Ocean science projects depend on data captured during underwater surveys. Such data is essential for documentation, presentation, spatio – temporal analysis or monitoring purposes. The design, the planning and the accomplishment of a dive for scientific purposes combines a wide range of knowledge and skills beyond the basic ones that are needed for a safe recreational dive. More specifically, the application of mapping methodologies, the use of special equipment and the coordination of a diving team before, during and after the underwater survey are defining the quality of data which will be acquired. For this purpose, a few years ago, it was designed a course outline for the training of divers for underwater surveying, which has been certified by PADI as a distinctive specialty course, entitled Underwater Survey Diver.
Laboratory of Topography (LabTop), at the School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is specialized in topographical surveys for the documentation of technical works, architectural constructions, monuments or archaeological sites. A particular activity of several LabTop members is the 3D recording and documentation of underwater features. Taking over their educational role, LabTop members developed a new course entitled “Introduction to Applied Methods and Procedures for Underwater Surveying” to be offered as a lifelong learning program for the scientific and the diving community. This program integrates the Underwater Survey Diver distinctive specialty course in the academic curriculum.