Smithsonian Scientific Diving Reciprocity

The Smithsonian may, at its discretion, grant diving privileges to visiting scientific staff from other research organizations. Scientific diving reciprocity is the mechanism used to authorize diving if the scientific diver is EMPLOYED by a current AAUS organizational member institution.

The dive plan must be received 6 WEEKS prior to planned diving activities. All requirements for scientific diver authorization must be
completed, current, and submitted 2 WEEKS prior to planned diving activities.

 

STEP 1
Contact the appropriate Smithsonian Diving Officer (DO).
See contact information to determine which DO you should contact and how to reach him/her.

STEP 2
complete the Smithsonian Scientific Diver Reciprocity Form and forward to the Smithsonian Unit Diving Officer (see contact information) by fax or email (preferred).

If you were previously certified by an AAUS scientific diving program but are no longer EMPLOYED at that organization, proceed to the temporary diving authorization instructions.

No diving under Smithsonian auspices is allowed until:

1) the Smithsonian reciprocity form has been reviewed and all elements have been completed, including the signatures of the scientific diver, home institution Diving Officer, and Department Chairperson, and;

2) the submitted Smithsonian dive plan has been reviewed by the Unit Diving Officer and approved by the Smithsonian Scientific Diving Officer.

A dive plan authorization number emailed to you constitutes Smithsonian diving authorization.

Please note:

1.	You must use the Smithsonian Scientific Diver Reciprocity Form.
2.	Dive computers, versus dive tables, are to be used as the primary means of determining decompression status.
3.	CPR and oxygen administration training MUST have been completed within 12 months.
4.	Third party diving reciprocity (i.e., a diver authorized by your program who is not "employed" by your organization) requires special consideration by the Smithsonian Scientific Diving Officer.
5.	University students: Some state statutes do not provide Workman's Compensation/Disability benefits for students. It is the home institution diving officer's responsibility to ascertain whether these individuals are covered by those provisions.
6.	Divers-in-training are not eligible for scientific diving reciprocity at the Smithsonian.
7.	Dive logs must be submitted in DECOSTOP at the completion of diving activities.