Oregon Zoo Volunteer Dive Program

OREGON ZOO VOLUNTEER DIVE PROGRAM

The Oregon Zoo Volunteer Dive Program was established to provide volunteer aid with diving tasks in the zoo’s Marine Life area. Volunteer divers are expected to work closely with Marine Life Keepers to perform routine diving assignments. Volunteer divers must complete a volunteer application with the Oregon Zoo’s volunteer office. This application will include a criminal background check. Upon acceptance of the volunteer application and passing the criminal background check, the volunteer must attend an orientation session with the Zoo’s Volunteer Coordinator and Dive Safety Officer (DSO) prior to entry into the program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist Marine Life Keepers with routine cleaning of aquatic environments utilizing established diving practices.

• Be familiar with Oregon Zoo Dive Policy and adhere to established policy.
• Be familiar with Oregon Zoo Emergency Policies and Procedures.
• Volunteer divers will begin diving in mammal pools. Dives in our Kelp exhibit require exemplary buoyancy skills. The DSO will evaluate each diver’s skill level to determine if the volunteer is able to dive in the Kelp exhibit.
• In general, volunteer divers are not able to dive while mammals are present in the pool(s). The DSO can make exceptions as needed.

DOCUMENTS: The following forms must be completed and submitted prior to any volunteer diving activity.

• Completed AAUS Dive Physical forms. Copy of Appendix 2 will be retained by zoo.

• Copy of diver’s Open Water (or higher) certification card.
• Proof of 40 (or more) logged open water dives including cold water experience. Photocopy from logbook.
• Copy of current CPR/AED/First Aid card.
• Signed Acknowledgment of Risk and Liability Release.
• Proof of Regulator service performed within past year (receipt copy).

EQUIPMENT: Volunteer divers are expected to provide their own equipment. All components should be clean and in good working order. The zoo can provide Aluminum 80 tanks and Sea Soft weight belts.

TIME COMMITMENT: Volunteer divers are expected to make an initial three-hour per week time commitment to the program. We prefer notification of absence 24 hours in advance. Frequent unexpected absences or “day of” notifications will not be tolerated. Please make every effort to be present for your dive shift.

Dives are logged in the Dive Logbook at Steller Cove. Actual volunteer hours are logged in the diver’s folder at Volunteer headquarters. Volunteer divers are required to keep both files current.

AAUS: The Oregon Zoo is an organizational member of the American Academy of Underwater Scientific Divers. Our dive policy is based on the AAUS template. Volunteer divers are initially considered Divers-In-Training in the Oregon Zoo’s scientific diving program.

Volunteer divers should be able to demonstrate proficiency in skills listed in the Oregon Zoo Checkout and Training Evaluation. The DSO and Marine Life Keepers evaluate dive skills during the first three months of each volunteer’s service. The DSO reserves the right to terminate a volunteer diver’s participation for any reason.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Interested divers may call Dive Safety Officer at 503-226-1561 ext. 5314.

Oregon Zoo Diver:______

OREGON ZOO CHECKOUT DIVE AND TRAINING EVALUATION

Oregon Zoo Divers should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the following skills during checkout dive or training evaluation dives with the Dive Safety Officer or designee. Initial set of skills are to be evaluated on first dive or shortly thereafter:

___ Radio use

___ Pre-dive planning, lead diver responsibilities

___ Briefing, site orientation, and buddy check

___ Equipment familiarity

___ Underwater signs and signals

___ Proper buddy contact

___ Proper weighting for shallow diving as opposed to recreational diving

___ Monitor cylinder pressure, depth, bottom time

___ Proper entry and exit

___ Neutral buoyancy (hover motionless in midwater)

___ Proper descent and ascent with B.C., drysuit

Remaining skills are typically covered during diver certification classes. Marine Life staff will assist you with these skills if practice is in order. These skills are listed for your benefit; they are not intended to produce diver stress. We all benefit from skill practice. Divers resort to their training in emergency situations.

