Marine Research Diver covers all requirements to dive as an occupational diver in a marine park. Queensland Workplace Health & Safety (WHS QLD) Amendment Regulation No.1 came into effect in May 2005. WHS controls Scientific and other occupational diving in Queensland. To continue diving for scientific purposes after 31 October 2008, all divers including visitors from overseas will have to demonstrate competency in a number of specific areas.

Information about the Occupational Diving Work Code of Practice 2005 can be found at the following website: http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/law/codes/occupationaldiving/index.htm

If you wish to dive for scientific purposes or participate in any form of ‘Occupational diving’ in Queensland including Researchers, Research Students, Paid Assistants, Volunteer Assistants photography and seafood harvesting you will need to demonstrate competency in several criteria, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for certifications already obtained, meaning that if you have already completed one of the courses you will not need to do it again.

There are several competencies required to become a marine research diver, these can be obtained with the following courses:

1. Open Water Diver Certification (AQF)
2. Advanced Adventurer -6 Specialty dives. (AQF)
3. Rescue Diver (AQF)
4. Oxygen Provider (AQF)
5. plus 3 specialty dives relevant to your workplace

The competencies you will receive from this course are:

• SROSCB001A Perform scuba dive’s to a maximum depth of 18 metres
• SROODR002A Plan outdoor recreation activities
• SROOPS002B Plan for minimal environmental impact
• SR0SCB002A Complete Specialty Open Water Dives
• SROSCB007A Perform Rescue Dives Administer
• SRXEMR003A Oxygen in an Emergency Situation
• Plus any 3 specialty dive units related to your workplace
The above unit/s is from the SRO03 Outdoor Recreation Training Package