2024 AAUS Diving for Science Symposium

The 2024 AAUS Diving for Science Symposium will be hosted by the Smithsonian Marine Station in Fort Pierce, Florida, from April 14-20, 2024. **Please note that all times are in Eastern time zone.


We welcome diving scientists, students, diving safety officers, and anyone with an interest in diving science to participate in this event. The week will be filled with instructional workshops such as Serious Accident Investigation, both topside and underwater; wilderness first aid;  human factors workshops; diving workshops covering rescue techniques, scientific snorkeling, and managing divers with acoustics; drift diving with reef fish, near shore benthic surveys and investigating octopi; and much more! Following the workshop opportunities and social/networking events, we will wrap up the week with the national DSO meeting, science symposium, and annual awards banquet.


If you are a member of AAUS, please login before proceeding to register.  If you are not a member of AAUS, you must create an account to register for this meeting.  This DOES NOT give you a membership in AAUS, it simply provides a temporary account for registration. If you wish to join as an AAUS member, please visit www.aaus.org/Join. 
 
If participants wish to bring a guest to the Bubble Breaker or Banquet, they can purchase a Companion Ticket for those events through their own registration or the guest can create their own registration and add those items.

Please read the description of the packages carefully.  Each one includes a different selection of events.  Most events/workshops can also be added on a la carte style to most entrance packages.  Saturday's line up of events is still in development but will likely consist of a morning of in water training restricted to ONLY AAUS DSOs and ADSOs and an afternoon of lectures surrounding current topics in Scientific Diving.

Lunch is provided for ALL DAY workshops only.

 


When
4/14/2024 8:00 AM - 4/20/2024 10:00 PM
Where
Fort Pierce, FL 34949 UNITED STATES

Program

   

Sunday, 14 April 2024

Description
DAY1 - YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP DIRECTLY WITH THE INSTRUCTOR FOR BOTH DAYS.  This 2-day course focuses on developing learning from any unintended outcome on a scientific diving operation. Using best practice from high-risk industries, this course isn’t just for ‘serious incidents but all events where the outcomes wasn’t expected, focusing on local rationality (how it made sense of those involved to do what they did), not just non-compliance. The course looks at just culture, understanding what ‘normal’ looks like, multi-actor timelines, and development of learning products that move from blame to learning. If you are a DSO or an executive who wants to learn and improve, this course is for you. Course costs include manual and online pre-learning to maximize the educational experience and information transfer in the classroom.  Add this item to your AAUS registration for it to show in your schedule.  However, you must register and pay for this workshop directly with The Human Diver at https://www.thehumandiver.com/offers/wi2LUjQQ/checkout
Time
8:45 AM - 5:30 PM
8:45 AM

DAY ONE - YOU MUST REGISTER FOR BOTH DAYS The first day of the workshop will provide participants with training in how to conduct a serious accident investigation (SAI) for a diving accident. Workshop leaders will describe a template for setting up a SAI team, assignment of duties for team members, and, techniques used in the process of an investigation. Participants will be given examples of previous dive accident investigations, including the investigative techniques used. The second day of the workshop will provide a hands-on experience, requiring participants to investigate a simulated dive accident.    *Lunch Provided
Time
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 AM

Monday, 15 April 2024

Description
Divers will have the opportunity to conduct 2 drift dives in heavy currents off Jupiter (~45 miles south of Ft. Pierce) to explore some high-relief ledges and artificial reefs (sites TBD). Due to the proximity of the Florida Current/Gulf Stream in this region, the reefs here are frequented by unique pelagic species that are generally encountered much further offshore. It is also a well-known area for seasonal aggregations of Goliath Grouper (Aug-Sep), Lemon and Blacktip sharks (Jan-Mar), as well as nesting sea turtles. The high-relief ledges also serve as excellent habitat for a diverse assemblage of reef fishes, which will also be discussed.  NOTE: Advanced open ocean boat dive with STRONG currents. Tanks and weights and lunch provided. SMB required. *Lunch Provided
Time
6:15 AM - 3:00 PM
6:15 AM

This hands on workshop will help participants to have a better understanding of the challenges and management of Decompression Illness in the field. A fully operational Hyperlite, a portable hyperbaric chamber capable of treating Decompression Sickness and Arterial Gas Embolism,  will be available for hands on demonstration.   The workshop will start with an overview of recognizing and managing diver injuries in remote field locations and move through diagnosis, treatment options and protocols and the use of the Hyperlite. Instructor: David Charash If you wish to have a full operator's certification, you must register both this morning introduction session and the certification course beginning Monday afternoon and all day Tuesday. You may also only register for the morning session for an informational overview and hands on experience.
Time
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
8:00 AM