___ Swim skills:

___ Surface dive to 10 ft. without scuba gear

___ Demonstrate watermanshp and snorkel skills (400 yds.<12min=16 lengths in 25 yd. pool)

___ Surface swim without swim aids (400 yds.=16 lengths in 25 yd. pool)

___ Underwater swim without swim aids (25 yd. without surfacing)

___ Tread water without swim aids (10 min.), or without use of hands (2 min.)

___ Transport another swimmer without swim aids (25yd)

___ Mask removal and clearing

___ Regulator removal and clearing

___ Surface swim with scuba; alternate between snorkel and regulator

___ Use of dive tables and/or dive computer

___ Remove and replace weight belt while submerged

___ Remove and replace scuba cylinder while submerged

___ Alternate air source breathing with and without mask (donor/receiver)

___ Buddy breathing with and without mask (donor/receiver)

___ Simulated emergency swimming ascent

___ Compass and underwater navigation

___ Simulated decompression and safety stop

___ Rescue:

___ Self rescue techniques

___ Tows of conscious and unconscious victim

___ Simulated in-water rescue breathing

___ Rescue of submerged non-breathing diver (including equipment removal, simulated rescue breathing, towing, and recovery to shore)

___ Use of emergency oxygen on breathing and non-breathing victim

___ Accident management and evacuation procedures

Training for use of underwater equipment is ongoing. Tools include brushes, window cleaners, collecting bags, vacuums, & power scrubbers. Training will also be provided for underwater feeding of fish & invertebrates.

OREGON ZOO VOLUNTEER DIVING PROGRAM

Waiver And Release Of Liability

Assumption Of Risk And Indemnity Agreement

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING.

THIS IS AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISK AND RELEASE OF YOUR RIGHTS TO SUE THE OREGON ZOO OR METRO AND THEIR EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND ASSIGNS (HEREIN AFTER “RELEASED PARTIES”) FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURIES THAT MAY OCCUR DURING DIVE ACTIVITIES AS A RESULT OF THE INHERENT RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SCUBA DIVING OR AS A RESULT OF THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASED PARTIES.

I, ______DO HEREBY AFFIRM THAT I AM A CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVER TRAINED IN SAFE DIVING PRACTICES. I FURTHER STATE THAT:

1.I am aware of the risks inherent in this sport and accept these risks.

2.I am in good mental and physical fitness for diving, and I will not dive under the influence of alcohol, nor under the influence of any drugs which create hazards for divers to diving. If I am taking medication, I affirm that I have seen a physician and have approval to dive while under the influence of the medication/drugs.

3.I am aware of the dangers of breath holding while scuba diving.

4.I agree that I will be diving with a buddy, and it will be our responsibility to plan our dive allowing for our diving limitations and the prevailing water conditions.

5.I will inspect all of my equipment prior to the activity and will not dive if any of my equipment is not working properly.

6.I state that I am physically fit to scuba dive.

7.I understand that even though I follow all of the appropriate dive practices, there is still some risk of my sustaining decompression sickness, embolism or other hyperbaric injuries, and I understand the risk of said injuries.

8.I acknowledge that diving with compressed air involves certain risks and injuries that can occur which require treatment in a recompression chamber or other facility which may require a great distance of travel.

9.I expressly accept all responsibility to plan my dive and dive my plan.

10.I understand that scuba diving is a physically strenuous activity and that I will be exerting myself during this diving excursion, and that if I am injured as a result of a heart attack, panic, hyperventilation, etc., that I expressly assume the risk of said injuries.

11.I understand that the Oregon Zoo permits me to dive only in Zoo tanks, and that I may dive for the Oregon Zoo at a remote site only with the written permission of the Zoo’s dive safety officer.

In consideration of approving me, to participate in the Oregon Zoo Volunteer Diving Program, activities and related operations conducted by the Oregon Zoo, I, for myself, my personal representatives, heirs and next of kin, do hereby release, waive, discharge, and agree not to sue the Oregon Zoo and Metro, their officers, employees, and agents from all liability to myself, my personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin for any and all loss or damage, and any claim or demands thereof on account of injury to my

person or property or resulting in my death, now and forever, arising out of or related to participation and/or instruction in the Oregon Zoo Volunteer Diving Program, or any other related diving operations that may occur, whether caused by negligence of the Oregon Zoo or otherwise.

