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| Diver applicants are required to submit the following to the Caesarea Office at the University of Maryland: 1. Completed Application Form This includes a Medical Form that must be completed, and it must signify a clean bill of health for diving. 3. Photocopy of your certification card.
Once accepted, divers are required to submit the following: 1. Scientific Dive Application 2. Comprehensive Dive Medical Exam
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| Diving Conditions The working depth can range from 5 to 35 ft depending on the excavation site and the water temperature ranges from 22 to 27 deg. C over the season. The visibility is highly variable and can be anywhere from 40 ft on a good day, to less than 2 ft on a poor one. The surge is equally variable and depends on surface wind conditions. Participation in the excavations also requires shifts as a safety diver. Since every shift must have a safety diver, even in rough seas, if you are prone -- bring any precautions you might need against seasickness.
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| Required Dive Equipment + Mask & snorkel + Booties - You should have something with a good sole as you will be wearing them for most of the day. They should cover the ankles (full boot) to protect against abrasions. + Fins - They are used for getting to and from the site but generally get tied off while working. A clip (like a large snap link) is nice to have when tying the fins off. + Weight belt - Without the weights. Typically we dive in high surge conditions and we require extra weight to work effectively. If you have an integrated BC system you should also bring a weight belt. The integrated systems make it difficult for the safety diver to haul your gear into the zodiac and we prefer that most of your weight be on a belt. You should also use a normal weight belt rather than a pouch belt (i.e. neoprene or mest). The pouch belts tend to wear out very quickly and do not allow enough weight to be put on the belt for the type of work we are doing. Make sure your belt is longer than normal so that extra weight can be added. + Regulator, octopus and instrument console (depth gauge and pressure gauge) - a dive computer is not recommended unless it is a wrist mounted version. Console mounted dive computers can get damaged when equipment is being transported back and forth from the dive sites. + Gloves - Leather or the knit type with rubber ridges on the palms and fingers like those used for gardening. Two pairs are recommended as the rubble in the harbor is quite sharp and gloves wear out. Do not bother to bring your nice neoprene gloves - they will not last. + Buoyancy compensator - Jacket style or backpack and horse collar. + Knife - Invaluable tool for cutting line etc.. + Wetsuit - The water temperature will be in the 22-27 deg.C range. You will spend on average 45 min in the water per shift. Due to the fine work, you will not be constantly moving and you will get cold towards the end of the dive. The thickness of your suit is up to you. Full body coverage is recommended as the surge can knock you up against rocks. If you own an old suit bring it as opposed to something new. + Small repair kit - Include spare mask straps, fin straps, o-rings, and port plugs for regulator first stages (especially if they are of an unusual size or brand). There is a dive shop at the site but all parts may not be available. All equipment should be in good working order and recently overhauled. + Personal items - Hat and sunscreen are strongly recommended as you will be on or near the water all day long. There may be extended time spent on boats, if you are prone to motion sickness, it is recommended that you bring along medicine to combat it. There will be a good first aid kit on site but it is wise to have any medications that you may need. Work Schedule Dive volunteers have a longer work schedule than their land counterparts. The
following is a typical diving day: 5:30 AM - Wake up and first breakfast 6:00 AM - Transport to the site 6:30 AM - Equipment setup and morning briefing 7:15 AM - Excavations start 3:00 PM - Excavations cease 5:00 PM - Equipment broken down, cleaned, tanks filled, etc.; return to Sports Centre Sea conditions may cause this daily schedule to change. Typically, a diver would be expected to perform 1-3 dives (approximately 1 hour in length) a day, helping in between rotations with tank filling, boat transportation, etc. Breakfast and lunch are eaten on a rotation basis.
Contact: info@digcaesarea.org
with questions or comments about this site.
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