The Smithsonian Institution Scientific Diving Program is a research support program in the Office of the Under Secretary for Science. Scientists from interdisciplinary fields are using scuba diving as a research tool to study the underwater environment.

Smithsonian policy regarding diving activities conducted under its auspices is published by the Scientific Diving Control Board in Smithsonian Directive 120 and in the Scientific Diving Safety Manual.

The Smithsonian Scientific Diving Program promotes and supports the underwater research activities and diving safety of Smithsonian scientific divers.  Through its National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce, Caribbean Coral Reef Ecosystems, the National Zoological Park, research vessels, and field stations, the Smithsonian Institution supports one of the largest scientific diving programs in the country.