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THE IDEA BEHIND THE ASSOCIATION

The Scientific Diving Association e.V. (SDA) was founded in December 2009 in response to the growing need for professional support in the natural sciences as well as in environmental and nature conservation. During scientific dives, we repeatedly encounter the direct consequences of human activity: destroyed habitats, polluted seas, and threatened ecosystems. Looking away was not an option. From this emerged the commitment to take responsibility.


The SDA was therefore established as an international, volunteer-based association of research divers. Since then, we have combined active environmental and nature conservation with scientific work. Our goal is to gain knowledge both underwater and above water in order to contribute to the protection of the seas and the environment – in the interest of present and future generations.

Das Team

Patrycja Kozak, seit 2012 bei der SDA Kiel. Vorstandsvorsitzende, verantwortlich für organisatorische und operative Aufgaben.
Helge Petersen, 1. Vorstand der SDA Kiel, verantwortlich für die Weiterentwicklung mit Fokus auf die Kooperationen rund um die Lendenau Werft.
Iven Fuchs, Kassenwart der SDA Kiel, verantwortlich für die Finanzverwaltung des Vereins.

Patrycja

Chairwoman

Respect for nature, trust within the team, and the willingness to take responsibility have shaped Patrycja’s commitment to SDA Kiel since 2012. As Chairwoman, she is responsible for the strategic direction, external communication, and the representation of the SDA to the public, thereby setting the long-term course of the association.

At SDA, Patrycja is not only involved at an organisational level but also operationally. She regularly takes part in activities, supports the diving-related operations of the SDA, and serves as a point of contact for participants.

Through her dedication and reliability, she shapes the work of SDA Kiel and makes a key contribution to its continued development.

Helge

Deputy Chair

At SDA Kiel, Helge is responsible for the site-specific development with a focus on cooperation around the Lindenau Shipyard. This historic site on the western shore of the Kiel Fjord was an important shipyard location for decades and is currently being transformed into a maritime business, cultural, and innovation park.

In his role, Helge actively works to connect the site with the interests of the SDA. He promotes partnerships, encourages the use of maritime resources, and supports projects that open the area for research, development, and public participation.

Helge brings an objective perspective on site potential and strengthens the local presence of the SDA within Kiel’s maritime environment. im maritimen Umfeld Kiels.

IVen

Treasurer

Iven is responsible for the association’s ongoing financial administration. His duties include bookkeeping, monitoring income and expenditures, and issuing donation receipts.

As treasurer, Iven brings extensive experience in financial and administrative management and ensures that the financial resources of SDA Kiel are used in a targeted and responsible manner.

In addition to his role on the board, Iven is involved in the preparation and coordination of project operations and serves as a point of contact.

His calm and reliable manner makes him an important part of the association.

Thomas Buchwald, seit 2020 bei der SDA Kiel. Beirat berät und fördert das Ansehen der SDA Kiel.

Thomas

Advisory Board | Diver

Thomas supports the SDA as a member of the advisory board and accompanies the work of the board with his reflective ability to assess complex situations objectively and help develop sustainable solutions.

As an experienced Baltic Sea diver, he is familiar with the requirements, specific conditions, and risks of our operational areas. His professional work with the fire service shapes his safety-oriented perspective on projects and decisions – a competence that plays an important role in the strategic guidance of the association.

Within the advisory board, Thomas particularly supports the executive board in evaluating projects, further developing procedures, and shaping the overall direction of the SDA.

Udo Hegemann, seit 2025 bei der SDA Kiel. Erfahrener Taucher und Bootstechniker.

Udo

Boat Technician | Diver

At SDA Kiel, Udo is responsible for the technical supervision of our association’s boats and supports operations on the water as a boat operator. Through regular maintenance and minor repairs, he ensures that our boats are reliably ready for deployment – an essential foundation for our environmental projects.

With more than 500 completed dives, including technical dives at greater depths, Udo brings extensive experience to the work of the SDA.

He is particularly familiar with the Plön Lake area, its conditions, and procedures, and supports both the planning and the safe execution of dives with great routine.

His technical expertise and precise working style are well suited to the requirements of our projects, both on the surface and underwater.

Bild zeigt einen Bootssteg

Diving means responsibility to us.

Our work thrives on people who are committed and reliably implement our goals.


What unites us is our dedication to protecting the seas and shaping a future in which we actively take part.