MLML / CSU Marine Science Diving
AAUS (American Academy of Underwater Sciences) Fall Semester Scientific Diving Course (MS 105)
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- This course is designed to familiarize certified recreational divers with scientific diving techniques, and to qualify participants to dive under the auspices of MLML and other AAUS institutions.
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of diving physics, physiology, decompression, NITROX, night diving, emergency and rescue skills, equipment troubleshooting, navigation, and dive planning.
- Become familiar with research diving skills, survey techniques, and common marine organisms. Research techniques include REEF CHECK surveys.
- Increase competency as a coldwater diver under varied conditions.
- Become familiar with small boat diving safety techniques.
- AAUS Scientific Diving and NAUI NITROX, Rescue, and Master Diver certifications upon completion of the course.
COURSE SIGN UP
If you would like to enroll for this course, please complete the following Google form, indicating your interest and potential class enrollment. Please note that this form will ask you for your most recent swim time for a 400yd swim (with no equipment) and any dive training records (where, when, & training agency). Please have this information ready at hand when filling out the application.
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PREREQUISITES
- Open-Water SCUBA certification (provide card or proof of current training)
- Current DAN membership and basic diving insurance
- 12 logged cold-water scuba dives within the last year (with at least 4 within past 2 months)
- MUST provide log book with: All dates, locations, buddies, depths, dive profiles. We highly recommended to have 20+ dives.
- Completed application materials & dive medical with appropriate lab work
- Pass the AAUS swim test (MUST PASS FIRST DAY), basic skin and SCUBA skills
- Commitment to a rugged, challenging and rewarding diving course
For a detailed list of all prerequisites, please see the becoming an AAUS diver page to make sure you meet the requirements. If you have any questions, please direct them to mlml-diving-admin@sjsu.edu. Course enrollment codes will be provided to those students who meet the prerequisites.
NOTE: Science major credit for CSUF and SJSU undergraduate students only. Enrollment is limited to 12 students and preference is given to current MLML and CSU graduate students, then undergraduate students, then outside applicants, but we encourage all to apply.
How to register for MLML diving classes
For current students enrolled at one of MLML's consortium campuses (SJSU, CSUMB, Stanislaus State, Sacramento State, CSUEB, SFSU, Fresno State)
For anyone else
EQUIPMENT LIST
The dive program has very limited gear for students to borrow. Students should obtain their own gear as soon as possible before the course start date.
You must provide:
- Ditchable weight system (ex. belt, pouches, harness) for skin and SCUBA activities
- Buoyancy Compensator, with whistle, appropriate clips for avoiding dangling gear. BCD must have proof of service.
- Regulator - must have a primary 2nd stage, and an octopus, LP inflator hose and gauges including an SPG. If BCD has an integrated air source, divers must also carry an octopus for ‘COVID-safer’ air sharing. All divers must have an analog SPG.
- Mask & Snorkel
- Wetsuit (7mm wetsuit minimum for ocean, surf suit ok for pool)
- Gloves, Booties, Fins, & Hood
- Timing device, depth gauge and dive tables OR dive computer + manual
- Compass – and knowledge of how to use it
- Cutting Tool (Safety Shears or Dive knife with strap)
- Equipment Bag (that fits all of your gear)
- Smaller mesh goodie bag (that fits mask, fin, snorkel) for boat diving
- Personal save-a-dive kit
- Dive Light (minimum one, preferable to have 2)
- Dive slate for sampling (2 sided slates + UW paper for sale at MLML $25.00 or to borrow)
- Gear storage container (ex. Action Packer Tote / Tough Storage Tote)