Shannon Point
Marine Center
Western Washington University
Standards for Scientific Diving
2006
FOREWARD
Since 1951 the scientific diving community has endeavored to promote safe, effective diving through self-imposed diver training and education programs. Over the years, manuals for diving safety have been circulated between organizations, revised and modified for local implementation, and have resulted in an enviable safety record.
This document has been modified from the American Academy of Underwater Sciences “Standards for Scientific Diving” August 2003 revision; which represents the minimal safety standards for scientific diving at the present day. As diving science progresses so shall the standards.
Shannon Point Marine Center Standards for Scientific Diving Revision History
1995
1998
2000
2002
2003
2003 (AAUS Comments)
2005
2006 (Western’s Pre-President’s Council Comments)
SHANNON POINT MARINE CENTER
DIVING EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Shannon Point Marine Center
Police/Fire department 911
Skagit County Search and Rescue 911 or (360) 336-9450
Washington State Patrol 911 or (360) 757-1175
SPMC office (360) 293-2188 or (360) 650-7400
SPMC Caretaker – Larry Cunningham (Home) (360) 299-3019 (Pager) (360) 336-0364
Diving Safety Officer – Nate Schwarck (Work) (360) 293-2188 (Home) (360)-299-2656
Diving Program Administrator– Gene McKeen (Work) (360) 293-2188 (Home) (360) 293-0357
Island Hospital office (360) 299-1300
Emergency Room Ext. 1311
Virginia Mason Hospital (Seattle)
Emergency Room (206) 583-6433
Hyperbaric Unit 24-Hour Consultation (206) 583-6543
Coast Guard
Emergency cell phone access *CG
Rescue Coord. Center Washington, Oregon (206) 220-7001
British Columbia
Rescue Coord. Center (Victoria) (800) 567-5111
Divers Alert Network (DAN) (919) 684-8111
Emergency Radio Frequencies
Coast Guard VHF Channel 16
Canadian Coast Guard VHF Channel 16
Citizens Band Channel 9
Recompression Chambers
British Columbia (Fleet diving unit, Victoria) (250) 363-2379
Washington
Virginia Mason Hospital (Seattle) (206) 583-6543
Divers Institute of Technology (Seattle) (206) 783-5543
SHANNON POINT MARINE CENTER
STANDARDS FOR SCIENTIFIC DIVING
INTRODUCTION
The Shannon Point Marine Center (SPMC) dive policy is administered by the SPMC Diving Control Board (DCB). This policy follows the guidelines of OSHA regulations and the American Academy of Underwater Scientists (AAUS) standards described in section 1.00 of the scientific diving standards. Academic diving by qualified persons conducting approved activities is permitted. Approved activities include: participation in course or other scheduled academic programs, and participation in approved research projects. The diving activities must be an integral part of such activities.
Section 4.00 of these standards describe training for the non-diver applicant, previously not certified for diving, and equivalency for the recreationally certified diver. The SPMC diving program does not train non-divers but rather simply verifies training. Applicants for scientific diver certification are encouraged to obtain recreational training for general, advanced, and rescue SCUBA before applying to the program. However, applicants with deficient training may be considered to enter the program at the scientific diver in training permit level therefore allowing them to dive with a lead scientific diver. If training deficiencies are found, sections 4.10 and 4.20 outline minimum standards required for acceptance as a scientific diver in training. Section 5.00 of these standards outlines the requirements for scientific diver certification including suggested and required topics of study. Please note that divers applying for scientific diver certification must first obtain individual membership with AAUS (appendix 15).
The DCB will evaluate diving requests on a case-by-case basis, using the criteria of the SPMC standards for scientific diving. These standards are the approved policy for the Shannon Point Marine Center. Divers who meet the criteria for diving under the auspices of SPMC will be allowed to dive under the standards; however all dives deeper than 100 feet will require special approval of the DCB.
A quick reference checklist of the application requirements for obtaining dive clearance is on the following page. Please note:
1. All applicants must submit a SPMC research application form specifying the nature of the diving activity and its relationship to their approved activities at SPMC (Appendix 1).
2. If applicant is a certified scientific diver through an AAUS dive program, a letter of reciprocity from that program’s dive safety officer must be provided. (See section 1.27 and Appendix 5).
