Diving activities under Western Washington University auspices conform to the University wide dive policy.  The Shannon Point Marine Center (SPMC) Diving Control Board (DCB) manages all scientific diving activities.  This policy follows the guidelines of OSHA regulations and American Academy of Underwater Scientists (AAUS) standards.  Academic diving by qualified persons conducting approved activities is permitted.  Approved activities include: participation in course or other scheduled academic programs, and participation in approved research projects. Scientific diving must be an integral part of such activities.

The SPMC standards for scientific diving manual describes training for the non-diver applicant, previously not certified for diving, and equivalency for the recreationally certified diver.  The SPMC diving program does not train non-divers but rather simply verifies training.  Applicants for scientific diver certification are encouraged to obtain recreational training for general, advanced, and rescue SCUBA before applying to the program.  However, applicants with deficient training may be considered to enter the program at the scientific diver in training permit level therefore allowing them to dive with a lead scientific diver.

The DCB will evaluate diving requests on a case-by-case basis, using the criteria of the SPMC standards for scientific diving.

Please note: 

1.   All applicants requiring SPMC support must submit a SPMC research application form specifying the nature of the diving activity and its relationship to their approved activities at SPMC.

2.   If the applicant is a scientific diver through another AAUS organizational member, a letter of reciprocity from that program’s dive safety officer must be provided.
 
3.   If the applicant is not an AAUS scientific diver, a medical evaluation of fitness for SCUBA diving report must be completed, signed by a physician, and submitted with a diving medical history form before any diving activities take place.  The following requirements must also be fulfilled:
a.   Obtain and become familiar with the SPMC standards for scientific diving
b.   Submit copies of current CPR/First Aid and oxygen administration cards
c.   Submit verification of diver training including photocopies of all pertinent certifications
d.   Submit a partial copy of your current dive log (include 10 most recent dives)
e.   Demonstrate to the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) that all your dive gear is in satisfactory working order
f.    Plan and participate in a check out dive with a qualified DCB member

4.   Exemptions to any application requirements must be approved by the DCB.

For more information, contact the Shannon Point Dive Safety Officer, Nate Schwarck.