This workshop will provide a hands-on experience using sector scanning sonar to monitor dive operations and guide dive activities from the surface.  Participants will learn the principles involved with integrating sonar into active dive operations and will have the opportunity to experience each of the roles involved—topside supervisor, tethered diver, dive tender, and sonar operator. LOR required.  Tanks, weights and some gear provided.
Time
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
8:00 AM

This workshop includes an opportunity to dive from the new Smithsonian Marine Station's Research Vessel. The dives will include nearshore dives on hard bottom habitat to practice survey methods. Additionally, this will be an opportunity for experienced divers and boat captains to provide feedback on the layout and functionality as well as considerations that should be made when diving from a research vessel.  Must have 60’ depth authorization and LOR.  Tanks, weights and Lunch provided.
Time
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
8:00 AM

DAY2 - YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP DIRECTLY WITH THE INSTRUCTOR FOR BOTH DAYS. This 2-day course focuses on developing learning from any unintended outcome on a scientific diving operation. Using best practice from high-risk industries, this course isn’t just for ‘serious incidents but all events where the outcomes wasn’t expected, focusing on local rationality (how it made sense of those involved to do what they did), not just non-compliance. The course looks at just culture, understanding what ‘normal’ looks like, multi-actor timelines, and development of learning products that move from blame to learning. If you are a DSO or an executive who wants to learn and improve, this course is for you. Course costs include manual and online pre-learning to maximize the educational experience and information transfer in the classroom.  Add this item to your AAUS registration for it to show in your schedule.  However, you must register and pay for this workshop directly with The Human Diver at https://www.thehumandiver.com/offers/wi2LUjQQ/checkout
Time
8:45 AM - 5:30 PM
8:45 AM

DAY 2- YOU MUST REGISTER FOR BOTH DAYS. The first day of the workshop will provide participants with training in how to conduct a serious accident investigation (SAI) for a diving accident. Workshop leaders will describe a template for setting up a SAI team, assignment of duties for team members, and, techniques used in the process of an investigation. Participants will be given examples of previous dive accident investigations, including the investigative techniques used. The second day of the workshop will provide a hands-on experience, requiring participants to investigate a simulated dive accident.  *Lunch Provided
Time
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 AM

The Operational Training Course provide training in the safe operation of Hyperlite Portable Hyperbaric Chamber Systems. The courses mixes practical and theory training in small groups to provide sufficient hands-on experience for basic operations of the Hyperlite System - MOD 1, Single patient. This course which is an Approved - SOS Group LTD program/curriculum includes, but is not limited to training in deployment, patient insertion, system operations, transfer under pressure, post operation breakdown, basic troubleshooting and further information about maintenance and all servicing requirements. Step 1 - 4 hour Didactic Program (Hyperbaric Medicine)  - David Charash, D.O., MD. (register separately) Step 2 -12 hour Practicum - (Hyperlite Operations & Chamber Safety) (Days 1 and 2) - Doug Kesling, BSN, M.A. EMT-B, DMT 16  Hour course. Mfg. Certification/Operator.  + plus 16 hours NBDHMT Cat - B, ConEd. Diver Medics. (National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Technology)
Time
4/15/2024 1:00 PM - 4/16/2024 5:00 PM
1:00 PM

This workshop will provide a hands-on experience regarding the initial investigation of a scuba diving fatality.   Participants will learn the tools and techniques involved with the initial investigation of a scuba accident.  Hands-on practice with a simulated diving accident scenario will be provided. The procedures used for documentation, securing evidence, and recovering the victim will be discussed and employed during the mock investigation. Participants must provide a LOR. Tanks, weights and some gear provided.
Time
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
2:00 PM

Tuesday, 16 April 2024

Description
Divers will have the opportunity to conduct 2 drift dives in heavy currents off Jupiter (~45 miles south of Ft. Pierce) to explore some high-relief ledges and artificial reefs (sites TBD). Due to the proximity of the Florida Current/Gulf Stream in this region, the reefs here are frequented by unique pelagic species that are generally encountered much further offshore. It is also a well-known area for seasonal aggregations of Goliath Grouper (Aug-Sep), Lemon and Blacktip sharks (Jan-Mar), as well as nesting sea turtles. The high-relief ledges also serve as excellent habitat for a diverse assemblage of reef fishes, which will also be discussed.  NOTE: Advanced open ocean boat dive with STRONG currents. Tanks, weights and lunch provided. SMB required. *Lunch provided
Time
6:30 AM - 3:00 PM
6:30 AM

