Diving Program

Christian McDonald

Initially formalized in the 1950's, the Scripps Scientific Diving Program is the oldest and one of the largest and most active scientific diving programs in the nation. The mission of the Scientific Diving Program is to facilitate the safe and effective use of SCUBA and other diving technologies by our scientific community in accordance with SIO/UCSD policy. As Diving Safety Officer, I am primarily responsible for the management and operation of the Scientific Diving Program at SIO, UCSD, and the Birch Aquarium. This involves all aspects of training, evaluation, conduct, and oversight, with special attention to safety, of the approximately 130 faculty, staff, students, and volunteers who require the use of SCUBA for the conduct of their research. More recently my position has been expanded to develop and oversee a more formalized Small Boating Safety Program to ensure appropriate training and operational standards for the numerous scientific small boating activities conducted under the auspices of SIO and UCSD. Finally, my position manages and coordinates use of and safe operations conducted from the Scripps Pier.

As a representative of the SIO Scientific Diving Program, I sit on the Board of Director's for the American Academy of Underwater Sciences and the Diving Control Board's for National Science Foundation Polar Programs and Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute. Additionally, I serve the County of San Diego in the function of evaluating the diving equipment involved in local diving accidents.

Phone: 4-2002
Email: cmcdonald@ucsd.edu

Mr. Richard Walsh

Mr. Walsh assists me in the operation and maintenance of the Scientific Diving Program. Rich has been with us since July 2004 and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the SIO Diving Facility including the service and maintenance of program diving equipment and breathing gas compressor systems. He serves a vital role as a co-instructor for scientific dive training. He is also available to the community as an expert dive technician and assistant on a recharge basis.

Phone: 4-6979
Email: rwalsh@ucsd.edu