Level 3 - Archaeological & Scientific Diver's Certificate (ASDC)

Holders of these certificates must comply with all national and local rules concerning third party insurance, medical fitness, safety at work and scientific diving activities when diving in a host member country when they are engaged in scientific diving activities. The certificate only indicates the training level, and not the current level of diving competence.

The Scientific and Archaeological Diver, is a diver capable of participating in archaeological diving projects as part of its associated team.  They may attain this level by in-field training and experience under suitable supervision.  The Level 3 Certificate leads to recognised ‘Archaeological Diver’ status with training in accordance with the competencies of the Scientific Diving Supervisory Council and the BAJR Federation Underwater Archaeology Group. 

Divers are required to hold an HSE (AMED) Approved Diving Medical.

The Archaeological Diver must show proof of theoretical knowledge and practical ability of the comprehensive understanding of:

  • Principles of dive planning, including:
    • Calculations of gas requirements
    • Legal aspects and responsibilities relevant to diving in Europe and elsewhere
  • Diving physics and physiology
    • The specific problems associated with diving to and beyond 20msw
    • The causes and effects of diving related illnesses and their management
  • Correct use of decompression tables, including:
    • NOAA
    • V-Planner
    • Including personal dive computers and guidelines as to their safe use
  • Emergency procedures, Including:
    • Diving casualty management
Be fully competent in:
  • Acting as surface tender for a roped diver
  • Diving first aid, including:
    • CPR in accordance with current ERC Guidelines
    • Emergency Oxygen Administration to diving casualties in accordance with current best clinical practice
    • Control of Catastrophic Haemorrhage
    • SCUBA rescue techniques
    • Management of diving casualties
  • The use and user maintenance of appropriate SCUBA diving equipment, including Full Face Masks
  • Survey & Survey Methods, including:
    • Underwater navigation methods
    • Surface
    • Sub-surface
  • Accurately locating and marking objects and sites for further investigation
  • The basic use of air bags and airlifts for:
    • Controlled lifts
    • Excavations
    • Sampling
  • Basic rigging and rope work
  • Recording techniques
    • Sampling techniques appropriate to the scientific discipline being pursued
Show proof of having undertaken 70 open water dives, to include a minimum of:
  • 20 dives with a scientific task of work, such as listed above
  • 10 dives between 15msw and 24msw
  • 10 dives greater than 25msw
Included in the 70 dives, above, the Archaeological Diver must also demonstrate the following:
  • 20 dives in the last 12 months, including at least 10 with a scientific task of work.
All evidence must be recorded in approved dive logs, countersigned by suitably qualified Instructor or Dive Supervisor.  None of the above precludes the  requirement for a practical or theoretical demonstration of any or all of the points shown at any time during the 5 year period of the competency certificate.  An archaeological or scientific diver who satisfies the above requirements can apply for an ESD  certificate that is valid for five years.  This certificate must then be renewed every five years by making an application to the Scientific Diving Supervisory Committee.  The cost of this application is included in the Registration Fee.