AAUS Scientific Diving History and Regulations. Objectives Upon completion of this module, the...

AAUS Scientific Diving History and Regulations

Objectives

• Upon completion of this module, the participant will be able to:– Define scientific diving– Outline the History of Scientific Diving

and the exemption to OSHA commercial diving standards

– Identify the mission, purposes and goals of AAUS

Objectives

• Upon completion of this module, the participant will be able to:– Outline the operational control

mechanism within Scientific Diving– Discuss policies, procedures, and

requirements detailed in AAUS Scientific Diving Standards

Scientific Diving

• 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

History of the Scientific Diving Exemption

• In 1982, OSHA exempted scientific diving from commercial diving regulations (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T) under certain conditions which are outlined below

• The final guidelines for the exemption became effective in 1985 (Federal Register, Vol. 50, No. 6, p. 1046)


• 1975 - Petition filed by United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America AFL-CIO

• Urged an emergency temporary standard (ETS) be issued with respect to diving operations

• ETS issued on June 15, 1976 to be effective July 15, 1976


• Challenged in U S Court of Appeals by several diving contractors

• ETS withdrawn in November 1976 and permanent standard was formulated

• Final Standard for Commercial Diving became effective October 20, 1977

• Scientific diving was not exempted


• American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) was formed to petition OSHA for an exemption

• Submitted arguments for ANPR on October 15, 1979

• Self-regulation• Consensual standard for over 20 years• Low accident incidence rate• Final Ruling granting exemption

effective November 28, 1982

Scientific Diving Exemption

29CFR 1910.401(2)(iv)• OSHA exempted from commercial

diving regulations any diving operation defined as scientific diving and which is under the direction and control of a diving program containing at least the following elements:


29CFR 1910.401(2)(iv)• 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


29CFR 1910.401(2)(iv)• 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

29CFR 1910.401(2)(iv) Appendix B to Subpart T• OSHA has granted an exemption for

scientific diving from commercial diving regulations under the following guidelines (Appendix B to Subpart T):• 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

29CFR 1910.401(2)(iv) Appendix B to Subpart T• The purpose of the project using scientific

diving is the advancement of science; therefore, information and data resulting from the project are non-proprietary

• 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

29CFR 1910.401(2)(iv) Appendix B to Subpart T• 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

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF UNDERWATER SCIENCES (AAUS)

AAUS

• Incorporated in California in 1983• Active since before the OSHA

exemption of 1982• Currently over 100 organizational

members• Recognized by OSHA as the

scientific diving standard setting organization

AAUS

101 Bienville BlvdDauphin Island, AL 36528

251-861-7504 Phone

Email: [email protected] Web Address: http://www.aaus.org

http://www.aaus.org/

AAUS

• AAUS Organizational Members, or OM(s), include Universities, Marine Labs, Museums, and others involved in scientific diving activities throughout the United States and around the world

AAUS Mission Statement

• The mission of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) is to facilitate the development of safe and productive scientific divers through education, research, advocacy, and the advancement of standards for scientific diving practices, certifications, and operations

AAUS Purposes and Goals

• To develop, review and revise standards for safe scientific diving certification and the safe operation of scientific diving programs;

• To collect, review and distribute statistics relating to scientific diving activities and scientific diving incidents;


• To conduct symposia and workshops to educate the membership and others in safe scientific diving programs and practices;

• To represent the scientific diving interests of the membership before other organizations and government agencies, and;


• To fund research, education and development of safe scientific diving programs and practices

Research vs. ScientificDiver (Rec.) Diver (AAUS)• NO STANDARDIZED

INSTRUCTION • PRACTICAL TRAINING ONLY• VARIABLE NUMBER OF

TRAINING DIVES• NO MEDICAL• LIFETIME CERT• NOT RECOGNIZED AS A

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION

• OSHA DEFINED• MUST MEET AAUS

TRAINING STANDARDS• AAUS MEDICAL REQUIRED• MINIMUM 100 HOURS

TRAINING• MUST MAINTAIN

CERTIFICATION STATUS• EMERGENCY TRAINING

REQUIRED• RECOGNIZED AS A

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION

AAUS SCIENTIFIC DIVING STANDARDS

AAUS Diving Standards

• These standards were developed and written by the AAUS by compiling the policies set forth in the diving manuals of several university, private, and governmental scientific diving programs

