About the Diving Safety Program
The University of Hawai‘i (UH) Diving Safety Program (DSP) supports safe and effective scientific diving for research, education, and training across a wide range of academic disciplines. We provide oversight, training, and support resources to ensure all university-affiliated diving activities meet the highest standards of safety and compliance.
We work under standards established by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) and maintain strict adherence to federal and state diving regulations. Our team manages diver training, equipment oversight, dive planning approvals, medical clearances, and emergency preparedness protocols. We also support fieldwork logistics and offer ongoing education to foster a culture of safety and environmental awareness.
The main office of the UH Diving Safety Program is at UH Mānoa, within the Environmental Health & Safety Office. Individual programs are also operated at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), UH Hilo, and UH Maui College.
Explore our site to learn how to become a certified scientific diver, project planning support, or connect with our team for any other questions.
Divers at Work
A scientific diver is a trained diver who uses scuba or other diving techniques specifically to conduct scientific research underwater.
Diving Safety Program Opportunities
Scientific Diver Training
Scientific Diver Training provides individuals with specialized training in safe underwater research techniques, dive skills, and data collection methods, enabling them to conduct and support scientific studies in aquatic environments.
Scientific Diver Training
Diving First Aid
The DAN DFA Pro course provides students with comprehensive training in CPR, first aid, oxygen administration, neurological assessment, and marine life injury response, equipping them with the skills and certification to handle diving-related emergencies effectively.
Diving First Aid
Field Education Courses
QUEST is a field course offered through the University of Hawaiʻi that focuses on ecological monitoring of coral reefs using SCUBA.
Field Education
