Dive Team Equipment | Region 10 | US EPA

Jump to main content.


Equipment


Continuous Resistivity Profiler to Focus Transition Zone Water Sampling

Towed array that measures differing conductivities in the subsurface. Global Positioning System (GPS) is displayed atop the vessel towing the array.

The continuous resistivity profiler is a geophysical instrument purchased in 2008 from Advanced Geosciences, Inc (AGI) . This instrument induces an electrical current in the water column or subsurface soils and measures an array of resulting voltages at known points along a cable. As the whole array moves, either by hand on the ground, or while being towed behind a boat (as shown in the figure), large numbers of observations are made of the electric field. Software sorts through all this data to help find a best answer as to the subsurface electrical conductivity distribution which could cause the observed voltage measurements. The cable purchased is approximately 200 feet long – but may be shortened for higher resolution when desired. Typically you will see down to approximately 20% of the electrode spread length. The Marine Log Manager software allows you to edit the recorded data, plot the boat track and the resistivity data on an imported map image and to format the data for the inversion software. Key benefits include:

Differing conductivities in transition zone water displayed graphically. Mapping out discharge zones helps to pinpoint areas for sample collection to determine what concetrations of contaminants are discharging from an upland area to a water body, like Puget Sound.


The system is intended to be used for groundwater discharge mapping at Superfund and other cleanup sites. Highest contrasts are found at sites where freshwater is discharging into salt water, or vice versa. Contaminant plumes may also create sufficient conductivity changes to be accurately mapped, such as significant chrome contamination in freshwater. Use of this technology is key to understanding where discharges occur into water bodies. Sampling in known discharge areas where groundwater discharges to surface water, the “transition zone,” can give an accurate measure of what level of impact is occurring for benthic life. Taking expensive transition zone water samples without knowing where areas of discharge are requires an enormous amount of locations (e.g. piezometer samples) to determine where the highest zones of discharge are—essentially “sampling blind.” The conductivity profiler allows mapping to take place to optimize a dive or other sampling effort of transition zone water.

Top


Underwater Pingers and Pinger Locators

a view of an open "pinger"Pinger locatorIn 2008, pingers (RJE International Model ULB-364) and pinger locators (RJE Model PRS-275, boat and diver based) were purchased. The purpose of these devices is to enable easy relocation of high value pieces of equipment, even if it is moved by current or otherwise dragged. If the equipment is nowhere within range in a particular water body, this can be quickly determined without putting divers in the water. Pingers are typically placed on acoustic Doppler current meters (ADCPs) and other high value equipment, as this equipment can be very expensive to replace. Pingers might also be used on biological uptake sampling devices, as failure to locate these stations could represent a loss of irreplaceable data. The pingers require two 9 volt lithium or alkaline batteries and last between 6 and 150 days depending on what type of battery and wattage (0.125 watt, 0.5 watt, and 2 watt options) are selected. The four pingers purchased are activated by a water switch and operate at a range of up to 3000 meters on frequencies 27 (2) and 37 kHz (2) and are rated to a 1000 foot depth.

Top


Polluted water diving personal protective equipment (PPE): Viking dry suit with AGA Divator MK II full-face mask

