Program Requirements

SCUBA Diving is an exciting adventure that can enable us to travel the world working with many types of people. Certified boat captains operate their vessels under strict government scrutiny with periodic inspections of the vessel and crew. Divers expose themselves to the rigors of the environment, the safety inspection of the life support equipment, and the health of our dive partners. Bumps and bruises, cuts and scrapes as well as sea sickness are second nature to this sport.

Current immunizations and health screenings are an important part of professional fitness for your lifetime of diving. A modest amount of money and time investment can protect you from possible long-term debilitating diseases. To assist you in preserving your quality of life, full acceptance into your major/minor programs requires health documentation as per catalogue descriptions. Prior to attempting any dive under supervision, you will be asked to sign an agreement verifying that you have met various technical and safety standards.

Criteria for Sport Management/Diving Industry (SMDI) Acceptance

Students electing this specialization, as well as those pursuing a minor in Diving Education, must satisfy the following criteria prior to acceptance.

NOTE: For student and group safety, **starred items must be completed before the end of the first semester of enrollment. In addition, the faculty member reserves the right to restrict a student from participating in a dive or related diving activity in order to ensure the safety of everyone who might be placed at risk.

For Interim Acceptance:

1. **Documentation of current immunizations and health screenings, including, but not limited to Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Tuberculosis, and HIV.
2. **Certification of medical fitness for SCUBA Diving by an M.D. with diving medicine knowledge, attesting to clearance for diving at all depths required within the SMDI curriculum.
3. **Agreement to complete, prior to each in-water activity, a "Hold Harmless" statement that acknowledges proper fitness for diving, including attesting to being alcohol-, nicotine-, and drug-free.
4. **Verification of current medical insurance with specific coverage for SCUBA diving, including hyperbaric medical treatments and remote air ambulance coverage.
5. **Agreement to weekend availability of no less than one Saturday or Sunday per month during the academic year for open water activities related to coursework.
6. **Agreement to summer availability for one year in order to complete an intensive experience in various diving activities.
7. **Agreement to complete and document no fewer than 15 open-water dives per calendar year (excluding dives associated with coursework).
8. Successful completion of the Cooper 12-minute Swim at a "Good" or higher category.
9. ISR 155 or equivalent entry-level "Open Water" certification from a recognized training/certifying agency.
10. ISR 255 or equivalent intermediate "Advanced Open Water" certification from a recognized training/certifying agency.

For Full Acceptance:

11. SES 211 or current ARC Lifeguard Training Certification equivalent to that issued in SES 211.
12. SES 212 or current ARC First Aid, CPR, AED, PDT, Oxygen Administration certifications equivalent to those issued in SES 212.
13. Documentation of no fewer than 30 SCUBA dives.
14. Satisfactory completion of a proficiency examination including, but not limited to, a written examination on basic diving theory, as well as a practical exam on diving skill performance in confined and open water.
15. Possession of personal mask, fins, snorkel, foot protection, regulator with submersible pressure gauge, low pressure inflation hose, alternate air source, buoyancy control device, depth gauge, dive timer, compass, knife/diver tool, emergency signaling device(s), exposure suit appropriate for Florida diving environments, weight belt/weights, slate/pencil, equipment bag. All equipment is subject to regular inspection and approval by the program coordinator upon documentation of annual servicing by industry professional.