I hereby assume full responsibility for any risk of bodily injury, death, or property damage, now and forever, arising out of or related to participation in the Volunteer Dive Program or any other Oregon Zoo- related diving operations, whether foreseen or unforeseen and whether caused by negligence of the Oregon Zoo or otherwise. I hereby separately agree to indemnify and save and hold harmless Metro, the Oregon Zoo their officers, employees, and agents from any loss, liability, damage or cost that they may incur, now and forever, arising out of or related to participation in the Volunteer Diving Program, instructional activities or any other related diving operations, whether caused by the Oregon Zoo or otherwise.

I hereby acknowledge that injuries received may be compounded or increased by negligent rescue operations and/or procedures of the Oregon Zoo, and agree that this Waiver and Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreements extends to all acts of negligence by the Oregon Zoo, including negligent rescue operations, and is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the state in which the activities are conducted, and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.

I have read this Waiver and Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement, and fully understand its terms, fully understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it, am aware of its legal consequences, and have signed it freely and voluntarily without any inducement, assurance, or guarantee being made to me and intend my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.

I have had the opportunity to personally discuss with the Oregon Zoo’s Dive Safety Officer the potential dangers incidental to engaging in the Volunteer Diving Program and related activities.

APPENDIX 1
DIVING MEDICAL EXAM OVERVIEW FOR THE EXAMINING PHYSICIAN

TO THE EXAMINING PHYSICIAN:

This person, ______, requires a medical examination to assess their fitness for certification as a Scientific Diver for the Oregon Zoo (Organizational Member). Their answers on the Diving Medical History Form (attached) may indicate potential health or safety risks as noted. Your evaluation is requested on the attached scuba Diving Fitness Medical Evaluation Report. If you have questions about diving medicine, you may wish to consult one of the references on the attached list or contact one of the physicians with expertise in diving medicine whose names and phone numbers appear on an attached list, the Undersea Hyperbaric and Medical Society, or the Divers Alert Network. Please contact the undersigned Diving Safety Officer if you have any questions or concerns about diving medicine or the Oregon Zoo (Organizational Member) standards. Thank you for your assistance.

______

Diving Safety Officer Date

______

Printed Name Phone Number

Scuba and other modes of compressed-gas diving can be strenuous and hazardous. A special risk is present if the middle ear, sinuses, or lung segments do not readily equalize air pressure changes. The most common cause of distress is eustachian insufficiency. Recent deaths in the scientific diving community have been attributed to cardiovascular disease. Please consult the following list of conditions that usually restrict candidates from diving.

(Adapted from Bove, 1998: bracketed numbers are pages in Bove)

CONDITIONS WHICH MAY DISQUALIFY CANDIDATES FROM DIVING

1.Abnormalities of the tympanic membrane, such as perforation, presence of a monomeric membrane, or inability to autoinflate the middle ears. [5 ,7, 8, 9]

2.Vertigo, including Meniere’s Disease. [13]

3.Stapedectomy or middle ear reconstructive surgery. [11]

4.Recent ocular surgery. [15, 18, 19]

5.Psychiatric disorders including claustrophobia, suicidal ideation, psychosis, anxiety states, untreated depression. [20 - 23]

6.Substance abuse, including alcohol. [24 - 25]

7.Episodic loss of consciousness. [1, 26, 27]

8.History of seizure. [27, 28]

9.History of stroke or a fixed neurological deficit. [29, 30]

10.Recurring neurologic disorders, including transient ischemic attacks. [29, 30]

11.History of intracranial aneurysm, other vascular malformation or intracranial hemorrhage. [31]

12. History of neurological decompression illness with residual deficit. [29, 30]

13.Head injury with sequelae. [26, 27]

14.Hematologic disorders including coagulopathies. [41, 42]

15.Evidence of coronary artery disease or high risk for coronary artery disease. [33 - 35]

16.Atrial septal defects. [39]

17.Significant valvular heart disease - isolated mitral valve prolapse is not disqualifying. [38]

18.Significant cardiac rhythm or conduction abnormalities. [36 - 37]

19.Implanted cardiac pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators (ICD). [39, 40]

