Research Diver Program

What Makes AAUS Scientific Diver Certification Different?

AAUS Scientific Diver certification operates under a specific framework distinct from recreational diving:

• Training Requirement: Certification requires completing a dedicated scientific diving course taught by an approved AAUS Organizational Member (OM), like Connecticut Scuba Academy. Recreational dive facilities or independent instructors cannot offer this certification because they do not meet the specific programmatic and standards requirements mandated by AAUS for scientific diving.

• Operational Requirement: Critically, this certification is only valid when you are actively diving as part of, and under the direct oversight of, an AAUS Organizational Member's scientific diving program. It signifies authorization to dive within that specific program's structure.

Connecticut Scuba Academy: Your Partner in AAUS Scientific Diving & Research

As a proud Organizational Member (OM) of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), Connecticut Scuba Academy (CTSA) is uniquely positioned to offer the rigorous and highly respected AAUS Scientific Diver certification.

Achieving & Maintaining AAUS Certification with CTSA:

• Prerequisites: To enroll, candidates must:

  • Hold a valid Open Water Diver certification.

  • Provide proof of current health insurance.

  • Complete all required forms (see below).

• Required Forms: All necessary applications, medical consent, liability release, and information forms (including 25.1, 22.1, 29.1, 28.1, 12.1, 27.1) must be completed. These forms can be found within the CTSA Scientific Standards Dive Manual, which is accessible on the AAUS program page of our website: https://www.ctscuba.org/aauscourse

• Required E-learning (Included in Course Fee): Candidates must complete the following e-learning modules before practical training:

  • AAUS Research Diver

  • AAUS Lead Diver

  • AAUS Nitrox Diver

  • DAN Environmental Stewardship for Dive Operators and Professionals

  • DAN Prepared Diver

  • DAN HIRA Level I for Dive Professionals

  • Diving First Aid (DFA) course

  • DAN Emergency Planning for Divers

• Course Dive Requirements: Successful course completion requires 12 training or research dives under CTSA supervision.

• Course Investment: The comprehensive program fee is $1000, including all required AAUS and DAN e-learning courses.

• Maintaining Active Status: To maintain active AAUS Scientific Diver status through CTSA, divers must complete 12 research dives annually under our program auspices.

• Global Recognition: This certification provides credentials recognized by prestigious institutions worldwide, opening doors to diverse opportunities in colleges, universities, government agencies (like NOAA), museums, environmental/archaeological consulting firms, and community science groups.

Beyond Certification: Comprehensive Research Support & Continued Diving

Students are welcome and encouraged to continue diving with the academy after completing their course to gain further experience and maintain their active status as research divers with AAUS. Beyond individual certification, CTSA provides vital administrative and logistical support for successful research projects and expeditions. We handle everything from detailed project planning and coordination to equipment procurement and efficient on-site management. This comprehensive support allows our partners, including collaborators like NOAA and various high schools, colleges, and universities, to focus effectively on their research goals, whether for aquaculture studies, expeditions, or explorations, both domestically and abroad.

Driving Innovation in Underwater Science