Program Overview

Scientific Diving: Theory

The Scientific Diving: Theory course is designed to provide participants with the theoretical knowledge required for scientific diving. The course is developed in accordance with the standards set by the Dutch National Scientific Diving Committee and aligned with European diving standards.

Course Overview

• The course is flexible and can be studied at your own pace.
• The total study duration is 2 months, with a total of 56 study hours.
• Upon completing the course, participants will receive a certificate demonstrating their competence in the subject matter.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for individuals affiliated with scientific institutions who are interested in contributing to underwater scientific projects. This includes academics, researchers, and project leaders who may be responsible for diving colleagues.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Lift their diving experience in underwater sciences to a higher level.
• Contribute efficiently to any underwater scientific project.

Programme

The online self-paced course consists of:

• Pre-recorded knowledge clips (video)
• Reading materials
• Knowledge acquisition moments
• Assignments

The course covers the following topics:

• The field of scientific diving (modes of diving, legal status)
• Dutch Scientific Diving Standards
• Diving physics and physiology (including gas calculations)
• Dive equipment (use and handling)
• Dive safety (causes, treatment, and prevention)
• Contents of a Dive Plan with risk assessment
• The scientific method and ethics
• Experimental design
• Underwater research methods and tools

Examination

Successful completion of the course is attained when both open assignments are passed with at least a grade of 5.5.

Certification

After successfully completing the course, participants will obtain a digital certificate. There is also an in-water, practical Scientific Diving course available, which can be taken separately. Upon successful completion of both the theory and practical parts, participants will receive a Microcredential, aligning with the standards set for the European Scientific Diving Certificate.

Coordinated by

The course is coordinated by:

• ir. CWRM (Kees) Kaffka, Program manager Continuing Education
• prof.dr. AJ (Tinka) Murk, Professor/Chairholder Marine Animal Ecology
• dr. DL (Diede) Maas, Lecturer
• dr. RM (Rosa) van der Ven, Lecturer

Quotes from Lecturers

While collecting samples underwater, with all the limitations that this brings, it is even more important to consider a good experimental design before you enter the water to make sure you gather high-quality data.

— Diede Maas, Lecturer

Scientific Diving requires specific skills, such as monitoring environmental conditions or implementing research tools, which you will not see in recreational dive training. Scientific Diving also requires particular safety procedures. Hopefully, all underwater researchers will soon be trained in Scientific Diving to improve their skills and keep them safe.

— Rosa van der Ven, Lecturer

Continuing Education at WUR

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) offers a range of continuing education programs, including this Scientific Diving: Theory course. The university aims to share its expertise with professionals worldwide, providing opportunities for individuals to stay relevant in the dynamic labor market and improve the quality of life through nature-based solutions.