The standard diver's dress used by the EPA Region 10 dive team for moderately polluted water typical of scientific diving operations is the Viking Pro Turbo dry suit equipped with dry gloves. When selecting a suit for use in potentially contaminated water, (either microbiological or chemical), a number of factors need to be considered. For microbiological contamination, ease of decon / decontamination is of key importance. Studies have shown that smooth rubber-shell style suits, such as the Viking can be decontaminated by spraying with a dilute Betadine solution (1). It is much more difficult to decon / decontaminate coated pack-cloth or neoprene-style dry suit material. It has been reported that a number of microorganisms can survive many hours or days in salt water (2). Micro-organisms can survive in pack-cloth or neoprene-style suits even after decontamination (1). For chemically contaminated environments, caution must be exercised because the chemical contaminates may have an adverse effect on the materials of the divers dress or permeate through the suit material. Permeation through suit material can be reduced by using various synthetic and natural rubber blends, thicker suit material can also reduce the possibility of permeation. However, the latex parts of the suit may be the least resistant to attack, permeation, or degradation by chemicals. There is very limited information available on the chemical resistance of the divers dress or other rubber parts of diving equipment (2, 3). Therefore, caution must be exercised if diving is required in areas of chemical contamination. The Viking Pro Turbo suit is constructed of heavy weight blend of synthetic and natural rubber having a smooth exterior allowing for easy cleaning or decontamination. Unlike other drysuits equipped with latex rubber hoods, the Viking Pro Turbo has a dry hood constructed of the same heavy material used in the body of the suit. The heavy material used for the hood reduces the potential for permeation of chemicals compared to latex rubber. The AGA Divator MK II full-face mask is a mask / regulator combination that operates under positive pressure. The positive pressure feature is an advantage when diving in potentially contaminated environments because the positive pressure will aid in keeping contaminates out of the mask versus a normal scuba regulator that operates in a slight negative pressure mode. The AGA mask can be used in a free scuba diving mode, which allows greater freedom to move about than a surface-supplied diver (4). The AGA mask can also be equipped with a microphone and underwater communications system (2, 4) (see below). For extremely hazardous conditions or in highly contaminated water, a surface-supplied helmet mated to the drysuit should be used. In 2008, all Viking drysuits currently assigned to Region 10 divers were retrofitted with hazmat valving, including the Viking X2 exhaust and hazmat inlet valve. Both of these valves are designed to substantially minimize leakage of contaminated water into the suit over the standard valves, thereby limiting dermal exposure to the diver.

On left: Viking X2 Hazmat Exhaust Valve
On right: Viking X2 Hazmat Inlet Valve



Go to Safety / SOP page for more information on decon procedures used by the Region 10 Dive Team for polluted water scientific diving
Viking drysuit chemical resistance information
Comparison of chemical resistance of potential dryglove materials
Chemical Exposure Data / Thompson Micromedex (subscription required)

Top


Ocean Technology Systems diver recall unit
A diver recall unit has been a standard piece of equipment used on all Region 10 scientific diving operations since an OTS DRS-100 was purchased in the early 1990’s. This consists of a power box/console, underwater hydrophone, and microphone. The diver recall unit can be used to send out two different tone signals to divers underwater to carry out specific activities. By adding a microphone, the surface support personnel can provide verbal directions to the divers. Depending upon water conditions, communications can be heard several hundred yards away from the hydrophone. A new OTS DRS-100B was purchased in 2007 to replace the DRS-100. Though also rated at 100 watts, the DRS-100B is less audible in the water (and sometimes difficult to hear at distance and through the Viking pro-turbo hood) than the older DRS-100.

Top


Ocean Technology Systems Through Water Wireless Communication Equipment
This diver communication system consists of two major components, a surface unit and diver-carried units. This communication system operates in the ultrasound frequency range, so at times a diver may block the signal. The surface unit is a power console with a transducer that is placed in the water. The diver units have a microphone and headset that are inserted/attached to the AGA mask and a waterproof module containing the batteries, electronics, and signal transducer. The diver units can be operated in either a push-to-talk mode (similar to a walkie-talkie) or in a voice-activated mode. The voice-activated mode is preferred when the divers may be using their hands for collecting samples, photographic work, etc. Depending upon water conditions, transmission range may be several hundred yards. The surface station can receive and understand about 50% of all transmissions. Some reports have stated that 80% understandability of communications is considered excellent for this technology (5). This system enhances safety during scientific diving missions by allowing divers to communicate in limited visibility conditions, or to communicate dive progress to the surface personnel. Units were updated in 2005 with 10 watt transducers (OTS SSB-1001B) and adapted to also allow a diver to conduct narration while simultaneously recording video and using through water communication. In 2007, two additional 70 watt diver wireless transducers (OTS MAG1001D) and a new surface station (OTS MAG 1000S) were purchased to aid in audibility, which can be difficult to understand at times. All wireless units broadcast on channel 1 (33 khz) to ensure signal to noise ratios are maximized, and to ensure compatibility with older units.
EPA Diver Rob Rau using an OTS through water communication system (SSB-2010) during an ASARCO sediment cap survey and mapping operation.
EPA Diver Rob Rau using an OTS through water communication system (SSB-1001B) during an ASARCO sediment cap survey and mapping operation.

