Underwater documentation techniques for scientific divers

Photographic documentation techniques are used in science to map and measure distribution patterns, sizes, areas and volumes. It can be used to record changes in the environment, in behaviors and to follow moving objects such as fish. Underwater photography is also very important for science illustration and outreach. However, research in aquatic environments requires special techniques for documentation since the accessibility by humans are limited and most water conditions prevents observation of the underwater environment from the surface. Water also creates challenging conditions compared to air with changes in refraction, colours, light penetration and particles creates backscatter when supplying artificial light sources. The water movement also affects the stability of the cameras which have to be taken into consideration to get high enough quality to retrieve your data.

Underwater documentation is also of interest for journalists, communicators, and educators since these methods are used to create outreach material to authorities, legislators and the general public that cannot easily access the underwater environment. Many terrestrial sciences have a great advantage compared to marine sciences in that natural phenomena can be observed on first hand. This single handedly can create a greater understanding of the environment that they are studying. Underwater documentation by scientific divers are of great importance "to support professional research and education and for the protection, conservation and monitoring of the natural environment and cultural heritage” (European Scientific Diving Panel).

The aim of the course is to educate young scientists with tools for scientific underwater documentation techniques to illustrate scientific research and to conduct empirical studies in the marine environment. The course comprises introductory lectures but is mainly focus on practical hands-on sessions using underwater documentations techniques.

Entry requirements for course participation:

1. Be PhD student, or early career researcher (master students may also be accepted).
2. A dive certificate; either a professional European Scientific Diver (ESD), Swedish S30 or equivalent, according to IDSA level 1 standards or a recreational (sports-) dive certificate corresponding to at least CMAS** or PADI rescue diver.
3. Documentation (log book) of at least 20 logged dives whereof at least 5 dives with a max depth of at least 18 m.
4. Documentation of previous cold-water diving and experience of diving with dry-suit.
5. A medical health examination for work diving according to Swedish Work Environment Authority's provisions AFS 2006:5 or corresponding foreign health examination less than 5 years ago (<40 years of age) and less than 2 years ago (>40 years of age at the time for the course.
6. Documentation of conducted CPR (cardio pulmonary rescue training) within the last 3 years.
   
   (*if any of the requirements is not available at the deadline for application provide a plan how these requirements will be met before the course start).

For participants using snorkeling during the course:

1. Should feel comfortable to swim in deep water and have previous experience of snorkeling
2. Should know how to wear dry- or wet suit and light weights for balance in the water.

Number of participants:
The course will admit a total of 16 PhD students in underwater science disciplines (marine, biology, archaeology, geology, ecology, chemistry, arts and journalist). Master students, postdoc or early career scientists may also be accepted. Maximum of 12 scientific divers can participate in the course but we will also admit a maximum of 4 participants that use the same techniques while snorkeling if they do not have the required dive experience.

Fee:
Most of the course costs including food, accommodation, use of dive facilities, gears etc. are covered by funding from The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences but you have to cover for your own travels and pay a small fee of 200 Euro for the course external costs.

Application:
Applications, including written proof of the above stated entry requirements should be sent as early as possible (but not later than April 30th 2022) to leon.green@bioenv.gu.se together with a 300 word application letter stating the value of participation for the participants scientific career and work.

Further information on scientific diving in at Kristineberg:

• Diving and snorkeling at Kristineberg
• European Scientific Diving Panel