ARE YOU...

• NOT YET A CERTIFIED DIVER? If you are not certified by a nationally recognized agency, you must first enroll in a scuba diving course offered in your area. After certification, 12 dives, and the proper paperwork, you qualify to enroll in a scientific diving course (see below). Please contact the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) for recommended basic classes.

• A CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVER? If you are already a certified scuba diver through a nationally recognized agency, your next step is to obtain experience (at least 12 dives). You may enroll in an advanced course at your local dive shop if you want additional training in a supervised setting. Or, you can gain diving experience on one of the many charter boats in the area, or simply find a buddy and dive! Then, with the proper paperwork, you are qualified to enroll in a scientific diving course.

• AN EXPERIENCED SCUBA DIVER (with a minimum of 12 dives)? You have obtained sufficient experience to enroll in a scientific diver certification course. Please contact the Dive Safety Officer, Gerry Smith, for more information, phone (310) 510-4022, fax (310) 510-1364 or e-mail at gsmith@usc.edu. You may also download our Dive Safety Manual (2.2MB PDF File). To enroll in our courses, you need to complete the following paperwork:
  
  
  • Complete Diver Medical Forms (PDF Format)
    
  • Resume/Application (PDF Format)
    
  • Equipment Form (PDF Format)
    
  • Waiver (PDF Format)
    
  • Photocopy of your certification card
    
  • Photocopies of your last 12 logged dives
    
  • Photocopy of proof of annual regulator service
    
  • Photocopies of current CPR and First Aid Training

  • AND if you have it, please include:
    Photocopies of current Oxygen Administration Training

  You may submit your paperwork by fax or mail it to:

  Gerry Smith
  1 Big Fisherman Cove
  P.O. Box 5069
  Avalon, CA 90704

• A SCIENTIFIC DIVER CERTIFIED THROUGH AN AAUS ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBER? If so, you may be able to dive at WIES with a letter of reciprocity from your home institution. Please contact the Dive Safety Officer at your home institution for details.