Top



Automatic Identification System (AIS)

In 2007 a Nauticast automatic identification system (AIS) Class A was purchased for use aboard EPA dive platforms. For mid-channel cap inspections, divers must sometimes cross busy shipping lanes. Though a notice to mariners is given, alpha and recreational dive flags are flown, emergency procedures are reviewed with divers, and appropriate VHF channels are monitored (13, 14, 16) these requirements do not relay up to the moment location information to vessel traffic controllers to allow conflict management for inbound vessels. The purpose of the AIS system is to broadcast the dive platform exact location to Puget Sound USCG Vessel Traffic Control and large ships transiting the area in order to head off vessel conflicts before they occur to enhance diving safety, especially for tethered SCUBA dive operations.

Top


Nikonos V 35 mm camera with Ikelite Ai strobe
The Nikonos V is a TTL-compatible 35 mm camera, which can be equipped with different lenses for various photographic requirements. Because visible colors are lost with water depth, turning everything a bluish-green, a strobe is used in all situations to bring out the true colors of photographed objects (6). The 35 mm or 28 mm lenses are used for most general photography. Extension tubes are used with these lenses for close-up (macro) photography. By using the Ikelite Ai TTL-compatible strobe and the Nikonos V camera together, proper film exposure is ensured. This camera is used to as a scientific diving tool to document diver observations for later viewing by office personnel.

Top




Olympus C5050 Digital Still Camera (inside Olympus PT 015 housing) with Sea&Sea YS90Auto Strobe


Although the Nikonos V allows a certain simplicity in its setup and post-processing of pictures, the ability of digital technology to allow field review of photos (underwater) allows the diver to continue taking stills until the needed photos have been captured. This ability is key for scientific diving work conducted by the Region 10 dive team. Like other housings, the Olympus PT 015's clear plastic allows easy leak detection not offered by the Nikonos V. Another advantage of this camera rig is that all housing perforations are for permanent controls. Each control has double 0-rings. There are no "open" perforations or connections and therefore, there is no easy route for leakage like the Nikonos V's TTL strobe sync cord. This setup utilizes a fiberoptic connection between camera and strobe to achieve a TTL effect without the housing perforation of the Nikonos series. In addition, an Ikelite 4100 sensor functioning in a manner similar to the fiberoptic cable, can be used with legacy Ikelite strobes as a backup. The digital camera can shoot at a resolution of up to 5 megapixels. 256 megabyte compact flash cards allow extremely high resolution pictures to be captured--up to approximately 70 per card (cards up to 2GB are available) -- and to be downloaded via a USB card reader). The strobe is compact and output has 12 levels of adjustment. It is designed for use with digital cameras and has a setting that ignores the camera's preflash. The digital camera lense also allows changes from wide angle to macro photography without lense changeout, which is a signficant advantage over nikonos V underwater photography where dry lense changeout is required. One drawback of the housing configuration in cold water diving environments typical to those in Region 10 is condensation, which must be managed through the use of desiccant inserted between the camera and housing on each dive. Also important for this housing is the use of a defog agent on the interior of the housing lens since it is made of glass and water vapor condenses here preferentially. Other ancillary components for this camera setup include software for picture post processing (particularly to remove any color cast) and high capacity rechargeable AA batteries (2500 mAH, NiMH; used in the camera and the strobe) with smart chargers.

