The role of diver training in submersible use

URI is a leader in scientific research diver training. Our goal has been to train scientists to become safe and effective diving researchers. Good scientists and good divers seem to have divergent objectives dictated by their training and experience. Before diver training can begin, instructors must "untrain" many scientists by emphasizing safety awareness over research. As technology advances, the majority of these scientists will have access to mid-water, one-man, one-atm, diving systems (OMADS). It is extremely critical that these scientists, now solely responsible for onboard operations, have sufficient safety training to take advantage of this cost effective research tool. Further, it is mandatory that the system prove itself from the onset not only as a valuable technological asset, but a safe and productive tool. Because of similarities in objectives, the scientific diver research training program forms a suitable basis for OMADS training. This paper will discuss various strategies and methods that the instructional staff at URI have developed to meet these goals.