American Academy of Underwater Sciences Foundation

OUR MISSION Support AAUS in facilitating the development of safe and productive scientific divers through education, research, and the advancement of standards for scientific diving practices, certifications and operations. THE FOUNDATION The AAUS Foundation, a 501c3, incorporated in 2010, will further the mission of AAUS by encouraging tax-deductible donations. The Foundation was organized for the support and promotion of the AAUS by furthering the Academy's mission of facilitating the development of safe and productive scientific divers through education, research and the advancement of standards for scientific diving practices, certifications and operations. Awards funded by AAUS include the Research Scholarships, Kevin Flanagan travel awards, gear awards, best student paper at the AAUS annual symposium, and an internship opportunity is offered in conjunction with Our World Underwater. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AAUS Organized in 1977, the American Academy of Underwater Sciences was incorporated in the State of California in 1983. The AAUS has five standing Committees (Standards, Statistics, Scholarship, Membership and Finance). Scientific diving programs at AAUS Member Organizations allow research diving teams to operate under the exemption from OSHA commercial diving regulations. Their confirmed commitment to meeting AAUS requirements and adherence to a set of standards recognized as the "standard of practice" within the scientific diving community results from years of experience, trust and cooperation between underwater scientists.