Top



Sony HC1 and HC7 Digital Video Cameras with Light and Motion “Bluefin” Housing and Sunray 2000 Lighting System



The Sony HC1 and HC7 digital video cameras allow the capture of high definition video to tape as well as still images. The high definition video itself is of sufficient resolution that screen captures can allow still images of approximately 1 megapixel in resolution. The digital media allows not only higher resolution video and still images (HC1: 1 megapixel, HC7: 5 megapixel) to be possible, but also enables faster video editing of dive operation footage. As of 2007, the HC1 has been modified to allow diver narration onto the tape, to better make scientific observations throughout dive operations. The video camera is used for EPA Region 10 scientific diving operations including documentation of existing bottom conditions at Superfund sites before or after cleanup has been undertaken. In 2008 a sunray 2000 lighting system was purchased, which utilizes LED lighting to produce 2000 lumens per light head. Batteries are rated to last 75 minutes and the battery pods are rated to 300 feet. The lighting system weighs a total of 6.1 pounds, dry.

Top


Light and motion video camera housing with Hi-8 mm video camera
The Light and Motion video camera housing is equipped with a Light and Motion 50-watt video light and Sony Hi-8 mm video camera. Because looking through a small video camera viewfinder is difficult when wearing a dive mask, the video housing is equipped with a 2 inch monitor back (small TV screen). Because of the high wattage of the video light, battery burn time is a real consideration. The lighting system selected for this camera system has a burn time of 45-60 minutes. The video camera is used on many scientific diving operations to record underwater activities, such as sample collection, or to document diver observations for later viewing by office personnel. Microphones upgraded in 2004 to hot/wet mic. for easier decon and enhanced durability of equipment and clarity of audio.

Top


Dacor Seasprint Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs)
The SeaSprint DPVs are used by the dive team to survey or search large areas. These DPVs can propel a diver through the water at 0.5-1 knot. The batteries for these DPVs will last from 30-45 minutes, allowing large areas to be searched by a pair of divers for scientific diving needs such as mapping algal growth or locating large areas of product seepage.



Top




Underwater Mapping

The EPA Region 10 Dive Team has demonstrated a survey technique for underwater digital photography integrated with GPS location data at the Blakely Harbor, ASARCO, Jackson Park, and Wyckoff sites. A survey procedure is conducted with a two person dive team surveying the underwater environment. The dive team searches for submerged aquatic resources, objects, or features and documents the item(s) with digital photos of the features in question. An inexpensive recreational Global Positioning System (GPS) device is towed in a raft directly above the dive team which records positions throughout the dive. Commercial software is later used to relate the GPS information to the digital photos resulting in geo-located digital photos that can be viewed on a map or Geographic Information System (GIS) for later analysis of the seafloor environment. This survey technique is now used to support a wide variety of EPA scientific diving needs in polluted and non-polluted waters. More information: Siwiec, Sheldrake*, et. al. 2008, Survey Technique for Underwater Digital Photography with Integrated GPS Location Data, AAUS conference presentation/paper submittal (PDF) (8 pp. 451K)

GPS is drybag
GPS in drybag
GPS Raft with Dive Flag
GPS Raft with Dive Flag
Laptop used during documentation
Laptop used during documentation


Top


Aquamap

Currently reassigned to the Gulf Breeze, FL EPA Dive Unit
This underwater mapping system was made by Desert Star and operates utilizing buoyed transponders, a diver-held transponder, and sound signals to triangulate diver position. Aquamap allows divers to locate sites during a dive and record data on the diver units while monitoring error rates to ensure that the "marked" location is sufficiently accurate. Diver units can also be configured to relay pressure and depth information to the surface station in addition to the divers' location, giving the dive supervisor real time information that would otherwise only be available using tethered or surface supply diving equipment. This system has been successfully used to support Region 10's scientific diving needs including mapping the extent of the "zone of deposit" for seafood processors.


