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Scientific Diving

Diver Training

In addition to basic SCUBA certification and first aid training, our divers must complete specialized diver training either through EPA's Diving Training Center or the NOAA Diving Program.

EPA Diver Certification

EPA conducts periodic diver training courses at our Diving Training Center in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Training topics typically include:

  • Diving accident management
  • Polluted water diving awareness
  • Scientific diver
  • Divemaster
  • Oxygen administration
  • Drysuit diving
  • Hazardous materials training for compressed gas handlers
  • Nitrox I & II (enriched air)

Training at EPA's facility is also available at no cost to other federal, state and local government divers, as space permits. Classes are not open to the public.

First Aid

EPA divers are required to maintain proficiency in first aid. This includes biennial or two-yearly training for:

  • Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Automatic external defibrillator (AED) certification
  • Oxygen administration

EPA divers practice open water rescue techniques.An EPA diver administers oxygen on a 'simulated' patient with suspected decompression illness.Ever practice CPR on a moving boat? We do!


For more information, refer to our Diving Safety Program or contact Sean Sheldrake (sheldrake.sean@epa.gov), 206-553-1220.