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Join the Program

Overview

The below information is a summary of how to become an authorized Scientific Diver or Snorkeler here at KAUST. Requirements for Scientific Divers at KAUST are governed by the Dive Safety Manual (DSM); this page will be updated to reflect the most current version of the DSM at the time of publication, however please refer to the original document for absolute reference.

New Scientific Diver

Who? – Individuals who do not have a recognized scientific or commercial diver qualification, will be a part of a scientific diving team and will perform scientific tasks during diving activities.

New applicants with no prior training or experience must complete the AAUS Scientific Diver Course which is offered as part of the training catalogue here at KAUST.

  • More course information (link to course page)
  • Registration Form – Coming Soon

Please note:

  • Dive Qualification

Candidates must have a minimum of PADI Advanced Open Water (equivalent or above) with 30 Open Water Dives before conducting Scientific Diver Training. However, it is strongly recommended that divers have at least PADI Rescue Diver (equivalent or above) with 50 Open Water Dives.

  • Swimming Ability

Candidates need to be confident in the water. A swim test is a mandatory component of the course where divers must complete:

  • –
    • Underwater swim (23 m) – without gear
    • Surface swim (366 m) in less than 12 minutes – without gear
    • Tread water test (10 minutes using hands and legs, 2 minutes using only legs) – without gear
  • For further information or questions regarding the course and it’s requisites, please contact us.

Previously Certified Scientific A

Who? – Individuals who have a recognized scientific qualification, will be a part of a scientific diving team and will perform scientific tasks during diving activities. *

Applicants with prior training and scientific diving experience are eligible to join the program by providing proof of previous training.

Required steps:

  1. Obtain a Fit to Dive Certificate
  2. Obtain a Fit to Snorkel Certificate
    • Fill out the declaration form.
    • Upload form to Salute.
    • After review and approval by Occupational Health, download certificate.
    • Further information here.
  3. Complete the New Diver Intake Form – coming soon

Upload the following documents:

  • Highest Recreational Diving Qualification
  • Scientific Diver Qualification or Verification of Training (VOT)
  • Copy of Scientific and Non-Scientific Dive Logs
  • Fit to Dive Certificate
  • Fit to Snorkel Certificate
  • Oxygen Administration & First Aid (DAN Pro or Equivalent)
  • DAN Insurance (link to insurance page)

Dive Safety Team reviews your application

Based on your application you will be contacted to complete some, or all, of the following:

  • Check Out Dive
  • Swim Test
  • Knowledge Review
  • Orientation

DSO reviews and approves your application

For further information or any queries, please contact us. (link to contact us page)

* For more detailed information regarding recognized qualifications and requisites for authorization, please refer to the Research Compliance website.

 

Previously Certified Commercial Diver

  1. Obtain a Fit to Dive Certificate
  2. Obtain a Fit to Snorkel Certificate
    • Fill out the declaration form.
    • Upload form to Salute.
    • After review and approval by Occupational Health, download certificate.
    • Further information here.
  3. Complete the New Diver Intake Form – coming soon

Upload the following documents:

  1. Highest Recreational Diving Qualification
  2. Commercial Diving Qualification*
  3. Copy of Scientific and Non-Scientific Dive Logs
  4. Fit to Dive Certificate
  5. Fit to Snorkel Certificate
  6. Oxygen Administration & First Aid (DAN Pro or Equivalent)
  7. DAN Insurance (link to insurance page)

Dive Safety Team reviews your application

  • Based on your application you will be contacted to complete some, or all, of the following:
    1. Check Out Dive
    2. Swim Test
    3. AAUS Scientific Diver Exam
    4. Orientation

Dive Control Board reviews and approves your application 

For further information or any queries, please contact us. (link to contact us page)

* For more detailed information regarding recognized qualifications, please refer to the Research Compliance website.