The University of California, Davis Scientific Diving Program, housed at Bodega Marine Laboratory, supports over 50 divers spanning a suite of departments and research groups. Training divers since the 1960's, the program provides scientific diver training that allows divers to gain a diverse background in diving techniques and conduct research across the globe.
Through a series of courses and teaching modules, divers gain practical experience with advanced diving techniques including decompression models and tables, navigation, light salvage, night diving, altitude, deep, cold-water diving, Nitrox use, and drysuit diving. Additionally, skills required to conduct scientific research are incorporated into the training courses and further enhanced through research dives supported by the program.
The mission of the UCD/BML diving program is to facilitate safe and productive subtidal research through standardized scientific diver training, emergency care, and boating instruction.
The UCD/BML Scientific Diving program operates in partnership with other diving programs to coordinate and standardize curriculum and methodology, and is affiliated with several nationally recognized scuba and first aid training organizations. An organizational member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), the UCD/BML Scientific Diving Program follows AAUS guidelines for scientific diving and diver training ensuring a smooth transition for divers coming to UCD from other educational and research institutions.