Scientific Diving
The American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) offers certification to become a scientific diver. Essentially, the student reviews diving skills learned in their Open Water Certification and learns a broad set of new skills to apply in a setting with scientific goals. I first came to college with the intention of studying biology with an emphasis in marine biology. In my last two years, my interests expanded into other areas of ecology, but my interest in marine ecosystems still remained. Currently, I am exploring different terrains and in order to work in a marine setting, diving is an essential tool.
Training in scientific diving allows access to deeper ecosystems in the ocean and performing experiments at deeper depths. In January I completed my AAUS Scientific Diving Certification so I could access these ecosystems and see if they sparked my interest. Prior to the course, I had dove six times, all of which were in the warm waters off Placencia, Belize. Needless to say, I was nervous for a few reasons: I had never dove in a thick wetsuit, been so heavily weighted, or handled research gear hanging off my buoyancy compensator device (BCD). It had also been a couple of years since my last dive trip. Thankfully, the course reviewed the basics such as managing buoyancy, familiarizing myself with my gear, underwater communication with my dive buddy, and various rescue techniques. The first couple of days were in a large pool where we could review these basics and gain confidence functioning in an aquatic setting.
Then, there were two days of lectures reviewing health concerns and signs to look out for while diving. For example, decompression sickness (DCS), also known as “the bends,” is a well known ill effect diving may have on our physiology. If the diver ascends too quickly, nitrogen bubbles build up in the body and can cause sickness in various areas such as the brain, limbs, and skin. If this happens, the diver must be transported to a hyperbaric chamber to be manually taken back down to pressure where the bubbles can diffuse. This is why it is essential to dive with a reliable buddy--someone who can tell when your health may be off and address your condition in an emergency situation. This individual understands your gear, your health, your shared dive plan, and even your general mood that day. We were able to put this knowledge to practice in the final days diving in the Channel Islands, specifically Catalina Island. The three days were physically demanding; the class did twelve dives over the course of the three days. Though taxing, it was well worth it.
The best part of the trip was actually experiencing an environment inaccessible to many humans. Though diving is a recreational activity, it isn’t for everyone. Every time I dive, I am reminded how beautiful these environments are and how amazing it is to be amongst them. On the first evening, we did a night dive. This was my first night dive, so the darkness and chilliness of the water was unnerving, but the experience was irreplicable. At the bottom of the alcove my dive buddy and I swept our hands through the bioluminescence, watching it glow for the duration of the dive.
On the second day, I did my first dive in the California kelp forests. Wow, nothing I’ve ever seen rivals the majesty of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera). It is mesmerizing to peer through the kelp forest canopy and watch light trickle through the stained glass architecture. Surprisingly, some sea lions came out to play as well. These creatures seamlessly weaved their way through the water with ease. Nothing replaces truly getting immersed in an environment and experiencing it for yourself. Diving off the coast of Catalina Island was an amazing experience. Most importantly, we refreshed our confidence with diving in the open ocean. We practiced running transects, collecting data, and performing different rescue simulations so we are prepared to react accordingly in the event of an emergency. It was an ideal balance between personal amusement and an educational experience.
Diving is an essential tool when working in specific marine environments. To get this experience yourself, explore the option to get your Open Water Certification through your local dive shop. Then, contact the DSO at your local university. Oftentimes, they will know where and when the next class will be held.