Top




Tethered SCUBA Diving

Tender talking to diver via OTS headset/mike during Columbia Shuttle Recovery dive ops.


In 2004, Region 10 acquired Ocean Technology Systems (OTS) tethered SCUBA diving gear including two 200 foot communication (comm) ropes (OTS cr4), 3 ear/microphone setups for the Full Face AGA mask (ema2) and a headset/surface unit (mk7) to monitor one or two tethered divers. In 2007, this was supplemented with a backup OTS MK7 unit due to design flaws making electrical shorts in the surface tender headset microphone possible, four additional ema2 ear mike setups, and two 300 foot comm ropes for a better span of operation from one anchor point where conditions allow. Comparatively to free swimming divers, tethered SCUBA operations allow better monitoring of the diver in low visibility environments such as the Duwamish and Willamette Rivers and allows solo diving where the diver may focus on the task at hand. Being able to focus on a particular task is a huge advantage in low visibility conditions, where keeping track of a buddy can otherwise take a diver's full attention to ensure safety. In addition, the tether offers stability in high current diving conditions such as that found in the Yakima and Columbia Rivers and tidally influenced areas like Henderson Inlet and Willapa Bay. To allow solo diving under EPA and Region 10 safety guidelines, a Kirby Morgan manifold "bailout" block is utilized with a 30 cubic foot pony bottle to allow the diver a safe escape from working depths of up to 100 feet. The 30 cubic foot reserve capacity gives a safety margin designed to allow for a free flow emergency, even at maximum working depths. Two sets of blocks, pony bottles, and main tank mounts were purchased to allow this bailout equipment to be used while diving untethered with a buddy as well. Higher capacity SCUBA tanks and DIN adaptors were also purchased to enhance the safety factor allowed for solo diving. In 2008, an additional headset was purchased due to ongoing surface tender headset (mk7) problems. A replacement 200 foot comm rope was also purchased to replace the one purchased in 2004 which had become frayed from frequent usage near encrusted pilings. In addition, two spare 30 cubic foot bailout bottles and Kirby Morgan manifold blocks were purchased in 2008 to allow better continuity of operations during equipment maintenance downtime.

Standard Region 10 safety procedures for tethered diving include a thorough dive briefing of communication protocols, including line signal backups should wired communications fail. All dive operations deploy with a backup tender headset given known problems. Divers are also briefed on the characteristic topside "squeal" that indicates the diver has accidentally popped the wet connection loose between the ema2 and comm rope, and the diver is instructed how to reconnect this if surface tender communications are lost for more than a few seconds. Surface tenders frequently monitor the diver's air pressure, and check this against remaining tasks to allow ample safety margins. The diver is always to keep their primary and reserve tank submerged pressure gauges in view, to ensure that they know which tank they are breathing off of at all times (e.g. if the manifold were to be bumped during the course of the dive), and the status of both of their air supplies. Now that NOAA has developed a tethered SCUBA training course, EPA Region 10 divers may participate in this and make further improvements to standard tethered diving operating procedures in 2009 and 2010.

Top



SCUBA Tanks
Region 10 had conducted its own visual cylinder inspections for nearly 30 years and operated nearly exclusively with aluminum 80 cubic foot cylinders to support the Region's scientific diving needs. With the advent of new electronic cylinder inspection techniques that do not rely on the naked eye to detect the development of small cracks in the neck of a scuba cylinder, this was discontinued. Aluminum tanks are now put through the "visual plus" eddy current based inspection process which detects potentially catastrophic cracks much earlier, before cracks are visible to the naked eye. 11 Aluminum 80 tanks and 8 high pressure steel DIN/K 120 tanks are currently in service.
Diver entering the water to conduct an algal survey with a USD aluminum 80 tank manufactured in 1976, retired in 2004.

