Scientific Diving at HSFS

Before planning your trip to HSFS read this carefully and respect the “Instructions DIVING”, “Application and Registration DIVING” and the “Declaration of Self-responsibility DIVING” that you will have to sign, mentioned in this chapter.

Equipment, certificates and more important documentation

• Together with a valid diving-license, valid health-certification, proof of diving insurance, and a logbook or equivalent proof of diving experience, you must also bring your passport or another identification card with a photo.

• Training in First Aid at least every two years is not obligatory to dive at HSFS but highly recommended!

• Every researcher has to bring their own diving equipment, including dry-suit, BCD, 1st and 2nd stages, mask, snorkel, fins, lights, weight belt, ankle weight (if needed), computer, compass, depth and pressure gauge.

• HSFS does not provide complete diving equipment, only tanks and weights (no ankle-weight!). Minimal basic spare equipment is available to rent only in cases of loss or damage to private gear.

• We provide a small workshop for equipment repairs, but do not count on us having special tools for extraordinary tasks.

• If you need to rent diving equipment, please send a list of your needs at least 30 days before your visit and the HSFS staff will contact you for details.

Diving at HSFS

Tidal amplitude up to a maximum of 7,50m provides an extraordinary diversity in the benthic community along this very structured coastline. This provokes the need for scientific work in this area, even in the intertidal zone. Please be aware though, that strong currents, wave action, low visibility, steep to vertical slopes, water temperatures to below 10°C make diving in the fjords a demanding task. Dry-suits and well maintained equipment are not only necessary, but essential!