American Academy of Underwater Scientists (AAUS)

The American Academy of Underwater Scientists (AAUS) is the sanctioning body for most scientific diving in North America. AAUS promulgates formalized guidelines and Standards for conducting scientific dives which meet or exceed OSHA requirements as well as allowing members of AAUS to remain exempt from OSHA over-site.

AAUS offers membership at several levels including Organizational Membership which is maintaining at the institutional level as well as individual membership. While not required Florida Atlantic University encourages scientific divers to maintain individual membership with AAUS.

In addition to Standards, AAUS meets annually to conduct workshops, propose guidlines and procedures, and to recognize outstanding achievements in advancing diving safety and diving science. Proceedings of these meetings are available on the AAUS website. Additionally, AAUS offers two annual scholarships to graduate students from member institutions who are conducting research involving scientific diving.

To contact AAUS:
http://www.aaus.org