20.Inadequate exercise tolerance. [34]

21.Severe hypertension. [35]

22.History of spontaneous or traumatic pneumothorax. [45]

23.Asthma. [42 - 44]

24.Chronic pulmonary disease, including radiographic evidence of pulmonary blebs, bullae, or cysts. [45,46]

25.Diabetes mellitus. [46 - 47]

26. Pregnancy. [56]

SELECTED REFERENCES IN DIVING MEDICINE

Available from Best Publishing Company, P.O. Box 30100, Flagstaff, AZ 86003-0100, the Divers Alert Network (DAN) or the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), Durham, NC

• Elliott, D.H. ed. 1996. Are Asthmatics Fit to Dive? Kensington, MD: Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.
• Bove, A.A. 2011. The cardiovascular system and diving risk. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine 38(4): 261-269.
• Thompson, P.D. 2011. The cardiovascular risks of diving. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine 38(4): 271-277.
• Douglas, P.S. 2011. Cardiovascular screening in asymptomatic adults: Lessons for the diving world. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine 38(4): 279-287.
• Mitchell, S.J., and A.A. Bove. 2011. Medical screening of recreational divers for cardiovascular disease: Consensus discussion at the Divers Alert Network Fatality Workshop. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine 38(4): 289-296.
• Grundy, S.M., Pasternak, R., Greenland, P., Smith, S., and Fuster, V. 1999. Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk by Use of Multiple-Risk-Factor Assessment Equations. AHA/ACC Scientific Statement. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 34: 1348-1359.
• Bove, A.A. and Davis, J. 2003. DIVING MEDICINE, Fourth Edition. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company.
• Edmonds, C., Lowry, C., Pennefather, J. and Walker, R. 2002. DIVING AND SUBAQUATIC MEDICINE, Fourth Edition. London: Hodder Arnold Publishers.
• Bove, A.A. ed. 1998. MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF SPORT SCUBA DIVERS, San Antonio, TX: Medical Seminars, Inc.
• NOAA DIVING MANUAL, NOAA. Superintendent of Documents. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
• U.S. NAVY DIVING MANUAL. Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.

APPENDIX 2
AAUS MEDICAL EVALUATION OF FITNESS FOR SCUBA DIVING REPORT

______

Name of Applicant (Print or Type)Date of Medical Evaluation (Month/Day/Year)

To The Examining Physician: Scientific divers require periodic scuba diving medical examinations to assess their fitness to engage in diving with self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba). Their answers on the Diving Medical History Form may indicate potential health or safety risks as noted. Scuba diving is an activity that puts unusual stress on the individual in several ways. Your evaluation is requested on this Medical Evaluation form. Your opinion on the applicant's medical fitness is requested. Scuba diving requires heavy exertion. The diver must be free of cardiovascular and respiratory disease (see references, following page). An absolute requirement is the ability of the lungs, middle ears and sinuses to equalize pressure. Any condition that risks the loss of consciousness should disqualify the applicant. Please proceed in accordance with the AAUS Medical Standards (Sec. 6.00). If you have questions about diving medicine, please consult with the Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society or Divers Alert Network.

TESTS: THE FOLLOWING TESTS ARE REQUIRED:

• Medical history

• Complete physical exam, with emphasis on neurological and otological components

• Urinalysis

• Any further tests deemed necessary by the physician

• Chest x-ray (Required only during first exam over age 40)

• Resting EKG

• Assessment of coronary artery disease using Multiple-Risk-Factor Assessment1

PHYSICIAN’S STATEMENT:

01 Diver IS medically qualified to dive for: 2 years (over age 60)

3 years (age 40-59)

5 years (under age 40)

02 Diver IS NOT medically qualified to dive: Permanently Temporarily.

I have evaluated the abovementioned individual according to the American Academy of Underwater Sciences medical standards and required tests for scientific diving (Sec. 6.00 and Appendix 1) and, in my opinion, find no medical conditions that may be disqualifying for participation in scuba diving. I have discussed with the patient any medical condition(s) that would not disqualify him/her from diving but which may seriously compromise subsequent health. The patient understands the nature of the hazards and the risks involved in diving with these conditions.