ADPA External Affairs Committee members held a workshop at the AZA Mid-Year Safety Summit in Palm Springs, California on March 24th, 2025. The workshop was a half-day deep dive into aquatic safety, compliance, and technology for zoo and aquarium professionals. The panelists covered AZA Accreditation Standards, regulatory structures, best practices, emerging technologies, and inclusive approaches to ensure AZA institutional dive programs are safe, compliant, and ready for the future.
Diving into Compliance: Breaking Down AZA Accreditation Standards for Diving, Snorkeling, and Emergency Drills – George Peterson, Director of Dive Programs at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Dive into the AZA accreditation standard for diving and snorkeling, offering a comprehensive breakdown of their development, application, and real-world implementation by member institutions. Guided by experienced dive professionals and AZA accreditation inspectors, we will explore key requirements, best practices, and common challenges in meeting these standards.
Navigating Occupational Diving Regulations: choosing between Scientific and commercial Diving Standards for your Institution – Paul Dimeo, Dive Safety Officer at the Aquarium of the Pacific
Building on insights from our previous workshop, this session will examine the regulatory landscape of occupational diving. We will explore the distinctions between scientific and commercial diving standards, their implications for institutional compliance, and their alignment with AZA accreditation requirements. Through an in-depth breakdown of these frameworks, participants will gain a clearer understanding of which set of regulations best suits their institutions’ diving operations.
Diving Technology: Advancing Operations, Enhancing Experiences, and Bridging Beyond
– James Bonovich, Dive Officer/Manager of Public Dive Programs at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Dive operations extend far beyond routine maintenance and educational presentations—they serve as a vital link across multiple facets of an institution. This session will explore how innovative diving technologies can enhance operational efficiency, improve compliance and reporting, and elevate the guest experience. From exhibit maintenance and restoration, conservation and research initiatives, to fundraising, marketing, and animal wellness, dive programs have the potential to support and amplify AZA’s mission in transformative ways. Join us as we examine emerging technologies that are shaping the future of dive operations and discover how they can be leveraged to create new opportunities for engagement, sustainability, and institutional growth.
Rethinking Safety: Equity and Inclusion in Zoo and Aquarium Dive Programs – Ashley McCarthy, Dive Safety Officer at the New England Aquarium
Explore how historical biases have shaped dive standards and how institutions can adopt more inclusive practices ensuring the safety of all staff, volunteers, and guests within AZA-accredited institutions. Through real-world case studies, we can examine the impact of inequitable protocols and discuss actionable strategies to create a culture of safety and inclusion
Does My Dive Program Measure Up? Insights from Industry Example Practices – Arnold Postell, Dive Safety Officer/Curator of Large Exhibits at the South Carolina Aquarium
How does your dive program compare to industry standards? This brief yet insightful presentation will explore key dive practices from multiple institutions, highlighting benchmarks in safety, efficiency, and compliance. Through real-world examples, attendees will gain a better understanding of example practices in training, operations, and program management. Whether you’re looking to enhance your existing dive program or validate your current approach, this session will provide valuable insights to help ensure your program measures up to industry expectations.
The session was well attended, fostered deep discussion, and received many questions and positive comments. The External Affairs Committee is working towards a full day dive track at the 2026 AZA Mid-Year Safety Summit, hosted by the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta. If interested in presenting please contact Andrew Solomon, George Peterson, Paul Dimeo or Arnold Postell. The committee urges all ADPA members to attend!
