DIVING
SAFETY MANUAL
Table of
Contents
INTRODUCTION
The
policy, requirements and regulations established here, are intended
for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Scientific
diving activity conducted under the auspices of the USGS must meet
and/or exceed these standards. Non-scientific diving activity i.e.,
contracting commercial divers, conducted for any division within the
USGS must meet any and all local, state and/or federal requirements/regulations.
The
USGS has a Diving Safety Board (DSB) for supervising divers and diving
activity. The DSB will consist of a majority of active scientific
divers and has autonomous and absolute authority over the scientific
diving programs operations. It is the duty of the DSB and the appointed
Diving Safety Officer (DSO) to assure compliance with any and all
standards, requirements and/or regulations relative to the type of
diving activity.
The
regulations/requirements set forth in this Diving Safety Manual by
the DSB are considered to be the minimum acceptable standards to be
employed for scientific scuba diving operations conducted under USGS
auspices. However, no standard procedures can anticipate all possible
situations which may be encountered. Therefore, no standards will
ever exist which can substitute for common sense, sound judgement,
and a continuing awareness of and concern for maximum safety. The
individual diver must realize that her/she is ultimately responsible
for his/her own safety. It is clearly the diver's responsibility and
privilege to refuse to dive if, in his/her judgement, conditions are
unsafe or he/she is unfit to dive. It is also the responsibility of
either the DSO, person in charge, or the Lead Diver to prevent an
individual from diving if he/she appears unfit for diving.
These standards follow those outlined
by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 29
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.401, Subpart T - Commercial
Diving Operations. This document also meets and/or exceeds the standards
for diving as stated in the USGS Handbook 445-2-H, December 1993,
Chapter 12.
PURPOSE
AND MISSION - USGS SCIENTIFIC DIVING STANDARDS
The
purpose of the USGS Scientific Diving program is to support the use
of underwater diving technologies in the advancement of earth sciences.
The purpose of these scientific diving standards is to assure that
all diving under the auspices of the USGS is conducted in a manner
that emphasizes diver safety, helps protect divers from accidental
injury and/or illness, and sets forth standards for training and certification.
The
USGS Diving Safety Manual (DSM) will:
1.
Provide the authority, policy and responsibility for execution of
a safety and occupational health management program to cover specific
diving activities and programs conducted by personnel and organizations
of, or under the auspices of the USGS;
2.
Assure that the USGS Scientific Diving Program remains in compliance
with applicable OSHA regulations and the scientific diving exemption
from OSHA commercial diving standards, as well as DOI Safety and Health
Handbook (485 DM) Chapter 28, and USGS Handbook 445-2-H, Chap. 12
(as revised);
3.
Assure that the USGS DSB has, at a minimum, the necessary authority
to fulfill its specific obligations under OSHA regulations;
4.
Assure that scientific divers and their supervisors comply with USGS
diving procedures;
5.
Set forth minimum standards for conducting the USGS Scientific Diving
Program and fundamental requirements and procedures to assure safety
in scientific diving operations. The DSM also establishes a framework
for reciprocity for organizations which adhere to these minimum standards
for joint scientific projects.
CHAPTER
1. OSHA STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS
Scientific
Diving, as defined in CFR 1910.402.
1.
Scientific diving means diving performed solely as a necessary part
of scientific research, or educational activity by employees whose
sole purpose for diving is to perform scientific research tasks. All
research diving in the USGS will be done as a necessary part of data
collection in support of the non-proprietary information products
and interpretations that it is the Survey's mission to produce. Activities
included in USGS research diving are: underwater observation, monitoring,
and manual record keeping; sample collecting, including the use of
tools required to effect sample recovery; and installation, operation,
care, and removal of experimental and data collection apparatus. With
the exception of training, whose goal is to prepare scientists for
the safe and effective performance of the various underwater activities
required for their research, all other diving activities will be deemed
commercial diving, and will be performed to the commercial standards,
or not at all.
2.
In accordance with OSHA Standards, the diving policy/program must
contain the following elements:
A.
A DSM which includes the following:
(1)
Procedures covering all diving operations specific to the program.
(2) Procedures for emergency care, including recompression and evacuation.
(3) Criteria for diver training and certification.
B.
A DSB with the majority of its members being active divers, which
shall at a minimum have the authority to:
(1)
Approve and monitor all dive projects.
(2) Review the DSM on an annual basis and revise as needed.
(3) Assure compliance with the DSM.
(4) Certify the depths to which a diver has been trained.
(5) Take disciplinary action for unsafe practices.
(6) Assure adherence to the buddy system i.e., a diver is accompanied
by and is in continuous contact with another diver in the water for
SCUBA diving.
3.
OSHA also requires the following for scientific diving:
A.
