SUBSEA PROGRAMMES

The diving programme supports shallow-water and nearshore work where direct presence adds value to research or operations.

Diving is planned carefully and conducted within conservative limits when conditions allow.

Activities may include:

• habitat documentation and visual ecological surveys
• shallow-water sample collection
• inspection of anchors, moorings, and hulls
• recovery of accessible marine debris
• support to wildlife response efforts when requested and coordinated with qualified specialists
• education and skills development aligned with expedition work
• visual documentation supporting research and public understanding
   

Each dive is reviewed for safety, authorisation, and environmental considerations.

Targeted support when conditions allow

Expedition Audacity supports selected recovery and response activities when they can be carried out safely and in coordination with relevant authorities and specialists.

Work may include:

• recovery of accessible derelict fishing gear and debris
• support to wildlife response efforts when requested
• documentation of entanglement risks and debris fields
• collaboration with local partners to identify ongoing concerns
   

When conditions or authority are not appropriate for intervention, the team documents and refers findings to the relevant parties.

Access, Safety, and Inclusion

Remotely operated systems play a central role in modern ocean research by extending depth, duration, and operational reach while supporting safer working conditions.

For Expedition Audacity, accessibility is also part of the design approach.

As a founder living with a disability, remote systems support continued direct participation, oversight, and leadership in subsea work.

This perspective informs how subsea programmes are prioritised:

• access-led planning
• safety-focused operations
• capability matched to conditions
   

ROVs broaden participation in ocean science while expanding where and how work can be carried out.

Planned Growth as Funding Allows

Expedition Audacity is actively fundraising to acquire research-grade ROV systems to support upcoming subsea work and programme development.

These planned additions are intended to strengthen operational reach and provide greater flexibility across research deployments.

Planned benefits include:

• longer-duration surveys
• observation of sensitive habitats
• reduced reliance on human diving in higher-risk conditions
• expanded research collaboration
• additional education and documentation capacity
   

Acquisition, testing, and deployment will proceed in step with funding alignment and technical integration readiness.

Expedition Audacity no longer accepts PADI certifications for diving activities conducted from our vessels or in connection with our expeditions.

Crew members who presently rely on PADI credentials have a six-month transition period to obtain an alternative recognised certification or step back from diving roles. This transition window closes on 1 September 2026.

All new crew and researchers wishing to participate in dive activities must hold an accepted alternate certification prior to joining Expedition Audacity diving operations.

• SSI — Scuba Schools International  
• NAUI — National Association of Underwater Instructors  
• SDI — Scuba Diving International  
• CMAS — Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques  
• BSAC — British Sub-Aqua Club  
• RAID — Rebreather Association of International Divers  
• SNSI — Scuba Nitrox Safety International  
• ACUC — American Canadian Underwater Certifications  
• NASE — National Academy of Scuba Educators  
• PSS — Professional Scuba Schools Worldwide  
• NASDS — National Association of Scuba Diving Schools  
• NADD — NADD Global Diving Agency  
• IAC — International Aquanautic Club  
• ISC — International Scuba Certification