Become a DAN Instructor! When you become a DAN instructor you help build a better trained and skill-equipped diving community and you can develop a highly qualified dive staff.  *Lunch Provided
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

This is an introduction to the safe use of a full face mask (FFM) for diving, and the use of underwater communication equipment. The divers will be introduced to the equipment, and experience the use and troubleshooting of these tools. Participants will also be taught how to remove, replace, and clear the full face mask.  Instructors from Dive Rescue International. LOR required
Time
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
8:00 AM

DAY ONE  - MUST REGISTER FOR BOTH DAYS OF THIS WORKSHOP DIRECTLY WITH THE INSTRUCTOR. Scientific diving involves working as a team, often with incomplete knowledge and under time constraints. This highly experiential teamwork-focused course uses computer-based simulation and targeted debriefs to facilitate learning and the development of high-performance teams, providing tools and concepts that can be used on any scientific diving project. Highly recommended by all those who’ve taken the class. Course fees include access to the Essentials of Human Factors in Diving (worth $97) and a copy of Under Pressure (worth $40). Class runs from 08:45-5:30 each day. Six places available to maximize interaction and learning. Lunch Provided Add this item to your AAUS registration for it to show in your schedule.  However, you must register and pay for this workshop directly with The Human Diver at https://www.thehumandiver.com/offers/CmCwpFy2
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

This workshop includes an opportunity to dive from the new Smithsonian Marine Station's Research Vessel. The dives will include nearshore dives on hard bottom habitat to practice survey methods. Additionally, this will be an opportunity for experienced divers and boat captains to provide feedback on the layout and functionality as well as considerations that should be made when diving from a research vessel.  Must have 60’ depth authorization and LOR.  Tanks, weights and lunch provided.
Time
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
8:00 AM

Sometimes we find ourselves doing research where there is a big chance for the general public to be present and witness everything. This can be a great time for outreach and communication, but also a time for judgement and nitpicking. Join FAU's Dr. Chelsea Bennice (@theoctogirl) for a talk about octopus fieldwork that spans from observational and temporary collection, to permanent collection and how to engage the local dive community in conversations around research that takes place at a popular (and protected) marine area. The morning classroom session will be followed by an afternoon dive at the world-renowned Blue Heron Bridge, Phil Foster Park to search for multiple octopus species and record their behavior, habitat, and skin microbiome. The Blue Heron Bridge has been called one of the best muck-diving and shore diving sites in the US. Divers commonly see species that are rare in the rest of Florida waters such as seahorses, frogfish, batfish, stargazers, and a number of species of nudibranch. Tank, weights and lunch provided.
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

PSI-PCI is the leader in Visual Cylinder Inspection® (VCI) training.  It has been our core business for over 35 years.  Our dedication to cylinder safety is unmatched in the industry and our VCI training is the only training available that the cylinder manufacturers use, refer to and formally endorse.  We are also the only training for VCI that is recognized by law making entities such as the USDOT, Compressed Gas Association, NIOSH, OSHA and others.  You will learn about aluminum, steel and composite cylinders - their makeup, manufacturing process, safety concerns and inspection requirements.  Our training also provides an overview of other associated subjects such as hydro requalifying, valves, O2 cleaning and more.  Get real information with real world applications.  As a PSI-PCI Inspector you have access to accurate information, professional consultation and superior support when you need it.  This training is open to everyone, whether you need to inspect cylinders or just want to know about the process.  Join the professional team of Inspectors at PSI-PCI, Inc.  You too can be a part of the Cylinder Safety Solution! NOTE: This course MUST be registered for at the link below. Pricing and pre-requisites to be set by the vendor. Selecting this listing only to allows this workshop to show on your overall AAUS agenda for the week but does not complete registration. Click here to register:  http://www.psicylinders.com/regional-training  Course Cost - $325 to be paid upon registration. Instructor: Mauritius Bell
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

DAY ONE - MUST REGISTER FOR BOTH DAYS. While many dive officers are well trained in DFA, wilderness first aid spends two days developing patient assessment skills, treatment of medical illnesses, and care in extended response time situations (1+ hours) using the supplies at hand in the field. Instructor: Garrett Cooper. Lunch Provided
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

