Dive Team Volunteer

1. Submit an application. Our staff will review all applications and will contact selected candidates to schedule interviews. We will likely be unable to interview every candidate, so please provide thoughtful responses to your application questions.
2. Schedule and successfully complete an interview.
3. All candidates who were interviewed for the program will be notified to let them know if they have been chosen for the program.
4. Successfully pass a background check.
5. Swim Tests – Candidates must successfully complete a watermanship evaluation that includes:
   • Swim 400 yards continuously without the use of swim aids
   • Tread water for 10 minutes
   • Swim underwater 25 yards without surfacing on a single breath
   • Using a mask and snorkel, retrieve a 10lb weight from the bottom of the pool (approximately 10’ deep), clearing the snorkel upon ascent.
   • Tow a diver of equal size 25 yards without the use of swim aids.
6. Liability Release Forms – Each diver must sign liability and release forms before engaging in any volunteer activities at the GSC.
7. Medical History Form and Physical – Each diver must pass a dive physical and be declared fit to engage in diving activities as noted on the medical evaluation report.  All costs for the physical examination are the responsibility of the diver.
8. Classroom Session – Divers must participate in a knowledge development classroom session that covers diving policies, protocols, procedures, and dive exhibit walk-through.
9. Successfully Complete CPR, First Aid, and AED Certification – All divers must hold current CPR, first aid, and AED certifications.  If the diver is not current, the GSC will provide these certifications to volunteer divers at no cost. 
10. Successfully Complete Emergency Oxygen Provider Certification – All divers must hold current emergency oxygen administration for diving accidents certification.  If the diver is not current, the GSC will provide DAN O2 Provider certification to volunteer divers at no cost. 
11. Scuba Skill Assessment – Each volunteer diver must complete the scuba skill assessment with the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) for an initial evaluation of diving ability and skill.
12. Checkout and Orientation Dive – Each volunteer must complete a checkout dive with the DSO in the Shark Reef Exhibit.  This dive will serve as an initial checkout to ensure divers are comfortable in the exhibit and with all equipment.  The DSO will provide an orientation to the exhibit and divers will familiarize themselves with general tasks, such as scrubbing décor and cleaning acrylic.
13. Emergency Procedures and Protocols – Each volunteer must participate in dive emergency training following their checkout and orientation dive.  This training will cover all GSC medical emergency procedures and protocols, as well as specific diver safety and rescue training for aquarium exhibits.  Volunteers must participate in a least one full diver medical emergency drill per year.

Final acceptance into the GSC Volunteer Dive Program will be made at the end of this evaluation process by the Dive Safety Officer.