The DSB consists of a majority of active scientific divers and has
autonomous and absolute authority over the scientific diving program's
operations. B. The purpose of the project using scientific diving
is the advancement of science therefore, information and data resulting
from the project are non-proprietary. C. The tasks of a scientific
diver are those of an observer and data gather. Construction and trouble
shooting tasks traditionally associated with commercial diving are
not included within scientific diving.
D.
Scientific divers based in the nature of their activities, must use
scientific expertise and therefore are scientists or scientists in
training.
CHAPTER
2. DIVING SAFETY BOARD
The
DSB will:
1.
Be composed of voting members, and non-voting members, as necessary
and as agreed to by the DSB. Voting members will be diving scientists.
2.
Appoint a DSO who will serve as a member of the DSB with concurrence
by the Director of the USGS.
3.
Have up to 3 voting representatives from each Division that sponsors
scientific diving.
4.
Develop and interpret procedures, rules, regulations and requirements
necessary to be implemented in the DSM and review the DSM on an annual
basis and revise as necessary.
5.
Serves as a Board of Investigation to inquire into the nature, cause
and remedial action concerning diving or diving-related accidents
or noncompliance with the standards described in the DSM.
6.
Serve as a Board of Appeal to consider diver or diver-related problems.
7.
Establish and/or approve training programs and certification requirements
for divers.
8.
Advise and inform the Director of the USGS on matters of diving and
diving policy.
9.
Develop and maintain a diving information management system.
CHAPTER
3. DIVING SAFETY OFFICER
The
DSO:
1.
Is an authorized USGS scientific diver.
2.
Assists in drafting new or revised standards for diving programs developed
within the USGS. These standards will be presented to the DSB by the
DSO for final approval.
3.
Reviews and disseminates the latest diving technology and procedures.
4.
Is responsible to the Director of the USGS through the DSB for the
conduct of the scientific diving program.
5.
Has operational authority through the DSB for the diving program following
the standards within the DSM, including enforcement of diving safety
regulations, conducts of diver training and certification, approval
of dive plan and maintenance of diving records.
6.
Compiles an annual report of scientific and nonscientific diving activities
for the Director, through the Bureau Safety Manager and DSB and supervisory
personnel in diving program/ projects.
7.
Ensure a properly prepared Hazard Analysis is included as an integral
part of each diving project's written Dive Plan.
8.
Is the chairman of the DSB.
CHAPTER
4. FIELD DIVE OFFICER
The
Field Dive Officer (FDO):
1.
Candidates will be approved by their Division management and the DSB/DSO,
and will report to the DSB/DSO. As the key responsible party at the
local, or diving unit level, the FDO shall:
A.
Have experience acceptable to the DSB and maintain current dive authorization.
B.
Review and approve dive plans to ensure compliance with the requirements
set forth in this DSM.
C.
Provide advice and guidance to local diving projects.
D.
Advise supervisors and the DSB, as appropriate, of unsafe diving practices.
E.
Collects, maintains, and transmit records to the DSO for the preparation
of the annual report to the USGS Director.
CHAPTER
5. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
1.
Initial Authorization. Any person diving or intending to dive
under the auspices of the USGS must:
A.
Hold a basic and current certification card ("C" card) issued
by an approved national/international organization i.e., PADI, NAUI,
YMCA, etc.
B.
Pass a comprehensive physical examination, complete with medical history,
resting electrocardiogram (EKG) and pulmonary function test. Forward
the original medical examination, medical history and test results
to the Bureau Personnel Office (address located at beginning of Medical
History form). Also, forward the Medical Evaluation of Fitness for
SCUBA Diving Report to the FDO. In addition, an equivalent physical
examination must be performed, and the results reported as for the
initial physical, in the following cases:
(1)
After any injury, illness or surgery requiring hospital admission.
(2) After any incident of unconsciousness.
(3) After any incident resulting in injury to the diver.
C.
Demonstrate proficiency in diving skills and knowledge in a manner
to be determined by the DSB/DSO or FDO.
D.
Hold current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
and first aid.
E.
Have a copy of the SCUBA certification card and dive logs on file
with the FDO.
The
depth authorization of the Initially Authorized Diver will be determined
by the DSB.
2.
Depth Authorization. Depth authorization will authorize the
holder to dive to the depth authorized.
A.
All divers are authorized to 60 ft.
B.
Authorization for the 100 ft. depth by a diver who has been authorized
to 60 ft. may be made by the DSB and/or the DSO following four logged
dives to 100 ft. accompanied by a diver authorized to at least 100
ft.
C.
Authorization for the 130 ft. depth by a diver who has been authorized
to 100 ft. may be made by the DSB and/or the DSO following four logged
dives to 130 ft. accompanied by a diver authorized to at least 130
ft.
