The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher dive team is certified by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences whose mission is to facilitate the development of safe and productive scientific divers through education, research, advocacy, and the advancement of standards for scientific diving practices, certifications and operations.

Those interested in volunteering with the Aquarium’s Dive Team should first complete the volunteer application form.

All certified SCUBA divers are eligible to enroll as dive candidates with the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher dive team. Candidates must provide proof of their suitability to dive to the Dive Safety Officer (DSO). Information provided to the DSO sets a minimum level of health and fitness that each diver must maintain while assigned to the team.

• The dive team accepts certifications from any member agency of the Recreational SCUBA Training Council (RSTC). Members include but are not limited to: PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI, TDI, IANTD, YMCA, etc. US military dive certifications are also accepted.
• Written verification of medical qualifications is required to dive. The verification must be signed by a licensed physician. Acceptable forms of this verification can be obtained from the DSO or downloaded here.

Candidates are required to successfully perform the following assessments in the presence of the DSO, or an examiner approved by the DSO:

• Swim underwater without swim aids for a distance of 25 yards without surfacing.
• Swim on the surface for a distance of 400 yards without swimming aids or stopping in less than 12 minutes.
• Tread water for 10 minutes, or tread water for 2 minutes without the use of hands or swimming aids. This assessment must begin within 10 minutes of completing the 400 yard swim.
• Without the use of swim aids, each candidate will transport another person of equal size a distance of 25 yards on the surface.

Candidates must demonstrate their ability to perform underwater skills in a confined water area, preferably under realistic conditions. Skills evaluated are at the discretion of the DSO, and will include at least the following:

• Entry with full equipment
• Neutral buoyancy skills
• Flooded face mask clearing
• Air sharing as both donor and recipient, while stationary
• Breathe underwater without a mask for at least 30 seconds
• Breathe from a free-flowing regulator
• Show knowledge and proficiency with hand and arm signals underwater
• Remove and replace all equipment while submerged, including weight system
• Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent from greater than a 20 foot depth
• Underwater skills acceptable to the DSO

After completing all initial requirements, candidates will be designated as a probationary diver. New probationary divers will attend probationary training with the DSO or assigned trainer.

Diver Status