If you do not find the answer to your questions in the below links, please contact the Diving Safety Officer (dive.safety@ubc.ca).

Diving Safety – FAQs

What gear will I need?

The Scientific Diver training program does not provide any equipment. We highly recommend you obtain your own gear, but rental of gear can be arranged through local dive shops, many offer discounts for UBC Scientific Divers. If you do not yet hold a drysuit certification and plan to rent a drysuit, a letter will be provided to the dive shop you wish to rent from for liability purposes. Required gear:

• Mask
• Fins
• Open circuit demand regulator
• Alternate air source
• Cylinders (2)
• Buoyancy Compensator (BCD)
• Drysuit
• Weight system with quick release mechanism
• Knife
• Submersible pressure gauge
• Depth gauge
• Timer
• Whistle or other audible signaling device
• Occupational Diver Log Book with numbered non removable pages (see WorkSafeBC Diver’s Log Book or Diver Certification Board of Canada Diver’s Log Book
• Medic Alert Tag stating “DIVER: POSSIBLE DCS: CONTACT HYPERBARIC UNIT VGH 604-875-5294”

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What if I already have certification from AAUS or I am an Occupational Diver or Diving Instructor?

If you already have experience the training time may be reduced at the discretion of the Diving Safety Officer. You should scan your qualifications and send by email to the DSO (dive.safety@ubc.ca) and an intake meeting will be arranged.

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Once I am qualified is there a minimum requirement for staying current?

Divers are required to complete a yearly check out dive with the DSO. In addition the following must be maintained as current:

• First aid and CPR
• Oxygen administration for divers certification
• Dive accident management
• Occupational divers medical
• Current project approval

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