Top


Safety

Region 10 acquired a Phillips Heartstream FR2 Automatic External Defibrillator in 2004. Due to the often remote nature of Region 10's inspection / scientific diving work, and the fact that success of revival drops 10% for every minute that passes after a cardiac arrest (American Heart Association), location of an AED at the dive site would offer an enhanced ability to respond to all types of diving accidents. The AED is located in the dive unit primary first aid kit and is deployed with the team on all projects to increase dive safety. Extra batteries, pads, and data cards ensure the unit is able to stay in service at all times. As part of a government wide AED program administered by the Public Health Service, placement of this equipment with the dive unit requires regular rescue/first aid exercises on shore and on vessel. In 2008, the dive team AED was updated to conform with the 2005 American Heart Association guidelines Exit EPA Disclaimer to maximize life saving capability of the unit and match unit performance with diver CPR/AED training.

Top
Metal Detector
The dive team uses the Fischer 1280x underwater metal detector on occasion to find buried metal objects underwater, or in the case that sampling equipment should become buried.

Top


Dive Platforms

The EPA Region 10 research vessel (aka the 'Monitor') is available to EPA personnel to support scientific diving, surface based sample collection, and site reconnaissance/site tours. Contact Doc Thompson for more information on using the Monitor for your project at 360-871-8721. Monitor Specifications (5 Kb, PDF file). EPA also has smaller boats available for sampling and other needs, including a 20 foot Wooldridge vessel capable of supporting dive operations. Wooldridge Specifications (11 KB, PDF file).

The Monitor underwent an engine retrofit in late 2007, and is filling with 20 percent biodiesel fuel (B20) when available. Read more about the evaluation for diesel emissions reduction (PDF) (1 pp. 122K) aboard the Monitor and specific reductions in emissions from the engine retrofit (PDF) (2 pp. 22K). Learn more about emissions reduction efforts regionally at the West Coast Collaborative .




Top



Divemaster and First Aid Kits, Example Inventories
1. Example Divemaster kit inventory.
2. Example First Aid kit inventory.

Top


Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV)
Remote Operated Vehicle

In 2007 a Videoray PRO (EXTGO) microsubmersible remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was purchased for use by EPA for diving and nondiving purposes. The ROV is intended to investigate areas that may not be safe or cost effective to dive, or to expedite diving operations by locating underwater targets for further diver investigation or sample collection. It is depth rated to 500 feet and can reach a top speed of 4.1 knots. Total system weight is 105 pounds. An underwater navigation system (ORE 4330B-D, Trackpoint 3) used in tandem with Hypack Lite software for the ROV (and for dual diver tracking and underwater mapping use) utilizing ultra short baseline (USB) technology was also obtained such that video recorded of areas of interest can be mapped. The ROV also has a SeaSprite sector scan sonar to expedite searches for underwater objects, which may be adapted for diver handheld use.

Lockheed West, Seattle, Washington ROV video, 28 MB windows media player file (1:08 runtime, no sound)

Top


References
1. Coolbaugh, James C., and Daily, Otis P., "Protection of Divers in Biologically Contaminated Waters, " Ocean Engineering and the Environment Conference Record, Nov. 12-14, 1985, San Diego, CA, pp. 952-955.
2. Barsky, Steven M., Diving in High-Risk Environments, 3rd Edition, Hammerhead Press, Santa Barbara, CA, 1999, previous editions were published in 1989 and 1993.
3. Viking Chemical Resistance Report
4. Barsky, Steven M., Diving with the Divator MK II Full Face Mask, Team Vision, Inc., Fort Collins, CO, 1994.
5. Laymon, Lynn, "Underwater Communications", Dive Training, September 1995, pp. 37-41.
6. De Couet, Heinz-Gert and Green, Andrew, The Manual of Underwater Photography, Verlag Christa Hemmen, Germany, 1989.

Top

go to top of page
Return to Region 10 Dive Team Home Page
go to Region 10 Home Page.

go to Region 10 Dive Team pages:

URL: http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/OEA.NSF/Investigations/Dive+Team+Eqpmnt

Jump to main content.