AAUS Diving Standards

• These programs share a common heritage with the scientific diving program at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO)

• Adherence to the SIO standards has proven both feasible and effective in protecting the health and safety of scientific divers since 1954

Volume 1

Sections 1 through 6 Required For All

OM Diving Manuals

SECTION 1: GENERAL POLICY

Purpose

• The purpose of AAUS Scientific Diving Standards is to ensure that all scientific diving is conducted in a manner that will maximize protection for scientific divers from accidental injury and/or illness, and set forth standards for training and certification that will allow a working reciprocity between organizational members

Operational Control

• OM Auspices includes any scientific diving operation in which an OM is connected because of ownership of any equipment used, locations selected, or relationship with the individual(s) concerned

Operational Control

• This includes all cases involving the operations of employees of the OM or employees of auxiliary organizations, where such employees are acting within the scope of their employment, and operations of other persons who are engaged in scientific diving of the OM or are diving as members of an organization recognized by the OM

Operational Control

• It is the OM’s responsibility to adhere to the AAUS Standards

• The administration of the local diving program resides with the OM’s Diving Control Board (DCB)

Operational Control

• Each OM is responsible for the development and maintenance of a scientific diving manual containing policies and procedures that will enable the OM to meet requirements for local environments and conditions as well as complying with the AAUS minimal standards

Operational Control

• The regulations in the OM’s Diving Manual shall be observed at all locations where scientific diving is conducted

Operational Control

• The Diving Safety Officer (DSO) is responsible through the DCB for the conduct of the OM scientific diving program

Operational Control

• The DSO is empowered by the DCB and guided in the performance of the required duties by the advice of the DCB, but operational responsibility for the conduct of the local diving program is retained by the DSO

Operational Control

• The DCB:• Has autonomous and absolute authority

over the scientific diving program’s operation

• Shall approve and monitor diving projects• Shall review and revise the diving safety

manual• Shall assure compliance with the diving

safety manual

Operational Control

• The DCB:• Shall certify the depths to which a diver

has been trained• Shall take disciplinary action for unsafe

practices• Shall assure adherence to the buddy

system for scuba diving

Operational Control

• The DCB:• Shall act as the official representative

for the OM in matters concerning the scientific diving program

• Shall act as a board of appeal to consider diver-related problems

• Shall recommend the issue, reissue, or the revocation of diving certifications

Operational Control

• The DCB:• Shall recommend changes in policy and

amendments to AAUS and the OM’s diving safety manual as the need arises

• Shall establish and/or approve training programs through which the applicants for certification can satisfy the requirements of the OM’s diving safety manual

• Shall suspend diving programs that are considered unsafe or unwise

Operational Control

• The DCB:• Shall establish criteria for equipment

selection and use• Shall recommend new equipment or

techniques• Shall establish and/or approve facilities

for the inspection and maintenance of diving and associated equipment

Operational Control

• The DCB:• Shall ensure that the OM’s air station(s)

meet air quality standards as described in Section 3.60 of the AAUS manual

• Shall periodically review the DSO’s performance and program

• Shall sit as a board of investigation to inquire into the nature and cause of diving accidents or violations of the OM’s diving safety manual

Operational Control

• The Lead Diver: • For each dive, one individual shall be

designated as the Lead Diver• This individual shall be at the dive

location during the diving operation

Operational Control

• The Lead Diver is responsible for:• Coordination with other known activities

in the vicinity that are likely to interfere with diving operations

• Ensuring all dive team members possess current certification and are qualified for the type of diving operation

Operational Control

• The Lead Diver is responsible for:• Briefing dive team members on:

• Dive objectives• Unusual hazards or environmental conditions likely to

affect the safety of the diving operation• Modifications to diving or emergency procedures

necessitated by the specific diving operation• Suspending diving operations if in their opinion

conditions are not safe• Reporting to the DSO and DCB any physical problems

or adverse physiological effects including symptoms of pressure-related injuries

Operational Control

• Reciprocity and Visiting Scientific Diver:• Two or more AAUS OMs engaged jointly

in diving activities, or engaged jointly in the use of diving resources, shall designate one of the participating DCBs to govern the joint project

Operational Control

• Reciprocity and Visiting Scientific Diver:• A scientific diver from one OM shall

apply for permission to dive under the auspices of another OM by submitting to the DSO of the host OM a Request for Diving Reciprocity Form (see AAUS Appendix 6)

• This form must be signed by the diver’s home DSO or DCB Chair

Operational Control

• Reciprocity and Visiting Scientific Diver:• A visiting Scientific Diver may be asked

to demonstrate their knowledge and skills for the planned dive

• If the host OM denies a visiting Scientific Diver permission to dive, the host OM shall notify the visiting diver and their DCB with an explanation of all reasons for the denial

Operational Control

• Waiver of Requirements:• The organizational Diving Control Board

may grant a waiver for specific requirements of training, examinations, depth certification, and minimal activity to maintain certification

Consequence of Violation of Regulations

• Failure to comply with the regulations of the diving manual may be cause for the revocation or restriction of the diver's scientific diving certificate by action of the OM DCB

SECTION 2: DIVING REGULATIONS FOR SCUBA (OPEN CIRCUIT, COMPRESSED AIR)

Introduction

• No person shall engage in scientific diving operations under the auspices of the OM scientific diving program unless they hold a current certification issued pursuant to the provisions of this manual

Pre-Dive Procedures

• Dive Plans:• Dives should be planned around the

competency of the least experienced diver

• Required for all scientific diving operations

• Must be formulated by the Lead Diver prior to the start of a project

Pre-Dive Procedures

• Dive Plans Include:• A list of participants, their qualifications

and the type of certificate or certification held by each diver

• The approximate number of proposed dives

• The location(s) of proposed dives

Pre-Dive Procedures

• Dive Plans Include:• Estimated depth(s) and bottom time(s)

anticipated• Decompression status and repetitive

dive plans, if required • Proposed work, equipment, and boats to

be employed• Any hazardous conditions anticipated

Pre-Dive Procedures

• Dive Plans Include:• An Emergency Plan with the following

information:• Emergency contact information for each

diver• Nearest accessible hospital• Nearest operational decompression chamber• Available means of transport• Emergency contact numbers appropriate for

the dive location

Pre-Dive Procedures

• Diver Responsibilities:• Each diver shall conduct a functional

check of his/her diving equipment in the presence of the diving buddy or tender; enduring that their equipment is in proper working order and that the equipment is suitable for the planned diving operation

Pre-Dive Procedures

• Diver Responsibilities:• It is the diver's responsibility and duty to

refuse to dive if, in his/her judgment, conditions are unfavorable, or if he/she would be violating the precepts of his/her training, or of the OM’s diving manual

Pre-Dive Procedures

• Diver Responsibilities:• It is the diver’s responsibility to notify

the DSO/Lead Diver/Diving Supervisor if he/she is unfit to safely participate in diving operations

Pre-Dive Procedures

• Equipment Evaluations:• Each diver shall on every dive have the

capability of achieving and maintaining positive buoyancy

• A diver’s flag shall be displayed prominently in areas frequented by boat traffic

• Appropriate safety, and first aid equipment that is suitable for meeting project needs, and Oxygen will be available on site

Pre-Dive Procedures

• The environmental conditions at the site will be evaluated

Diving Procedures

• Solo Diving Prohibition• All diving activities shall assure

adherence to the buddy system

Diving Procedures

• Refusal to Dive:• The decision to dive is that of the diver • A diver may refuse to dive, without fear

of penalty, whenever they feel it is unsafe for them to make the dive

• The ultimate responsibility for safety rests with the individual diver

Diving Procedures

• Termination of the Dive:• A diver will terminate the dive, without

fear of penalty, whenever they feel it is unsafe to continue the dive, unless it compromises the safety of another diver already in the water