YOU MUST REGISTER DIRECTLY WITH THE INSTRUCTOR FOR THIS COURSE. When you reflect on past scientific dives and the challenges you faced when collecting quality data, especially when things didn't go to plan, were those failures down to technical or equipment failures? Or were they down to miscommunication, lack of role clarity, incomplete information to decide, or a failure to learn previous lessons identified? This one-day workshop will help facilitate safer and more productive scientific diving techniques by learning and developing your knowledge and practice surrounding Human Factors in Diving. This workshop combines theory, case studies, and practical exercises to facilitate your goal of running safer and more productive scientific diving programs..
Time
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 AM

Quality dive training saves lives and is the best insulation against diver panic.  Every diver will experience stress while diving, but each diver's capability to cope with the stressors placed on them can be improved and maximized through the Big Three Training Ideas: Increased cardiovascular fitness; On-going practice of basic skills, and Innoculation against the stressors of diving and underwater emergencies. This 4-hour diver stress workshop will focus on the application of critical skills and steps toward innoculation.  Instructors: Dive Rescue International.  LOR required
Time
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1:00 PM

The PSI-PCI Update is available to meet the Federal recurrent training requirements for PSI-PCI Inspectors.  If you are within your 3 year recurrent training window, this is the training you need to remain complaint.  We create this course annually to provide our inspectors with the most up to date information pertinent to your inspection training.  Keep your training up to current status by attending the PSI-PCI Update at DEMA.  You can continue to be a very important part of the Cylinder Safety Solution! NOTE: This course MUST be registered for at the link below. Pricing and pre-requisites to be set by the vendor. Selecting this listing only to allows this workshop to show on your overall AAUS agenda for the week but does not complete registration.  Click here to register:  http://www.psicylinders.com/regional-training Course Cost - $115 to be paid at registration
Time
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
5:30 PM

Wednesday, 17 April 2024

Description
This workshop will focus on safe snorkeling best practices developed by AAUS and how to incorporate them into your scientific diving program. The groups will begin at Bath Tub beach, an ideal snorkeling location. Once the training and protocol discussions are complete, the group will visit a shallow site to complete seagrass surveys and practice skills. The group may stop at Florida Oceanographic Society for a tour at the end of the session.*Lunch Provided
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

Many scientific diving entities plan and execute dives in areas that may or may not be significantly contaminated. The following course is meant to be a half day, classroom based,  five module introduction to polluted water diving awareness for the Divemaster and Dive Safety Officer designed to help. Module 1: Dive Sites, Dive Planning and Online Resources Module 2: Overview of Training for Polluted Water Diving Module 3: Personal Protective Equipment and Decontamination Module 4: Medical Monitoring and Immunizations Module 5: Desktop Practical Instructor: Sean Sheldrake
Time
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
8:00 AM

DAY TWO  - MUST REGISTER FOR BOTH DAYS DIRECTLY WITH THE INSTRUCTOR. Scientific diving involves working as a team, often with incomplete knowledge and under time constraints. This highly experiential teamwork-focused course uses computer-based simulation and targeted debriefs to facilitate learning and the development of high-performance teams, providing tools and concepts that can be used on any scientific diving project. Highly recommended by all those who’ve taken the class. Course fees include access to the Essentials of Human Factors in Diving (worth $97) and a copy of Under Pressure (worth $40). Class runs from 08:45-5:30 each day. Six places available to maximize interaction and learning.
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

Some people give oxygen little thought. But if you are using oxygen or enriched air like Nitrox in your facility, then you must be trained according to the Federal requirements to handle, manage and clean to specific O2 standards.  Do you know what they are?  The PSI-PCI Oxygen Cylinder Cleaning Technician (OCCT) course will provide you with the information you need to answer YES to that question.  “Dive industry standards” do not exist!  The PSI-PCI course covers gas industry standards, Federal requirements, real world cleaning, inspection and use techniques that will keep you and your customers safe and compliant when using O2.  With the knowledge you gain in this PSI-PCI course you will be confident and able to meet Federal requirements in your use, cleaning and inspections of cylinders in enriched air or O2 service. NOTE: This course MUST be registered for at the link below. Pricing and pre-requisites to be set by the vendor. Selecting this listing only to allows this workshop to show on your overall AAUS agenda for the week but does not complete registration.  Register at: http://www.psicylinders.com/regional-training Course Cost - $175 upon registration Pre-requisite:  Current PSI-PCI Trained Inspector
Time
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
8:00 AM

