AAUS Standards for Scientific Diving Operations in Cave and Cavern Environments: A Proposal.

Abstract

In 1996, the AAUS Standards for Scientific Diving Certification and Operation of Scientific Diving Programs was published in its third edition. That edition called for the development of supplementary standards covering diving technologies for those other than open circuit air. This paper proposes a set of supplementary standards covering cave and cavern diving for adoption by the AAUS. The standards are based on diving practices followed by Island Caves Research Center and other organizations while conducting scientific diving operations in submerged cave systems. Included are training and certification standards, as well as operational standards. The format followed parallels that of the 1996 AAUS Standards/or Scientific Diving Certification and Operation of Scientific Diving Programs, Third Edition.