Diving Procedures

• Termination of the Dive:• The diver shall terminate the dive while

there is still sufficient tank pressure to permit the diver to safely reach the surface, including decompression time, or to safely reach an additional air source at the decompression station

Diving Procedures

• Emergencies and Deviations from Regulations:• Any diver may deviate from the

requirements of this standard to the extent necessary to prevent or minimize a situation that is likely to cause death, serious physical harm, or major environmental damage

• Such actions require a written report be submitted to the OM DCB explaining circumstances and justifications

Post-Dive Procedures

• After the completion of a dive, each diver shall report any physical problems, symptoms of decompression sickness, or equipment malfunctions

Flying After Diving or Ascending to Altitude

• The minimum preflight surface interval following a Single No-Decompression Dive is 12 hours

• The minimum preflight surface interval following Multiple Dives Per Day or Multiple Days of Diving is 18 hours

Flying After Diving or Ascending to Altitude

• The minimum preflight surface interval following Dives Requiring Decompression Stops is 24 hours

• Divers should follow the appropriate guidelines for preflight surface intervals before ascending to Altitude above 1000 feet (300 meters), unless the decompression procedure used has accounted for the increase in elevation

Diving Log

• Every dive made under the auspices of an OM shall be logged with the OM Diving Safety Officer

• Minimum Dive Log Information Includes:• Date; Time In/Out; Location; Diving Mode;

Diving Classification; Gas Used; Max Depths; Name of Diver, Buddy, and Lead Diver; Decompression Method; Detailed report of any near or actual incidents

Accident / Incident Reporting

• All diving incidents requiring recompression treatment, or resulting in moderate or serious injury, or death shall be reported to the OMs Diving Control Board and AAUS

SECTION 3: DIVING EQUIPMENT

General Policy

• All equipment shall meet standards as determined by the OM DSO and DCB

• Equipment that is subjected to extreme usage under adverse conditions should require more frequent testing and maintenance

• All equipment shall be regularly examined by the person using it

Regulators

• Regulators will consist of a first stage, a primary second stage, an alternate air source (such as an octopus second stage or redundant air supply), and a submersible pressure gauge

• The regulator must also provide a IP hose for connecting to a power inflator

• Regulators to be used with a dry suit must have an additional port for an IP hose to connect to the suit inflator

Flotation Devices

• Each diver shall have the capability of achieving and maintaining positive buoyancy

• Buoyancy compensators, drysuits or other variable volume BCD shall be equipped with an exhaust valve

• Divers wearing a drysuit will also wear a BCD

Timing Devices, Depth, and

Pressure Gauge• Both members of the diving pair

must have an underwater timing device, an approved depth indicator, and a submersible pressure gauge

Determination of Decompression Status

• A set of diving tables, approved by the DCB, must be available at the dive location

• Dive computers may be utilized in place of diving tables but only those makes and models of dive computers specifically approved by the DCB or their designee (DSO) may be used

Support Equipment

• A first aid kit adequate for the diving operation shall be available at the dive location

• Oxygen shall be available at the dive location for emergency situations

Support Equipment

• A diver's flag shall be displayed prominently whenever diving is conducted under circumstances where required or where water traffic is probable

Air Quality Standards

• Breathing air for scuba shall meet CGA (Compressed Gas Association) Grade E specifications

SECTION 4: ENTRY LEVEL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Scope

• This section describes training for the non-diving applicant, previously not certified for diving, and equivalency for the certified diver

Evaluations

• Medical Examination:• The applicant for training shall be

certified to be medically qualified for diving by a licensed physician before proceeding with the training outlined in sections four and five

