You are right. It is diving. You were wet, on compressed air/gas, and having fun. I think that qualifies. I think it is great that you are doing the NOAA stuff. Water temp was probably better than 55- 60 too
Water was 82* but have to say after 5hrs in the water its still cold even in a 3mm. The good thing is they brought us 36% to use for the day. Talking about fealing good and it gave me 5hrs to work on skills.