D.
Dives to be made at depths greater than 130 ft. require the approval
of the DSB and/or the DSO prior to making the dive.
E.
It is recommended that a diver be authorized one depth range below
the diver's normal working depth range.
3.
Continuation of Authorization. It is essential to keep contemporary
with diving technology and ensure standardization of emergency procedures.
Therefore, in view of the hazardous nature of SCUBA diving operations
and the necessity to maintain proficiency, all USGS certified divers
are required during any 12-month period to:
A.
In order to maintain competence in the type of diving that is to be
done, make a minimum of 12 logged dives in a 12 month period with
a least one dive in a six month period. The minimum requirements for
a dive are use of an underwater breathing system by the diver and
at least a ten-minute surface interval since the previous dive. Consecutive
dives with less than a ten-minute surface interval shall be considered
a single dive. Inactive divers can regain their certification by satisfactorily
performing a checkout dive with a diver experienced in the type of
diving that is to be done.
B.
For depth certifications of 100' and 130', make a minimum of two dives
to near the depth to which the diver is certified. Deeper depth certifications
can be satisfied by dives to near 150'. No specific depth experience
is required to maintain a 60' certification.
C.
Pass a medical examination (as defined in Chapter 5.1.B) in the following
cases.
(1)
A diving medical examination must be received upon entry into the
program, then at 2 year intervals through the age of 40, and annually
thereafter. Diving medical evaluations shall be performed by or under
the direction of a licensed physician, preferably one trained in hyperbaric
medicine and familiar with diving physiology.
(2) After any injury, illness or surgery requiring hospital admission.
(3) After any incident of unconsciousness.
(4) After any incident resulting in injury to the diver.
D.
Maintain a current certification in CPR.
E.
Maintain a current certification in basic/standard first aid.
F.
Divers shall have training appropriate to the type of diving they
will be doing.
NOTE:
The DSB may grant a waiver for specific requirements of training,
examinations, depth authorization and minimum activity to maintain
authorization. Applications for waivers must be submitted to the DSB
in writing.
4.
Process for Reauthorization. Copies of all dive logs, CPR and
first aid certifications, and any other dive training certifications
must be forwarded to the FDO. Medical examinations, medical history
forms and results from EKG and Pulmonary Function Tests must be forwarded
to the Bureau Personnel Office. After all logs, certifications and
medical information are received, the diver will be reauthorize. Authorization
expires one year from the date of issue.
Any
specialty diving, including but not limited to: deep diving below
one hundred and thirty (130) feet, decompression diving, saturation
diving, closed or semi-closed circuit SCUBA (rebreather systems),
mixed gas diving (e.g., NITROX), high altitude diving (greater than
two thousand (2000) feet asl), underwater habitats, blue water diving,
under ice diving, cave diving, search and rescue diving, etc., must
be done strictly in accordance with a specialty safety program developed
specifically for the specialty diving conducted. These specialty safety
programs shall include all minimum diver requirements specified in
the basic USGS DSM.
NOTE:
Specialty diving requires documented specialty training and certification,
to the extent available, and submittal to the DSB for review and approval.
Approvals will be granted on a case by case basis only.
The
following specialties, except AAUS reciprocity, require approval by
the DSB and DSO:
1.
Decompression diving
2. Surface supplied diving (excluding hookah)
3. Pure O2 or mixed gas diving; e.g., NITROX, Trimix, and HELIOX
4. Lockout and saturation diving
5. Blue water diving
6. Dry suit diving
7. Ice, cave and wreck diving
8. High altitude diving (greater than 2000 feet)
9. Low or zero visibility diving
10. Closed and semi-closed SCUBA
11. Strong current diving
12. AAUS reciprocity diver (see/download current AAUS manual at
(http://www.erols.com/aaus/aausmanual.htm
)
Additional
training and development of a separate diving safety program specific
to the diving specialty is also required and must be submitted to
the DSB and DSO for approval.
CHAPTER
7. GENERAL DIVING REGULATIONS AND OPERATIONS
1.
Dive Plan. A dive plan will be submitted to the DSO or the
regional representative for approval seven (7) days prior to the dives
being made whenever possible. A USGS Dive Plan form is in Appendix
A., number 4.
2.
Lead Diver. One member of the project dive team will be designated
as Lead Diver for the duration of the diving project or operation.
The Lead Diver will assume the duties of the DSO for each on-site
diving operation.
3.
Dive Team. A Dive Team composed of a minimum of two divers
must be used on all dives. Diving will always be conducted using the
"Buddy System". Additional divers and/ or surface support
personnel may be required for a particular operation at the discretion
of the DSO/FDO or Lead Diver.
4.
