All diving performed by individuals necessary to and part of a scientific research or educational activity, in conjunction with a project or study under the jurisdiction of any public or private research or educational institution or similar organization. Scientific diving does not include performing any tasks usually associated with commercial diving such as: placing or removing heavy objects underwater; inspection of pipelines and similar objects; construction; demolition; cutting or welding; or the use of explosives [29 CFR Ch. XVII (7-1-92 Edition) 1910.402 Definition: Scientific Diving]. For more detailed information, please see Exclusions and Exemptions From OSHA's Commercial Diving Standard by S.S. Butler.

Scientific diving differs from recreational diving and commercial diving in many ways. Scientific diving, as it implies, is diving performed solely for research purposes, or in support of research activities. The advancement of science is the single goal. For many recreational divers, the thrill of swimming under water, breathing on scuba and enjoying the panoramic view of life beneath the sea is in itself the end goal of learning to dive.

For the researcher exploring his or her subject in the sub aquatic realm, scuba is merely a tool. Scientific divers must be trained to use this tool to a level of proficiency that allows them to focus on the research task. For this reason, most scientific institutions and universities require extensive training and specialized experience before authorizing their scientists and research support staff to conduct underwater research using scuba.

Please see Training for the next scheduled Scientific Diver Training or CPR/O2 courses.