Archaeological & Scientific Diving Equipment Requirements:

Training conducted on the Level 1 Introduction and the Level 2 Archaeological Support Diver Award (ASDA) course includes no-decompression diving, using Nitrox mixes up to 40% and the use of Hyperoxic Trimix with in-water decompression of no greater than 20 minutes per 24 hour period. 

Training conducted for assessment on the Certificates and and for other qualifications includes decompression diving using Nitrox mixes up to a PO2 of 1.4 for diving and  1.6 for decompression.  It also includes the use of Trimix as well as Closed Circuit Rebreathers.

For the Level 2 Archaeological Support Diver Award and for 'Recreational' project participants, the following equipment is the minimum required for participants:

  • Low Volume Mask
  • Fins
  • Appropriate Thermal Protection; I.e. Dry Suit, Hood, and Gloves
  • Appropriate Undersuit for the time of year
  • Backplate, Harness and Wing or other suitable BCD
  • 12L Single Cylinder, In-date & Oxygen Clean for Nitrox mixes up to 40%
  • 7L Pony Cylinder, In-date & Oxygen Clean for Nitrox mixes up to 40%
  • Regulators (EN250 Approved)
    • 1.5 metre 2nd stage hose (Primary) - Recommended 2.1 metre Primary Hose length
    • Short 2nd stage hose (Secondary) with neck mount
    • LPI for Wing and Dry Suit
    • Single Mount SPG
  • Underwater Notebook and Pencil, inluding Run Time Slates
  • Appropriate Decompression Planning Tables
  • Primary Cutting Device
  • Torch
  • Cold water Spool / Reel & Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (Orange)
  • Secondary Spool with Yellow Emergency DSMB (CO2 Types are acceptable)
  • Depth Timer / Dive Computer



CE Approved Closed Circuit Rebreather if the participant wishes to conduct CCR training and assessment or conduct dives in accordance with SDSC Rebreather Guidelines for archaeological and scientific projects.














For the Certificate and Diploma in Archaeological and Scientific Diving and for 'Professional' Project participants, the following equipment is the minimum required as a minimum:
  • Twin 12L Cylinders, In-date & Oxygen Clean for Nitrox & Trimix
  • 7L Stage (Decompression) Cylinder, In-date & Oxygen Clean for Nitrox & Oxygen
  • Regulators (EN250 Approved)
    • Octopus with a 1.5 metre 2nd stage hose (Primary)
    • Short 2nd stage hose (Secondary) with neck mount
    • LPI for Wing and Dry Suit
    • Single Mount SPG
  • Stage Cylinder Regulators (EN250 Approved)
    • Stage Regulator with 1.5 metre hose
    • Short SPG
  • Backplate, Harness and Wing or other suitable BCD
  • Appropriate Thermal Protection; I.e. Dry Suit, Hood, and Gloves
  • Appropriate Undersuit for the time of year
  • Spare Mask
  • Fins
  • Underwater Notebook and Pencil, inluding Run Time Slates
  • Appropriate Decompression Planning Tables
  • Primary Cutting Device
    • Back-up Cutting Devince
  • Primary Torch
    • Backup Torch
  • Cold water Spool / Reel & Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (Orange)
    • Secondary Spool with Yellow Emergency DSMB (CO2 Types are acceptable)
  • Nitrox / Trimix Dive Computer
  • Back-up Depth Timer / Computer
    • Or equivalent means of monitoring depth and time