Solo Diving. Solo diving will not be permitted except under
extenuating or emergency situations. Non-emergency solo diving must
have approval from the DSB prior to the dives.
5.
Dive Tables. A set of waterproof tables, at least as conservative
as the United States Navy Diving Tables, must be readily available
at the dive site. A submersible dive computer may also be used.
6.
Diver Down Flag. When diving in navigable waters, an appropriate
diver's flag (Sport Diver's Flag and/or International Code Flag A
- alpha flag) will be at all dive sites, posted at least one (1) meter
above the water surface or from a conspicuous point aboard the ship/boat.
7.
Depth Limits and Safety Stop. Decompression diving should be
avoided. Diving operations greater than one hundred and thirty (130)
feet (39.6 meters) will require the specific approval of the DSB.
It is recommended that a "Safety Stop" between ten (10)
(3 m) and twenty (20) feet (6 m) for a minimum of three (3) minutes
and preferably for five (5) minutes, be performed on every no decompression
dive exceeding thirty (30) feet (9.1 m) in depth.
8.
Ship and Shore Operations. The Lead Diver and vessel operator
should make appropriate arrangements for the safety of the divers
and the overall diving operation.
9.
Refusal to Dive. The decision to dive is that of the individual
diver. A diver may refuse to dive, without any fear of penalty or
repercussion, or for any reason, whenever he/she feels it is unsafe
to proceed with the dive.
Any
condition of physical, mental health, or fitness that impair a diver's
performance or increase the risk for the diver's buddy must be reported
immediately by the diver to the Lead Diver.
CHAPTER
8. DIVING EQUIPMENT
All
equipment used for SCUBA diving or in diving operations, regardless
of ownership, shall be maintained, complete and in proper working
order and be completely tested prior to any dive operation according
to industry and/or OSHA standards or requirements.
1.
Environmental Protection. Each diver will be dressed in protective
clothing according to the environmental conditions to which the diver
will be exposed.
2.
Diver's flag. See Chapter 7, number 6.
3.
Buoyancy Device. Each diver will have a device which possesses
the capability of attaining and maintaining positive buoyancy. The
unit must also be equipped with an escape valve.
4.
Timing Device, Depth and Submersible Pressure Gauge. Each diver
will have:
A.
A waterproof time-keeping device.
B. A calibrated depth indicator.
C. A submersible tank pressure gauge.
5.
First Aid Kit. An appropriate first-aid kit will be available
for all diving operations.
6.
O2 DAN kit or equivalent is strongly recommended
and associated training.
7.
Downloadable Dive Computer. It is strongly recommended that
divers use dive computers that store downloadable dive profiles for
dives over 20' depth. See Chapter 10, #5.
CHAPTER
9. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
1.
Each member of the scientific or field party, diver and non-diver
will be familiar with emergency communication procedures involving
telephone, radio and radio-telephone. This would include knowing the
correct procedures and channels that the U.S. Coast Guard monitors
(VHF Channel 16 and CB Channel 9) and the channel and frequency monitored
by the local law enforcement agency (police or sheriff).
2.
The telephone number of the Diver's Alert Network (DAN) should be
posted and readily available.
A.
Emergency: DAN (919) 684-8111 Duke University Medical Center.
B. Non-emergency: DAN (919) 684-2948 General Information.
3.
All members of the scientific or field party should know the location
of the nearest medical facility and recompression chamber in the area
of the diving operations.
The
following individuals in the USGS diving community must maintain specific
types of records and approvals (or copies thereof), that they generate
or that are submitted to them
1.
USGS Personnel Office. Originals of medical examinations, medical
history and results of EKG and Pulmonary Function Tests are to be
submitted to USGS Personnel Office annually (see Medical Packet for
address of Personnel Office).
2.
DSO/DSB. Dive plans, approvals of dive plans, requests for
permission to perform specialty dives and approvals thereof, records
for inclusion into the annual of diving activity report, master record
of people certified to dive and their authorization levels.
3.
FDO. Copies of dive logs and training certifications, including
first aid and CPR, the Medical Evaluation of Fitness for SCUBA Diving
Report, equipment maintenance and repair records, dive plans, approvals
of dive plans, depth certifications, requests for permission to perform
specialty dives and approvals thereof.
4.
Individual Divers. Original dive logs and training certifications,
including first aid and CPR, the Medical Evaluation of Fitness for
SCUBA Diving Report, equipment maintenance and repair records. Copies
of dive plans, approvals of dive plans, requests for permission to
perform specialty dives and approvals thereof.
NOTE:
Divers should be aware that the DSB will eventually require the use
of dive computers that store downloadable dive profiles as the primary
means of storing and submitting records of dives. New computer purchases
should have this capability. See Chapter 8, #7.
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