The programme aims to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required for safe and effective participation in scientific diving under the supervision of a qualified scientific diver. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be able to meet the minimum requirements of ISO 8804-1 for a scientific diver and to participate in scientific diving activities within the limits of their diving qualification.

The specific objectives of the programme are:

·To familiarize participants with international standards and the core requirements of scientific diving.

·To develop understanding and application of safety principles, risk management and dive planning.

·To build knowledge of scientific methodologies and protocols used in underwater research.

·To train participants in basic survey, sampling, recording and data-management techniques.

·To develop awareness of the underwater environment, diving conditions and underwater cultural heritage.

·To strengthen teamwork and the communication of research results.

Upon completion of the programme, participants should have the following knowledge, skills and competencies:

Knowledge

·Understand the main international standards and requirements of scientific diving.

·Understand the principles of safety, risk management and planning of underwater work.

·Know the basic scientific methods and protocols used in underwater research.

·Know basic survey, sampling, recording and data-management techniques.

·Understand the main conditions of the underwater environment and the importance of underwater cultural heritage.

Skills

·Apply safe diving practices, giving priority to safety.

·Maintain buoyancy control, follow the buddy system, and monitor depth, time and gas supplies.

·Apply basic survey techniques such as mapping, measurements and 3D recording.

·Apply sampling techniques and collect or record data.

·Use appropriate communication and teamwork practices in the field.

Competencies

·Participate safely and effectively in underwater scientific activities under supervision.

·Identify and manage basic risks in the field.

·Work effectively within a research team.

·Participate in scientific diving activities within the limits of their diving qualification.

The programme combines theoretical training with practical instruction across six core thematic areas covering the minimum requirements of scientific diving. Participants are introduced to international standards, dive planning, safety and risk management, as well as methods of underwater surveying, sampling and data handling. They also gain basic knowledge of the underwater environment, its natural features and underwater cultural heritage, while being trained in the practical application of field skills and in communicating research results. Assessment is based on theoretical tests and the practical application of diving and field skills.

The programme is addressed to adult certified scuba divers who have successfully completed the “ScienceDIVER Foundation Course – Preparing New Divers for Scientific Diving Training” and wish to develop knowledge and skills in the methods and procedures of scientific diving. The target group includes students and scientists from disciplines related to the aquatic environment, as well as divers and specialized personnel who are involved, or intend to become involved, in underwater research, training, or activities promoting underwater science.

Interested parties submit an application online on the website of the Center for Training and Lifelong Learning of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Applications can be submitted by: adult certified scuba divers who have successfully completed the “ScienceDIVER Foundation Course – Preparing New Divers for Scientific Diving Training” (or a scientific diving training program according to ISO 8804-1), with recent diving experience of at least 12 recorded dives (of which, at least 4 within the last 12 months) and with a valid Medical Certificate of Fitness for Diving (dated within the current year).

The Application must be accompanied by the following supporting documents:

1.Certificate of Completion of the program “ScienceDIVER Foundation Course – Preparing New Divers for Scientific Diving Training”

2.Logged dives record (copy of logbook)

3.Medical certificate of fitness for diving

4.Short CV

Prerequisites for participation in the program:

► Certificate of Completion of the program “ScienceDIVER Foundation Course – Preparing New Divers for Scientific Diving Training”

► Internet access

► Possession of personal e- mail

► Access to a computer with a microphone and camera

►Good knowledge of English B2

The selection will be made based on priority order and on the CV.

In the event that the minimum required number of trainees is not reached , KEDIVIM reserves the right to change the start date of the program or even cancel it.

The theory will be done online (via zoom/synchronous or video/asynchronous) and in person. The practice (diving) will be done in person outdoors.

The program includes six teaching modules that are implemented as follows:

1.Diving (theory and practice)

2.Safety (theory and practice)

3.Underwater Survey (theory and practice)

4.Underwater Natural Features (theory and practice)

5.Underwater Cultural Heritage (theory and practice)

6.Underwater Science Literacy and Communication (theory and practice)

1.Diving (4 hours)

2.Safety (3 hours)

3.Underwater Survey (24 hours)

4.Underwater Natural Features (21 hours)

5.Underwater Cultural Heritage (21 hours)

6.Underwater Science Literacy and Communication (15 hours).

Participants are provided with digital educational materials covering the theoretical and practical modules of the program: Diving, Safety, Underwater Imaging, Underwater Physical Features, Underwater Cultural Heritage, as well as Underwater Science Literacy and Communication. The materials include concise digital notes, presentations, skill explanation videos and the ScienceDIVER manual. In addition, In addition, a knowledge assessment questionnaire in the form of a quiz, standardized slates and a dive logbook are provided to facilitate the planning, implementation and documentation of practical activities.

A. Trainee Obligations:

1. Participation in the KEDIVIM AUTH programs implies full acceptance of the program’s Study Guide and the Internal Operating Regulations of KEDIVIM AUTH .
2. The presence of trainees in educational programs is mandatory. In programs implemented in person, as well as in those implemented using the modern distance learning method, attendance is generally mandatory and the absence limit cannot exceed 10% of the scheduled training hours. The attendance of asynchronous education is implemented according to the study schedule defined by each program.
3. To successfully complete the program, participants must:
4. Have successfully completed the knowledge proficiency assessment with quiz (multiple choice questions)
5. Have successfully met the performance evaluation in diving skills, “Pass/Fail” type.
6. Have attended at least 80% of programme hours
7. Have successfully applied basic mapping, sampling and recording or data collection techniques.
8. Have adhered to proper and safe diving practices, with priority given to safety, maintaining buoyancy, maintaining the buddy system and monitoring depth, time and gas reserves.
9. Have the dive logbook completed and signed by the programme instructor(s).
10. Have paid the full tuition fee by the start of the practical part/dives.

B. Trainee Rights:

1. Trainees are informed by the Administrative Support Department of KEDIVIM about any kind of information related to the operation of the Center.
2. Trainees are supported electronically through the educational platform by their instructors , within the framework of the educational process, to resolve questions and provide clarifications related to the thematic modules of the program.
3. Trainees have the right to request the interruption of the program and the refund of tuition fees, in accordance with the provisions of article 12.9 of the Internal Operating Regulations of KEDIVIM AUTH
4. The work of the trainees is protected under intellectual property provisions.

After successful completion of the program, participants are awarded a Certificate of General Training, which is issued by the Center for Training and Lifelong Learning of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and signed by the President of KEDIVIM.

The certificate is a prerequisite for participation in “ScienceDIVER: Introduction to Scientific Diving”.

Participants who attended, but did not complete the entire program, have the option of being provided with a Certificate of Attendance.