3. If the applicant is not a certified AAUS scientific diver, appendices 1-5 and 9-11 must be completed and submitted before any diving activities take place. The following requirements must also be fulfilled:
a. Obtain and become familiar with the SPMC standards for scientific diving
b. Submit copies of current CPR/First Aid cards
c. Submit verification of diver training including photocopies of all pertinent certifications
d. Submit a current copy of your oxygen administration card
e. Submit a partial copy of your current dive log (include 10 most recent dives)
f. Demonstrate to the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) that all your dive gear is in satisfactory working order
g. Plan and participate in a check out dive with a qualified DCB member
4. Exemptions to any application requirements must be approved by the DCB.
SHANNON POINT MARINE CENTER
Dive Application requirements reference Check List
The following checklist is provided for individuals seeking scientific diver in training status.
q Obtain and become familiar with SPMC dive standards
q Submit SPMC application for space form (Appendix 1)
q Submit registration and liability forms (Appendix 2)
q Submit a dive study plan (Appendix 3)
q Submit proof of equipment maintenance (Appendix 4)
q Submit verification of diver training including photocopies of all pertinent certifications
q Submit medical exam form signed by physician (Appendices 9-13)
q Submit copy of current CPR/First Aid card
q Submit copy of oxygen administration card.
q Submit a partial copy of your current dive log (include 10 most recent dives)
q Plan and attend a check out dive with DCB qualified member (Appendix 6)
q Demonstrate that auxiliary gear is in good working order
The following list is for AAUS scientific divers applying for reciprocity.
q Obtain and become familiar with SPMC dive manual
q Submit SPMC application for space form (Appendix 1)
q Submit registration and liability forms (Appendix 2)
q Submit a dive study plan (Appendix 3)
q Submit a letter of reciprocity/verification of diver training and experience form (Appendix 5)
q Plan and attend a check out dive with DCB qualified member (Appendix 6)
q Demonstrate that auxiliary gear is in good working order
The following list is for those persons applying for a temporary diver permit.
q Obtain and become familiar with SPMC dive manual
q Submit SPMC application for space form (Appendix 1)
q Submit registration and liability forms (Appendix 2)
q Submit a dive study plan (Appendix 3)
q Submit proof of equipment maintenance (Appendix 4)
q Submit a letter to the SPMC Diving Control Board that includes:
a. Statement of proficiency in diving
b. Statement from diver how he/she can contribute measurably to a planned dive
c. Statement from lead diver on contributions to planned dive
The following list is for those persons seeking lead scientific diver status.
q Completed a minimum of 12 training dives
q Fulfilled the requirements outlined in section 5.00 of the scientific diving standards
q Submit Appendix 15 to the DSO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
Dive Application Packet Check List 6
SECTION 1.00 3
GENERAL POLICY 3
1.10 SCIENTIFIC DIVING STANDARDS 3
1.20 Operational Control 4
1.30 CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATION OF REGULATIONS BY SCIENTIFIC DIVERS 8
1.40 RECORD MAINTENANCE 8
SECTION 2.00 10
DIVING REGULATIONS FOR SCUBA 10
2.10 INTRODUCTION 10
2.20 PRE-DIVE PROCEDURES 10
2.30 DIVING PROCEDURES 11
2.40 POST-DIVE PROCEDURES 12
2.50 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 13
2.60 FLYING AFTER DIVING 14
2.70 RECORD KEEPING AND REQUIREMENTS 14
SECTION 3.00 16
DIVING EQUIPMENT 16
3.10 GENERAL POLICY 16
3.20 EQUIPMENT 16
3.30 AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT 17
3.40 SUPPORT EQUIPMENT 17
3.50 EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE 18
3.60 Air Quality Standards 18
SECTION 4.00 20
CRITERIA FOR ENTRY-LEVEL SCIENTIFIC DIVER TRAINING 20
4.10 EVALUATION 20
4.20 SCUBA TRAINING 20
SECTION 5.00 23
SCIENTIFIC DIVER CERTIFICATION 23
5.10 CERTIFICATION TYPES 23
5.20 GENERAL POLICY 23
5.30 REQUIREMENTS FOR SCIENTIFIC DIVER CERTIFICATION 23
5.40 DEPTH CERTIFICATIONS 26
5.50 CONDUCTING REPETITIVE DIVES 27
5.60 CONTINUATION OF CERTIFICATION 27
5.70 REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION 28
5.80 RE-CERTIFICATION 28
SECTION 6.00 29
MEDICAL STANDARDS 29
6.10 MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS 29
SECTION 7.00 33
NITROX DIVING GUIDLINES 33
7.10 PREREQUISITES 33
7.20 REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTHORIZATION TO USE NITROX 33
7.30 NITROX TRAINING GUIDELINES 34
7.40 SCIENTIFIC NITROX DIVING REGULATIONS 35
7.50 NITROX DIVING EQUIPMENT 39
SECTION 8.00 41
SNORKEL / SKIN DIVING POLICY GUIDE1 41
8.10 INTRODUCTION 41
8.20 REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION 41
8.30 REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR SNORKEL / SKIN DIVING 41
8.40 SNORKEL / SKIN DIVING PROTOCOL 41
8.50 ACTIVITES REQUIRING SPECIAL APPROVAL 41
SECTION 9.00 43
OTHER DIVING TECHNOLOGY 43
9.10 Aquarium diving 43
9.20 STAGE DECOMPRESSION DIVING AND MIXED GAS DIVING 43
9.30 SATURATION DIVING 43
9.40 HOOKAH 43
9.50 SURFACE SUPPLIED DIVING 43
9.60 CLOSED AND SEMI-CLOSED CIRCUIT SCUBA (RE-BREATHERS) 43
9.70 BLUE WATER DIVING 43
9.80 ICD AND POLAR DIVING 43