DAY TWO - MUST REGISTER FOR BOTH DAYS. While many dive officers are well trained in DFA, wilderness first aid spends two days developing patient assessment skills, treatment of medical illnesses, and care in extended response time situations (1+ hours) using the supplies at hand in the field. Instructor: Garrett Cooper. Lunch Provided
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

This program is designed to provide an orientation for new Diving Safety Officers and for existing DSO's who would like more information and an update on particulars of running a Diving Safety Program at their respective institutions or organizations.  Essential training for anyone considering accepting or assuming the role of Diving Safety Officer and planning on operating an AAUS Diving Safety Program.  Also open to non AAUS organizations who would like more information about AAUS.  This orientation is now required for any DSO new to an AAUS organizational member (must be completed within one year of hire). *Lunch Provided
Time
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 AM

YOU MUST REGISTER DIRECTLY WITHTHE INSTRUCTOR FOR THIS COURSE. This is a one day course and a duplicate offering. When you reflect on past scientific dives and the challenges you faced when collecting quality data, especially when things didn't go to plan, were those failures down to technical or equipment failures? Or were they down to miscommunication, lack of role clarity, incomplete information to decide, or a failure to learn previous lessons identified? This one-day workshop will help facilitate safer and more productive scientific diving techniques by learning and developing your knowledge and practice surrounding Human Factors in Diving. This workshop combines theory, case studies, and practical exercises to facilitate your goal of running safer and more productive scientific diving programs.
Time
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 AM

The PSI-PCI Valve Repair Technician (VRT) course is a top notch overview of the basics of valve maintenance and repair.  The valve is often times the most neglected part of the dive equipment. But it has a very important job: getting the air from the cylinder to the user!  Wouldn’t you want your valves to be in the best possible condition?  This is a stand alone course to meet Federal requirements for formal, function specific training.  The PSI-PCI VRT course expands on the informational overview of the VCI course and will provide you with the detailed information you need to disassemble, inspect, clean, reassemble and test the valve.NOTE: This course MUST be registered for at the link below. Pricing and pre-requisites to be set by the vendor. Selecting this listing only to allows this workshop to show on your overall AAUS agenda for the week but does not complete registration.  Register at:  http://www.psicylinders.com/regional-training Course Cost - $175
Time
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
10:30 AM

Annual fundraising event for the AAUS Foundation Scholarship program where we will auction and raffle off a variety of donated items and trips. Held at Sailfish Brewery in Downtown Fort Pierce. Come join us for the unveiling of the new limited release AAUS lager and a great time! Full and DSO only registrations include a ticket to this event. Workshop only, day pass and student registrants must purchase this ticket using the Companion option to attend this event.
Time
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
6:00 PM

Annual fundraising event for the AAUS Foundation Scholarship program where we will auction and raffle off a variety of donated items and trips. Held at Sailfish Brewery in Downtown Fort Pierce.  Entrance to this event is included for Full and DSO only registrations. Workshop only, day pass and student registrants must purchase this ticket to attend this event. Any guest or companion must also purchase a ticket to attend.
Time
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
6:00 PM

Thursday, 18 April 2024

Description
Annual Business and National DSO meeting for AAUS.  *Lunch Provided
Time
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 AM

Annual Business and DSO meeting for AAUS. Virtual Attendance Only.
Time
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 AM

Join us after the AAUS DSO meeting to peruse poster presentations, visit with vendors and take an opportunity to tour HBOI's current and historical presence in Marine Science. **This is INCLUDED in Full, DSO meeting only and Student packages.  Use this option to attend this event if you are a Day Pass, Workshop only or Companion Attendee.
Time
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
4:30 PM

Friday, 19 April 2024

Description
Join us as we hear about cutting edge research as well as training techniques in scientific diving.  You must be a full,  student or day-pass registrant to attend the science symposium.  *Lunch Provided
Time
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
8:30 AM

Join us at the Pelican Yacht Club as we honor this year's award winners and hear from our keynote speaker!
Time
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
6:00 PM

Join us at the Pelican Yacht Club as we honor this year's award winners and hear from our keynote speaker!
Time
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
6:00 PM

Saturday, 20 April 2024

Description
Current Topics in Science Diving. The full agenda for the Saturday afternoon session is still in development.  Stay tuned for more information.
Time
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1:00 PM

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