• Details of this examination are discussed in section six

Evaluations

• Swimming Evaluation:• Without the use of swim aids, applicants

for certification under AAUS standards must:• Swim underwater for a distance of 25 yards

without surfacing• Swim 400 yards in less than 12 minutes• Tread water for 10 minutes, or 2 minutes

without the use of hands• Transport another person of equal size a

distance of 25 yards in the water

Evaluations• Scuba Training - As a minimum in a pool or

sheltered water, the non-scuba certified trainee must satisfy the DSO of their ability to:• Clear their face mask• Alternate between snorkel and scuba while kicking• Air share as both the donor and recipient, with and

without a face mask• Demonstrate understanding of underwater signs and

signals• Assist and transport a passive simulated victim of an

accident• Remove and replace equipment while submerged• Demonstrate acceptable watermanship

Evaluations

• Written Examination – The non-scuba certified trainee and persons desiring equivalency recognition must demonstrate knowledge of:• Function, care, use, and maintenance of diving

equipment• Physics and physiology of diving• Diving regulations and precautions• Near-shore currents and waives• Dangerous marine animals• Emergency procedures, including buoyant ascent

and air sharing

Evaluations

• Written Examination (continued):• Currently acceptable decompression procedures• Proper use of dive tables• Underwater communications• Aspects of freshwater and altitude diving• Hazards of breath-hold diving and ascents• Diving hazards• Cause, symptoms, treatment & prevention of:

Near drowning, air embolism, CO2 excess, squeezes, O2 poisoning, N2 narcosis, exhaustion & panic, respiratory fatigue, motion sickness, hypothermia, and hypoxia/anoxia

Evaluations

• Open Water Evaluation – At a minimum the non-scuba certified trainee and persons desiring equivalency recognition satisfy the DSO of their ability to:• Surface dive to a depth of 10 ft without

scuba• Air sharing as both donor and receiver• Enter & Leave water while wearing scuba

gear (surf or vessel)

Evaluations

• Open Water Evaluation (continued):• Kick on the surface 400 yards while

wearing scuba gear but not breathing from scuba unit

• Demonstrate judgment adequate for safe diving

• Complete a simulated emergency swimming ascent

• Clearing of mask and regulator while submerged

Evaluations

• Open Water Evaluation (continued):• Achieve and maintain neutral buoyancy

while submerged• Demonstrate techniques of self-rescue

and buddy assist• Navigate underwater• Plan and execute a dive

Evaluations

• Open Water Evaluation (continued):• Successfully complete 5 openwater

dives for a minimum total time of 3 hours (11/2 hrs cumulative bottom time on scuba)

• No more than 3 dives shall be made in one day

SECTION 5: SCIENTIFIC DIVER CERTIFICATION

Certification Types

• There are two scientific diver certification types under AAUS standards:• Temporary Diver Permit• Scientific Diver Certification

Temporary Diver Permit

• This permit constitutes a waiver of the requirements of Sec. 5 and is issued only following a demonstration of the required proficiency in diving

• The permit is usually reserved for visiting scientists or personnel, including volunteers, not normally associated with OM programs

• It is valid only for a limited time, as determined by the OM DCB

Temporary Diver Permit

• This permit is not to be construed as a mechanism to circumvent existing standards set forth in this manual

Scientific Diver Certification

• The scientific diver certification is a professional diving qualification; it has no equivalency in the recreational diving community

• Eligibility:• Only persons involved with scientific

diving under OM auspices are eligible for scientific diving training and certification


• Prerequisites:• Application to the OM DSO• Medical approval• Issuance of a Diver-In-Training Permit

(signifies certification as a diver through an internationally recognized certifying agency or successfully training specified in Section 4)

• Other OM defined prerequisites (example: release & waiver, etc.)


• Scientific diver certification is issued to personnel participating in scientific diving under OM auspices

• The diver must complete additional theoretical aspects and practical training for a cumulative minimum time of 100 hours


• Required Training Topics (include but not limited to):

– Diving Emergency Care Training

– Dive Rescue– Dive Physics– Dive Physiology– Scientific Diving

Regulations & History

– Dive Environments

– Decompression Theory & Application

– Scientific Method– Data Gathering

Techniques– HazMat Training


• Suggested Training Topics (include, but not limited to):• Specific Diving Modes• Small Boat Operation• Specialized Breathing Gases• Specialized Environments & Conditions• Specialized Diving Equipment


