Scientific Diving Exploration

Exploration

Exploration is a critical component of the PIMS Scientific Diving Program, as it supports our continued demonstration of excellence in advancing technology and techniques for scientific diving.

Capabilities and infrastructure include:

• Custom nitrox and mixed-gas fill station to provide all gasses for specific project needs
• Several sets of technically configured equipment available for use
• Staff are trained at leadership levels for all modes of diving and scientific diving, therefore can offer excellent project support
• Access to several dozen known cave systems, and likely numerous virgin cave systems
• Access to deep reef (>130fsw) environments within 10 minutes of the facility.
• In moving forward, the exploration element of the program is evolving to two initial focuses: Exploratory Science and development and implementation of Exploration Technologies.

Exploratory Science

A scalable scientific effort is underway as of Spring 2005 to survey the fore reef community to depths exceeding 500fsw. This represents an area very much undescribed for science. PIMS will utilize this project and our expanding capabilities as a vehicle to attract outside science and various institutional and corporate partnerships to develop this multidisciplinary program in ocean exploration.

PIMS divers use Gates Underwater Housings for deep diving digital photography of the coral reefs.  Gates Underwater Products is a proud sponsor of the PIMS Scientific Diving Program.

http://www.gateshousings.com/.

Exploration Technologies

PIMS' location is ideally suited to support the budding NOAA /NURP rebreather initiative. PIMS is taking a leadership role in developing standards for this technology, as well as the technology itself. These technologies, and future efforts in reinstituting a life-in-the-sea program are positioning PIMS as a leader in the global scientific diving community.