Volunteer divers at the aquarium?

[Berritt]

Has anyone here done this? Can you tell me about your experiences?

[Penopolypants]

Which aquarium, Seattle or Pt. Defiance?

[Berritt]

Either

[CaptnJack]

Seattle was fun, I volunteered there for almost 4 years. I did probably close to 100 dives in the dome although at only 18ft deep I didn't log them. Lots of window scrubbing & floor vacuuming.

Gear might be a little different than you're used to full-face masks, AL63 backup tanks, and surface supplied air. Biggest hassle is schleping your own suit from the parking garage into the staff areas.

[trevorrowe]

It looks like the Seattle Aquarium is hosting an orientation on October 2 for wannabe volunteer divers. You can read more here:

http://www.seattleaquarium.org/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=368

[Berritt]

Thanks! I called the point defiance and there is a 6-12 month waiting list. They're sending me the packet so I can get on the list.

[elemar]

Though if you're diving PCR (pacific coral reef) you don't even have to do that. Just bring a swimsuit and a mask (since you don't always use the full facemask in there). It did ruin my bouyance for a few dives once I got used to running around on the bottom in that tank though

Gear might be a little different than you're used to full-face masks, AL63 backup tanks, and surface supplied air. Biggest hassle is schleping your own suit from the parking garage into the staff areas.

[cardiver]

Thanks! I called the point defiance and there is a 6-12 month waiting list. They're sending me the packet so I can get on the list.

Get in touch with Keith (Bassman). He dives at PD every other Wednesday.

[Rockfish]

I've been a volunteer diver at the Seattle Aquarium for the last 12 years most of it in the dome tank. It is a great experience you get to see how things work behind the scenes. You have a lot to choose from either the WOWW (Window on Washington Waters) tank, the dome or PCR (Pacific Coral Reef). Diving in the dome is often referred to as the best 20 foot dive in the Pacific Northwest.

Mike

[Highliner]

Yep. I agree with Mike. Dive The Dome and become intimate with the critters of the Puget Sound. Scratch the belly of a white sturgeon, hand feed herring to a respectable sized steelhead or in the winter months, feed your hands to the kelp greenling(very territorial that time of year). I have been diving The Dome for over three years and still get excited every time I don the gear. Highly recommended experience. There is however a relatively comprehensive checkout dive(test) that can be intimidating. Enjoy...

[Berritt]

Thanks! I'll be practicing my skills and hope to be able to go to the orientation on Oct 2nd, and if I don't make it, there is always next year It looks like such a cool opportunity.

[CaptnJack]

Thanks! I'll be practicing my skills and hope to be able to go to the orientation on Oct 2nd, and if I don't make it, there is always next year It looks like such a cool opportunity.

The big things for the Dome and WoWW are not kneeling on the bottom, decent horizontal-ish trim, and minimal kicking of the exhibit. So the best thing to be proficient at is "midwater" ascents. If you can ascend up the one of the Cove2 buoy lines/chains (or at Les Davis etc) without bobbling all over the place, grabbing the line, or having to swim in circles you'll be fine. Just sayin' so you can focus on the more important considerations between now and the fall.
Richard

[BASSMAN]

I'm a volunteer @ Point Defiance Aquarium, The process of becoming a volunteer diver is long and not simple but well worth it.
I get to dive in a tank with 13 sharks and then a cold water tank that has all of the Puget Sound and more in it.
Even the shallow Lagoon is a fun dive when you can get face to face with a large Wrass and a small Puffer.
Even the Leopard Eel comes out to visit once in a while.
Having an opportunity to dive with the 10+ foot Lemon Shark and the 6+ foot Tiger Shark is a thrill too!

I say go for it!
You must be at least Rescue certified.
Then you get on the list.
Get interviewed.
Take and pass the Written test.
Pass a Dive Physical.
Do skills test in the pool.
And then commit to every other Wednesday nights for two years.
I think that's the basic run down.

[Rockfish]

The big things for the Dome and WoWW are not kneeling on the bottom, decent horizontal-ish trim, and minimal kicking of the exhibit. So the best thing to be proficient at is "midwater" ascents.

This is very good advice. My dive buddy and I do a lot of orientation dives for new divers in the dome and the DSO (Diving Safety Officer) is looking for awareness of your surroundings and bouyancy control skills. If you have those then you will not have any problems at the Seattle Aquarium.

I have learned a lot from my volunteer experience at the SA and I know that I am a better diver and a better person for having been given the privilege to volunteer there.

Mike

[Berritt]

Thank you all for sharing! I have my to do list going...