9.90 OVERHEAD ENVIRONMENTS (ENCLOSED OR CONFINED SPACE THAT IS NOT LARGE ENOUGH FOR TWO DIVERS) 43
Appendix 1 44
Application for Research Space 44
Appendix 2 46
Diving Registration and Acknowledgement of Risk Form 46
Appendix 3 47
Dive Study Plan 47
Dive Equipment Inventory and Maintenance Summary sheet 48
Appendix 5 49
AAUS Request for Diving Reciprocity Form 49
Appendix 6 50
Daily Dive Plan 50
Day of Dive Checklist 51
Dive Log 52
Appendix 7 53
Diving Accident Management FlowChart 53
Appendix 8 54
Dive Computer Workshop 54
Appendix 9 55
Diving Medical Exam Overview for the Examining Physician 55
Appendix 10 57
Medical Evaluation of Fitness for SCUBA Diving Report 57
Appendix 11 59
Diving Medical History Form 59
Appendix 12 61
Recommended Physicians with Expertise in Diving Medicine 61
Appendix 13 62
Definition of Terms 62
Appendix 14 66
NITROX Authorization form 66
Appendix 15 67
SECTION 1.00
GENERAL POLICY
1.10 SCIENTIFIC DIVING STANDARDS
1.11 Purpose
The purpose of these Scientific Diving regulations is to ensure that all scientific diving done under the auspices of Shannon Point Marine Center (SPMC) is conducted in a manner that maximizes protection of scientific divers from accidental injury and/or illness. This manual also sets forth standards for training and certification that will allow a working reciprocity between AAUS organizational members.
In 1982, OSHA exempted scientific diving from commercial diving regulations under certain conditions that are outlined below. This manual conforms to OSHA regulations (29 CFR Part 1910, subpart T that became effective in 1985 (Federal Register, Vol. 50, No.6, p.1046). OSHA recognizes the American Academy of Underwater Scientist (AAUS) as the organization that sets scientific diving standards. SPMC has used AAUS guidelines in establishing this manual. It is the goal of SPMC to follow AAUS recommended standards as closely as possible within the framework of diving activities allowed at SPMC.
1.11.1 Liability
In adopting the policies set forth in the SPMC dive manual, SPMC assumes no liability not otherwise imposed by law. Each diver is assumed under this policy to be voluntarily performing activities for which he/she assumes all risks, consequences, and potential liabilities.
1.12 Scientific Diving Definition
Scientific diving is defined (29 CFR 1910.402) as diving performed solely as a necessary part of a scientific, research, or educational activity by employees whose sole purpose for diving is to perform scientific research tasks.
1.13 Scientific Diving Exemption
OSHA has granted an exemption for scientific diving from commercial diving regulations with the following stipulations (Appendix B to 29 CFR 1910 Subpart T):
1.13.1 The Diving Control Board consists of a majority of active scientific divers and has autonomous and absolute authority over the scientific diving program’s operation.
1.13.2 The purpose of the project using scientific diving is the advancement of science; therefore, information and data resulting from the project are non-proprietary.
1.13.3 The tasks of a scientific diver are those of an observer and data gatherer. Construction and trouble-shooting tasks traditionally associated with commercial diving are not included within scientific diving.
1.13.4 Scientific divers, based on the nature of their activities, must use scientific expertise in studying the underwater environment and, therefore, are scientists or scientists-in-training.
1.13.5 In addition, the scientific diving program shall contain at least the following elements:
1.13.5.1 A diving safety manual which includes at a minimum: Procedures covering all diving operations specific to the program; including procedures for emergency care, recompression and evacuation; and the criteria for diver training and certification.
1.13.5.2 A diving control (safety) board, with the majority of its members being active scientific divers, which shall at a minimum have the authority to approve and monitor diving projects, review and revise the diving safety manual, assure compliance with the manual, certify the depths to which a diver has been trained, take disciplinary action for unsafe practices, and assure adherence to the buddy system (a diver is accompanied by and is in continuous contact with another diver in the water) for scuba diving.
1.14 Review of Standards
As part of the SPMC annual review, any recommendations for modification of these standards shall be submitted to the Diving Control Board and AAUS for consideration.
It is the goal of SPMC to follow the recommendations of standards set forth by AAUS within the framework of SPMC’s dive program.
1.20 Operational Control
1.21 SPMC Auspices Defined
For the purposes of these regulations the auspices of SPMC include any scientific diving operation in which a diver or organization is connected; because of ownership of any equipment used, locations selected, or relationship of the individual(s) concerned. This includes all cases involving the operation of employees or volunteers of SPMC or employees or volunteers of auxiliary organization, where such employees are acting within the scope of their employment, and the operations of other persons who are engaged in scientific diving at SPMC or diving as members of organizations recognized by SPMC. Such organizations include but are not limited to organizational members of AAUS.