CNMI Diving Science & Safety Program

The Scientific Diver Certification issued by the the Diving Science and Safety Program (DSSP) is recognition status of a permit to dive with the CNMI Coastal Resources Management Office, CNMI Division of Environmental Quality, CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife and CNMI Historic Preservation Office while it is current and for the purpose intended. The requirements are those defined in the DSSP Manual and provide a basis for inter-organizational reciprocity.

Diver certification is at two levels - Diver-In-Training (DIT) and Scientific Diver (SD). See the DSSP Manual sections 4 & 5 for details.

The DSSP does not presently provide basic scuba instruction. This can be obtained through a local dive shop. The scientific diver training options include in-house classes or use of other classes provided by local resources. All of the necessary paperwork and forms for completion of an application for scientific diver are to be found under Forms

For reciprocity purposes the Dive Safety Officer will provide a certification form/letter to any other organization with whom one wished to do research diving. The adherence to DSSP standards may be sufficient for many universities, aquariums, and is sufficient for NOAA and USEPA. However, in recognition of the relatively benign conditions under which the CNMI DSSP program works, some projects may require additional proof of competency to cope with environmental conditions and or new or different equipment.

To facilitate CNMI scientific diver compliance with the DSSP accreditation requirements, the following GUIDELINES are provided. Approval for participation in scientific diving is based on criteria established by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS).

SCIENTIFIC DIVER: Diver meets 100 hour training criteria w/12 additional dives. (DSSP section 5) A checkout dive will be required if not previously completed at the time of classification as a DIVER-IN-TRAINING, or via reciprocity from another research diving program.

DIVER-IN-TRAINING: A new diver (basic scuba with 5 open water dives) who has not met the 100 hour training rule. Individual has had a check out dive (in accordance with DSSP Standards Appendix 9) conducted or approved by the DSSP. Individuals qualified at the DIVER-IN-TRAINING level must dive with an ACTIVE scientific DIVER at all times. (DSSP section 4)

VISITING DIVER: Diver certified through reciprocity from another scientific diving program.

VOLUNTEER DIVER: Will be classified under DSSP requirements.

ACTIVE: Diver has current medical examination with no contraindications for diving, has current certification in First Aid and CPR, and has met the 12 dives per year rule.

SUSTAINING: Diver has one or more deficiencies, i.e., medical examination has expired, CPR O2 provider, or First Aid is not current, or has not maintained the 12 divers per year activity level.

INACTIVE: Diver has let medical examination expire for a two year period beyond required update and/or has not maintained minimum dive frequency of 12 dives per year for a two year period. It is assumed that an INACTIVE diver is no longer involved in research that includes diving and his record will be retired. Reconsideration for ACTIVE dive status may require refresher training and a skills/academic evaluation.

RESTRICTED: Special limitations are imposed on diving activities in which the diver may participate, e.g., restrictions due to the diverís medical status or questionable skills.

STUDENT: Students participating in a scientific class which includes a one time field experience in diving. Students will complete the dive history, liability waiver, medical history and provide a copy of their certification cards. They will complete a confined water skills check and a written evaluation of diving academics. A physical examination may be required at the Diving Safety Officerís discretion. CPR/First Aid certification will be waived providing that there are two CPR certified divers on the crew (i.e., Divemaster and one other).

The 100 hours training requirement for SCIENTIFIC dive level can be customized to the needs of each diver. All training shall include an openwater certification by a recognized dive training agency. This introductory skills training typically would be a 40-hour course that includes four to five openwater dives. In addition, current certification in First Aid and CPR shall be maintained. This training is usually provided through a recognized American Red Cross or American Heart Association course. It is recommended that divers consider an Advanced SCUBA (extension of the basic openwater training) and a Rescue course in their training schedule. Additional training can be selected from any number of areas. Credit will be given on a case-by-case basis following review of the particular training provided. To complete the 100 hour training requirement, divers must have logs showing at least 12 hours of bottom time in research.

Listed below are examples of the typical credit hours that might be assigned for training. It is recognized that the training provided by different agencies will be presented under a variety of titles and student-instructor contact hours. Every effort will be made to recognize an appropriate designation of credit hours to be applied to the diverís record.

Return to DSSP Home Page