This unit provides theoretical and practical training in scientific diving, focusing on both safe diving procedures in the conduct of science underwater and a range of scientific techniques used commonly by scientific divers. Students who complete the course satisfactorily will gain formal professional certification as an unrestricted scientific diver, and restricted occupational diver (as per Australian Standards AS2299.2 and AS2815.6). This qualification is recognised nationally and by a large number of countries internationally. Emphasis will be given to the planning and management of scientific diving to maximise both dive safety and scientific return per unit dive time. Students will gain experience with and appreciation of a wide range of scientific techniques used underwater, and learn skills and procedures to conduct safe and efficient scientific diving at a professional level. Particular scientific techniques examined include lifting techniques, spatial reference and navigation, search techniques, suction sampling and use of other air-driven tools, point intersect techniques, line and visual transects, scientific photography underwater, diver-operated sediment and infauna cores, rapid benthic assessment, and tagging marine animals and plants.

Diving procedures commonly required for scientific diving that are covered include, zero visibility and night diving, deep diving, and specialised diving procedures.

In addition to the usual tuition fees, this unit attracts a levy of $2000 to cover running costs.

Enrolment in this unit will be limited by a quota (maximum 12 students), and subject to a minimum enrolment of 8 students.Students with a strong background in tertiary science who do not meet the formal unit prerequisites are advised to contact the unit coordinator to discuss their possible eligibility for this unit.

Note:
This spring unit will run from Thursday November 12th to Wednesday December 2nd inclusive.

Diving Pre-requisites Apply.

Students need to contact Simon Talbot (University Diving Officer; Simon.Talbot@utas.edu.au) well in advance of the course to ensure they will be able to meet the following diving related pre-requisites:

Recognised open water SCUBA qualification.

Recognised rescue diver qualification.

Recognised Enriched Air Nitrox qualification

A minimum of 40 logged dives and 30 hours underwater post training (note: students who do not have at least 6 logged dives in temperate waters in the 6 months before the course will need specific clearance from the Diving Officer).

A current occupational diving medical completed within 12 months of the end of the course

Current HLTAID006 Advanced 1st aid certification or equivalent (dated within 3 years from the end date of this course)

Current HLTAID007 Provide Advanced Resuscitation (CPR and O2 resuscitation) and L2 Workplace 1st aid qualifications (dated within 3 years from the end date of this course)

Ability to pass UTAS swim test (details available from Diving Officer or Unit Coordinator) prior to the practical components of the course.

This unit requires unit co-ordinator approval for enrolment. The course is run as an intensive 3 week block; please confirm the dates with the unit coordinator