Dive into STEM
To support student and community experiential education into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the UAS Juneau dive courses provide training for beginners, intermediate, and advanced SCUBA divers and professional certification to conduct scientific work using SCUBA. These courses are the DIVE part of the “DIVE into STEM, FLY into STEM Program at UAS.” Courses taught include recreational certifications for beginners (Open water, drysuit) and intermediate divers (advanced, rescue) and a professional course in scientific diving for advanced divers offering certification through the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS). Prior to course offerings in 2024, UAS has supported professionally certified divers through AAUS since 2002 throught the Gatheeni T’aak Hit Dive Locker and now the Aak’w Ta Hit Dive Locker. These courses are offered as short courses.
Beginner (Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters):
PE S200 - Ocean Diving (2 credits):
Designed to improve ocean diving skills. Basic scuba equipment review, underwater navigation, night diving, basic deep diving patterns, small boat diving techniques. Intended as intermediate program for basic scuba divers and introduction to Juneau regional diving environment; lectures, two pool sessions, eight dives. Divers earn their Open Water and Drysuit Certifications. Prerequisities: Swim Test.
Intermediate and Advanced (as requested):
PE S210 - Advanced Diving (1-4 credits):
Designed to develop advanced diver skills and safety procedures. Intended for experienced divers new to diving in Southeast Alaska, for divers re-entering diving and for divers with basic or intermediate skills who want to develop advanced diver experience. The course consists of lectures focusing on dive safety, equipment systems, the marine environment, and procedures and techniques for advanced diving specialties. Open water dives include night diving, deep and shallow diving, drift diving, underwater navigation exercises, and search and recovery exercises. The dives serve as an orientation to a variety of Southeast Alaska as dive conditions, dive sites, and promote diver safety and awareness. 4 hour lab per week required. Divers earn their Rescue, Advanced, CPR, First Aid, and Oxygen Provider Certifications. Prerequisites: Open Water, Drysuit Certification, and Swim Test.
Scientific (Summer Semesters):
BIOL S288 - Scientific Diving (3 credits)
Students are given 100 hours of training in scientific diving. Divers earn Scientific Diving Certification from the American Academy of Underwater Sciences.
Prerequisites: Open Water, Drysuit, Rescue, Advanced, CPR, First Aid, Oxygen Provider Certification, Medical Evaluation and Swim Test.