American Academy of Underwater Sciences

American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) is a non-profit, self-regulating body dedicated to establishing and promoting standards of practice for scientific diving. The AAUS was officially chartered in California in 1983, and has since grown to include over 130 organizational members and over 1100 individual members.

History

The American Academy of Underwater Sciences was established in response to the need for standards and guidelines for the conduct of scientific diving. The organization was officially chartered in California in 1983, following a series of workshops and conferences held in the late 1970s and early 1980s. These meetings brought together representatives from various organizations involved in scientific diving, including universities, government agencies, and private sector entities.

Mission

The mission of the AAUS is to facilitate the development of safe and productive scientific divers through education, research, advocacy, and the advancement of standards for scientific diving practices, certifications, and operations.

Membership

Membership in the AAUS is open to organizations and individuals who are involved in scientific diving. Organizational members include universities, government agencies, museums, and private sector entities. Individual members include scientific divers, diving safety officers, and other professionals involved in underwater research.

Standards and Certification

The AAUS establishes standards for scientific diving certification and operation through its Standards for Scientific Diving Certification and Operation of Scientific Diving Programs. These standards are recognized internationally and are considered the benchmark for scientific diving practices.

Research and Education

The AAUS promotes research and education in scientific diving through its annual symposium, publications, and scholarships. The organization also maintains a database of scientific diving statistics, which is used to track trends and improve safety practices.

See Also

• Scientific diving
• Underwater research
• Diving safety