Many scientific diving entities face logistical challenges in their data collection including high currents, low visibility, and high entanglement areas. We will discuss standard practices for use of tethered scuba for scientific applications to enhance both efficiency and safety of the scientific diver. We will examine relevant regulatory requirements and applicable standards of the federal dive community (e.g., NOAA, EPA) relative to the application to scientific diving. Lectures will provide scientific divers an overview of the use of tethered SCUBA to advance scientific data collection for specific projects. Divers will learn how the tether can facilitate search patterns for equipment, as well provide a means to map areas being surveyed. Tenders will learn how the tether can allow better diver monitoring, easier retrieval in the event of emergencies, and a better way of deploying a standby diver in an emergency with free swimming SCUBA divers. Details of full face mask usage will be discussed and practiced, as well as emergency gas supply sizing and usage. Line pull signals in the event of communication failure will be reviewed, as well as emergency procedures the diver can use if the need arises to part from the tether. Dive planning aspects will also highlight how tethered SCUBA can minimize nitrogen load and bounce diving for many types of scientific projects. Field practical will be conducted with divers utilizing the tether tension and body positioning to move across the lake/river bottom to take samples at various locations. Surface to diver direction will be practiced and maneuvers conducted while referencing the diver’s position relative to the tether line. Instructor: Sean Sheldrake