Rick Gomez, Diving Safety Officer at the University of Miami, took up the position on 1st January 2016. He will serve two years in this role.

“Scientific diving at the University of Miami dates back to the early 1940’s, when our students ventured into the water wearing surface supplied hard helmets."

The American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) is a group of scientific organisations and individual members who conduct scientific and educational activities underwater.

It facilitates the development of safe and productive scientific divers through education and research, whilst advancing standards for scientific diving practices.

In 2015 the AAUS held a conference to review the standards and procedures regarding rebreather usage in the scientific field.

Roni Avissar, Dean of Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science stated “This appointment is a great professional accomplishment for our Dive Safety Officer, Rick Gomez, and speaks volumes about the strong scientific diving program he has established. In the near future we expect to see this program continue to flourish and expand.”