The Smithsonian may authorize diving activities on a temporary basis for scientists visiting Smithsonian facilities or projects.

Temporary diving authorization is the mechanism used to authorize scientists who are not employed by AAUS organizational member institutions. If you were previously certified by an AAUS organizational member program, please have that diving officer contact the Smithsonian.

Visiting divers must be on a submitted dive plan 6 weeks prior to diving activities AND ensure all requirements are completed, current and submitted 2 weeks in advance to allow for Smithsonian scientific diving authorization.

To initiate the diving authorization process, the diver must complete the following steps:

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: The Smithsonian DO will require you to complete the items list below:

1. Create a DECOSTOP Account
2. Temporary Diving Authorization form
3. SCUBA certification card
4. Smithsonian Diving Log- a list of your last 12 dives
5. CPR training - must be current, within one year
6. Oxygen administration - must be current, within one year
7. SI-Scientific Diving Medical Certification - signed by physician - view all medical forms and use our certification form
8. Scuba regulator, gauges and buoyancy compensator annual maintenance records - must be current, within one year
9. Dive Plan - If you are the lead diver, you will complete this using DECOSTOP
10. Diving Accident Insurance Coverage - DAN or other Diving Accident insurance - must cover Medevac and Hyperbaric Chamber

Once your diving is complete, you will be required to enter your dive logs into DECOSTOP.

No diving under Smithsonian auspices is allowed until:

1) the Smithsonian Temporary diving 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 Temporary Diving Authorization Form.
2. Dive computers, versus dive tables, are to be used as the primary means of determining decompression status.
3. The Smithsonian diver medical certification form must be submitted by your physician.
4. This temporary scientific diver authorization is only valid while diving under the direct control and supervision of the Smithsonian.
5. Coverage for workman's compensation/disability is not provided by the Smithsonian Institution.
6. Smithsonian dive logs must be entered into DECOSTOP at the completion of diving activities.