University of Maine Scientific Diving Program
For over 50 years, UMaine scientists and students have been using diving as a research tool in the fields of archaeology, biology, ecology, limnology, oceanography, and engineering. Traditionally, most UMaine diving has been based at the Darling Marine Center, however, our divers conduct underwater research around the U.S. and worldwide in Australia, the Caribbean, the Arctic, and other regions.
UMaine is a member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), adheres to AAUS standards for the conduct of scientific diving operations and diver training, and fully supports diving reciprocity between AAUS member organizations.
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Program Structure
Elisabeth Maxwell
Scientific Diving Coordinator, School of Marine Sciences
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, AAUS Scientific Diving Instructor, DAN Instructor
Emmanuel Boss
Professor, School of Marine Sciences
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, PADI Emergency First Response Instructor
The UMaine Diving Operations Manager/ Diving Safety Officer (DOM/DSO) maintains oversight and operational control of all scientific diving operations and reports to both the UMaine Diving Control Board and the Department of Safety Management. The DOM/DSO conducts diver training, dive support, and operational supervision for all UMaine System scientific diving operations.
Colby Johns, Diving Operations Manager/Diving Safety Officer
The UMaine Diving Control Board (DCB) is responsible for oversight of scientific diving at all UMaine System campuses and remote-sites.
- Chair: Sean O’Neill, Research Associate, School of Marine Sciences
- Member: Emmanuel Boss, Professor, School of Marine Sciences
- Member: Elisabeth Maxwell, Scientific Diving Coordinator and Research Associate, School of Marine Sciences
- Advisory Member: Robert Steneck, Emeritus Professor, School of Marine Sciences
- Advisory Member: Richard Wahle, Retired, School of Marine Sciences
UMaine Diving Control Board Charter document (PDF)
What is Scientific Diving?
Scientific divers use specialized expertise to study the underwater environment and utilize scuba or other diving equipment as a tool. The primary role of a scientific diver is that of an observer and data gatherer. Common activities include visual measurements and counts of living organisms, collection of biological or physical samples, underwater surveys, photography, and placement of scientific equipment.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines scientific diving as diving performed solely as a necessary part of a scientific, research, or educational activity by employees whose sole purpose for diving is to perform scientific research tasks and regulates these activities under an exemption to the commercial diving standard (29 CFR 1910 Subpart T). The American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) promulgates standards for the conduct of scientific diving programs and provides a forum for members to share information.
The UMaine Scientific Diving Program is responsible for the oversight of scientific diving at all UMaine System campuses and remote-sites. All UMaine System scientists and students who wish to use diving to accomplish their research or educational objectives must meet the minimum requirements for scientific divers as defined by the AAUS and UMaine. These standards require that divers pass stringent physical exams, meet additional training requirements, and maintain a sustained level of diving activity.
UMaine Scientific Dive Program Facilities & Resources
