Smithsonian at the Poles Contributions to International Polar Year Science

Approximately four decades ago, scientists were fi rst able to enter the undersea polar environment to make biological observations for a nominal period of time. The conduct of underwater research in extreme environments requires special consideration of diving physiology, equipment design, diver training, and operational procedures, all of which enable this under-ice approach. Since those fi rst ice dives in wetsuits and double-hose regulators without buoyancy compensators or submersible pressure gauges, novel ice diving techniques have expanded the working envelope based on scientifi c need to include the use of dive computers, oxygen-enriched air, rebreather units, bluewater diving, and drysuit systems. The 2007 International Polar Diving Workshop in Svalbard promulgated consensus polar diving recommendations through the combined international, interdisciplinary expertise of participating polar diving scientists, equipment manufacturers, physiologists and decompression experts, and diving safety offi cers. The National Science Foundation U.S. Antarctic Program scientifi c diving exposures, in support of underwater research, enjoy a remarkable safety record and high scientifi c productivity due to a signifi cant allocation of logistical support and resources to ensure personnel safety.