581-6076

[Back to Top]