SFSU Scientific Diving Program

The San Francisco State University Scientific Diving Program was created to support submerged science and education at the University. Presently, the program encompasses SFSU graduate students conducting thesis work and SFSU faculty who are involved in marine research. The program is available to currently enrolled students, SFSU faculty and staff.

Anyone diving under the auspices of SFSU must have current SFSU Scientific Diving status or Scientific Diver-In-Training status - there are no exceptions to this obligation. This includes diving for classes, graduate work, research, students involved in volunteer work, any research/work/volunteer diving for the California Academy of Sciences, or diving with other certified SFSU divers for research-related objectives.

If you hold a current Scientific Diver status from a recognized American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) institution, reciprocity may be granted. Please contact David Bell, SFSU Dive Safety Officer, for further details.

AAUS Scientific Diving

The SFSU Scientific Diving Program is recognized by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences and follows the guidelines set forth by this organization. New divers entering the program must follow the requirements for becoming a scientific diver. You are encouraged to read the SFSU Scientific Diving Manual, which details these requirements and may apply to the specific type of research you are planning or learn more about what is Scientific Diving. As part of the current SFSU requirements, you will need to have a valid open water SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized agency (PADI, NAUI, SSI or other). You will need a cumulative total of at least 25 logged dives.

For students just entering the field of Scientific Diving or have limited underwater expereince, a Scientific Diver-In-Training status may be granted based on your intended research, qualifications, medical evaluation and skills evaluations. Refer to the Scientific Diver-In-Training page for more information.