The program aims to enhance the safety and autonomy of already certified divers before their integration into ScienceDIVER. Participants will systematically improve buoyancy control and navigation, familiarize themselves with reference lines and DSMB use in low-visibility conditions, practice material handling and recovery scenarios, and refresh critical oxygen provision skills for diving emergencies. This way, they acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to safely meet the prerequisites of the “ScienceDIVER: Introduction to Scientific Diving” program (https://kedivim.auth.gr/en/programs/science-diver-5-6-en/).

Knowledge

·They are familiar with the general diving related and risk management knowledge, as well as the skill requirements set by the “ScienceDIVER: Introduction to Scientific Diving” program and the relevant international scientific diving standards (ISO 8804-1).

·They deeply understand the principles of buoyancy control, underwater navigation, DSMB use, and basic search and recovery techniques for objects under realistic conditions.

·They know the indications, contraindications, and basic procedures for providing medical oxygen in diving accidents.

Skills

·They consistently apply neutral buoyancy and stable hovering during tasks (navigation patterns, material handling, reference line use) without bottom contact.

·They perform straight-line navigation routes with compass and natural references, including line navigation in low-visibility conditions or without mask.

·They deploy and manage DSMB from bottom and mid-water, correctly using reel/spool, controlling buoyancy, and avoiding entanglements.

·They organize and execute simple search scenarios (e.g., square/U-pattern) and recovery of small objects using lift bag, in conditions simulating underwater research tasks.

·They assemble and safely operate a portable oxygen delivery system, selecting the appropriate mask (non rebreather, demand valve, pocket mask with O₂) based on the diver’s condition. 5

·They safely apply procedures for filling, handling, storing, transporting, and periodic maintenance checks of dive cylinders, verifying correct gas mixtures and breathing gas quality according to applicable standards.

·They recognize and distinguish scientific diving equipment configurations and demonstrate basic maintenance knowledge for safe and reliable operation.

Competences

·They can self-assess their readiness level in basic diving skills (buoyancy, navigation, equipment management, DSMB use) and recognize if they meet the requirements for safe participation in ScienceDIVER.

·They can work effectively in small diver teams, sharing roles (underwater navigation, line deployment and retrieval, DSM deployment and stabilization, surface support for divers) in simple scientific field research scenarios.

·They can apply basic risk management principles in shallow and moderately deep environments (e.g., low visibility, equipment transport, line use), as preparation for more complex scientific underwater research tasks.

The program serves as an intensive preparatory seminar for certified autonomous divers interested in attending the “ScienceDIVER: Introduction to Scientific Diving” program of the KEDIVIM AUTH. It focuses on reassessing and enhancing basic diving skills (buoyancy, navigation, DSMB use, object search and recovery, oxygen provision) through a combination of theoretical units and 7 progressive dives, ensuring participants safely meet entry requirements and maximize benefits from the main ScienceDIVER program.

The program is addressed to:

·Certified autonomous divers (minimum: Open Water or equivalent meeting ISO 24801-2 requirements), who are interested in acquiring the proficiency to attend the “ScienceDIVER: Introduction to Scientific Diving” program.

·Undergraduate, postgraduate students, and PhD candidates from relevant departments (Engineering, Geosciences, Biology, Archaeology, Environment, etc.) with existing diving certification, who seek to participate in underwater research activities.

·Researchers and technical staff involved or about to be involved in projects with underwater measurements, mapping, or sampling, who need to upgrade basic diving skills before more demanding scientific diving training.

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

Applications for participation can be submitted by: Certified scuba divers of at least Open Water Diver level (or equivalent from a recognized organization), with recent diving experience of at least 10 logged 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.Diving certification from a recognized organization (copy of certificate)

2.Logged dives record (copy of logbook)

3.Medical certificate of fitness for diving

4.Short CV

Prerequisites for participation in the program:

► Internet access

► Possession of personal e- mail

► Access to a computer with a microphone and camera

►Moderate knowledge of English B1

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) and in person. The practice (diving) will be done in person outdoors.

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

1.Foundations of Scientific Diving Training, online remotely synchronous (theory)

2.Buoyancy Control & Underwater Navigation, in person (theory and practice)

3.Advanced Navigation, Reference Lines and Working in Limited Visibility, in person (theory and practice)

4.Position Marking, Object Search, and Material Handling in Water, in person (theory and practice)

5.Basic First Aid for Diving Accidents and Oxygen Administration, in person (theory and practice)

1.Foundations of Scientific Diving Training (6 hours)

2.Buoyancy Control & Underwater Navigation (10 hours)

3.Advanced Navigation, Reference Lines, and Work in Limited Visibility (14 hours)

4.Position Marking, Object Search, and Material Handling in Water (14 hours)

5.Basic First Aid for Diving Accidents and Oxygen Administration (4 hours)

Participants are provided with digital educational material covering the theoretical modules of the program (buoyancy control, underwater navigation, DSMB use, basic search/recovery techniques, oxygen supply). The material includes notes in (digital format), accompanying presentations, selected excerpts from international guides and standards of relevant diving specialties as well as the ScienceDIVER manual. In addition, self-assessment exercises (in quiz format) and indicative diving skill scenarios are provided, so that participants can effectively prepare for the basic scientific diving program “ScienceDIVER: Introduction to Scientific Diving”.

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 the dive logbook completed and signed by the programme instructor(s).
8. 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.