Join us for an Orientation Dive in an Elk Kelp (Pelagophycus porra) Forest during the 2026 AAUS Symposium. Elk Kelp is the “third” canopy kelp behind bull kelp and giant kelp. Unlike the other two canopy kelps that have very wide distributions, elk kelp only grows in a narrow band from Central Baja California to Southern California. Generally found in deeper waters from 60 to 300 feet, it rarely reaches the surface, so finding forests can be difficult. With its distinctive antler-like branching blades and volleyball-sized pneumocystis, this kelp forms truly unique, lush kelp forest habitats. During each dive, you’ll weave through towering kelp stalks alive with fish, invertebrates, and the quiet magic of a healthy coastal ecosystem. Two boat dives in Elk Kelp Forests aboard the Humboldt operated by Waterhorse Charters in Mission Bay, San Diego. Expect each dive to be between 60 and 80 feet. In October, the water temp is roughly 60 °F (15 °C). A 7mm wetsuit is recommended. Tanks are included (Steel 85s) and gear rental is available. Nitrox is available for an extra fee. Hot drinks and a light soup lunch is provided. Boarding will begin at 7 AM with boat departure at 8 AM. We will return to the dock by 4PM.
7:00 AM
|
For OM's/DSO's interested in best practices for selection and training of Lead Divers. Program will provide an overview of the University of California’s Lead Diver Training initiative, and focus on tools and training used in the UC Davis Scientific Diving Leadership Training Course, a 5 day advanced-level field module that supports participants in developing practical leadership skills in dive planning, risk assessment and management, briefings, debriefings, teamwork, interpersonal skills, and improving diving leadership skills focused around the role of Lead Diver.
8:00 AM
|
**The course runs from 8a-5p Tuesday and 1pm-5pm Tuesday. Participants must attend both days. The goal of this instructor course is to teach you how to use this tool set to build an emergency preparedness training program that is right for your facility. You will also be certified to be a CPR, O2 and First aid instructor certification. The Rescue Ready CPR program is an ILCOR compliant course that was built following the ECC guidelines set forth by American Heart. But this program takes a step closer to the team approach of how fire and EMS agencies respond to cardiac arrests. A week prior to the course you will be assigned online training that will need to be completed prior tothe first day of the in-person course. This is a two-day course. Day 1 Incident command Xverse Training Portal training Building a diver emergency action plan First aid instructor skills including mass hemorrhage control Emergency oxygen instructor skills CPR Instructor skills Instructor course flow Logistics of post extrication care Day 2- Use of the Rapid Extrication Board Victim handling in the water Extrication from the water Post extrication care planning Full pace rescue drills from calling the diver emergency to shocking with an AED. Initial cost for a 2-year instructor certification is $499. To keep you instructor cert good you must teach at least 4 RR CPR courses in a 24-month period. The renewal is $99 every 24 months after your initial course as long as you stay current with teaching the required courses. 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: Course Cost - $499 to be paid upon registration. Instructor: Brian Saxon
8:00 AM
|
NOTE: You MUST register for BOTH days of this workshop. 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
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 - $300 ($276 for Alumni) to be paid upon registration. Instructor: Mark Gresham
8:00 AM
|
The Avelo System replaces traditional buoyancy control with a smoother, more natural approach, allowing divers to move freely and stay in control underwater. Rather than relying on a BCD air bubble, which is depth-sensitive and can cause unstable buoyancy and uncontrolled ascents, Avelo "borrows" water weight from the ocean, providing stable neutral buoyancy regardless of depth changes. The result is a scuba system nearly half the weight of conventional gear, yet it delivers more bottom time and immediately perfect neutral buoyancy, a combination that earned Avelo the prestigious Innovation Award at boot Düsseldorf 2025. Diving safety professionals attending the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) symposium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography will have the rare opportunity to experience the Avelo System firsthand during a one-day demo event. This setting is ideal for directly evaluating Avelo's safety implications, from eliminating depth-sensitive buoyancy fluctuations to significantly reducing topside gear weight, which can become a safety hazard on unstable boats and during wavy shore entries. While the system provides sophisticated post-dive data insights, it is important to note that the Avelo System remains a completely manual tool. It does not rely on automated buoyancy control, ensuring the diver remains in full, direct command of their profile at all times. In addition, this demo features an in-depth look at how Avelo captures and quantifies the resulting reduction in diver task-loading, providing a level of performance transparency beyond our standard training. Whether you are assessing new equipment standards, training protocols, or diver risk management, this hands-on demo offers a practical look at how Avelo is redefining safe, efficient, and accessible scientific diving.
9:00 AM
|
NOTE: You MUST register for BOTH Day 1 and Day 2
The Human Factors in Diving (HFiD): Applied Skills course is a two-day program focused on the human and team skills that influence safety and performance in scientific diving. Participants will apply human factors and non-technical skills, including leadership, situational awareness, communication, decision-making, and teamwork, while experiencing performance-shaping factors such as stress in a controlled, lab-based simulation environment. Through facilitated simulations, structured debriefs, and guided reflection, participants will examine how human performance and team dynamics influence outcomes and develop practical strategies to improve coordination, adaptability, and resilience in complex dive operations. Designed for scientific divers, dive leaders, and Dive Safety Officers, this course provides practical, transferable skills to strengthen safety culture and operational effectiveness. Students will receive Free access to the Essentials on-line course, The Human Diver Wetnotes, a copy of Under Pressure, Briefing and Debriefing Guides, Student Workbook and ongoing coaching and support post-class.
9:00 AM
|
Specimens contained in the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Benthic Invertebrate Collection date back to 1902, when Dr. William E. Ritter of the University of California Berkeley and summer students began conducting biological survey work from the Boathouse of the Hotel Del Coronado. The Benthic Invertebrate Collection is a repository of preserved specimens available to loan for research and education. Join us for a guided tour of this collection!
10:00 AM
|
The Marine Vertebrate Collection is one of the most comprehensive repositories of deep-sea and pelagic fish diversity. Since its beginnings in the 1940s, the Marine Vertebrate Collection has become an essential resource for understanding the diversity and evolution of marine life. Still expanding through active fieldwork and research, it continues to reflect Scripps’ long tradition of ocean exploration and scientific excellence.
11:00 AM
|
This will be a highly interactive workshop focused on developing skillful empathy and practicing tangible tools to address behavioral challenges that arise in field settings when we are the only responders available. Topics include: Building our capacity to hold space through challenging situations Overview of the Polyvagal Theory, including triggers and physical symptoms Developing a mental health tool kit with grounding interventions Introducing Safety/Support Plans and evacuation decision-making considerations Mental Health First Aid for Field Settings goes beyond an awareness-level workshop as its main goal is to build skills and confidence in attending to mental health challenges.
1:00 PM
|