• Practical training must include a checkout dive evaluating the OW skills listed in section 4 followed by at least eleven ocean or openwater dives in a variety of dive sites and conditions, for a cumulative bottom time of 6 hours

• These dives must be supervised by a certified Scientific Diver with experience in the type of diving planned and with the knowledge and permission of the DSO


• A diver's qualifications, as stated on the initial certificate, may be changed by the DSO/DCB to reflect additional experience and/or training, or changes to the divers certification status

Depth Certifications

• In addition to the minimum 12 dive requirement to qualify as a Scientific Diver, there are specific depth certifications and progression requirements within AAUS standards

Depth Certifications• 30 Foot • This is issued after you demonstrate the

skills listed in Section 4 • 60 Foot • 12 logged training dives between 31

and 60 feet for a minimum total time of 4 hours

• 100 and 130 Foot • 4 logged training dives near the

maximum depth category


• Depths greater than 130 ft • A diver may be certified to depths of

150 and 190 ft after the completion of four training dives near each depth

• Diving on air is not permitted beyond a depth of 190 ft


• Certification Progression • Divers are required to progress from the

30 ft certification to the 60 ft certification and successively to the deeper certification levels after successfully completing the mandatory dives and cumulative time requirements

• These dives are planned and executed under close supervision of a diver certified to the certification depth and with the knowledge and permission of the DSO

Maintaining Certification

• During any 12-month period, each certified scientific diver must log a minimum of 12 dives

• At least one dive must be logged near the maximum depth of the diver's certification during each 6-month period • Divers certified to 150 feet or deeper may

satisfy these requirements with dives to 130 feet or over

Maintaining Certification• Must maintain current medical; and

current certification in first aid, CPR and oxygen administration

• Maintaining Fitness to Dive • It is the divers responsibility to maintain

fitness to dive • Fitness to dive refers to general physical

fitness adequate to meet projected project goals and diving conditions, as well as fitness on a day to day basis including, but not limited to: proper attitude, hydration, and nutrition

Revocation of Certification

• A diving certificate may be revoked or restricted for cause by the OM DSO or DCB

• Diving Manual Standards violations or other governmental subdivisions not in conflict with diving standards may be considered cause

Recertification

• A diver whose certificate expires or is revoked may be re-certified after complying with conditions imposed by the OM DSO or DCB

SECTION 6: MEDICAL STANDARDS

General Medical Requirements

• The OM shall determine that divers have passed a current diving physical examination and have been declared by the examining physician to be fit to engage in diving activities as may be limited or restricted in the medical evaluation report

General Medical Requirements

• All medical evaluations shall be performed by, or under the direction of, a licensed physician; preferably one trained in diving/undersea medicine

• The diver should be free of any chronic disabling disease and be free of any conditions for which restrictions from diving are generally recommended

Medical evaluation shall be completed:

• Before a diver may begin diving• Thereafter, at 5 year intervals up to

age 40, every 3 years after age 40, and every 2 years after age 60 from the date of initial evaluation or last equivalent evaluation

• After any major injury or illness, or any condition requiring hospitalization for more than 24 hours

Medical Examination Forms

• Medical examination forms detailing the testing requirements and information to provide to the physician are available from the OM DSO

• Written copies of the individual’s fitness to dive report prepared by the examining physician shall be obtained by the OM

VOLUME 2

Volume 2

• Volume 2 of the AAUS Standards addresses areas of scientific diving beyond standard open circuit scuba using air and are beyond the scope of this introductory module

Volume 2

• Examples of these diving modes and environments include: • Nitrox• Aquarium Diving Operations• Staged Decompression • Saturation • Surface Supplied • Rebreathers • Mixed Gas

Study Questions

• Use the following study questions to review some of the information presented in this self study module

• When you are finished you can print out your study questions results

Self Study Questions

AAUS Standards state a scientific diver certification can be revoked or restricted for cause by the Organizational Member DSO or DCB.

a.Trueb.False


AAUS Standards states: "The decision to dive is that of the diver. A diver may refuse to dive, without fear of penalty, whenever they feel it is unsafe for them to make the dive.“

a.Trueb.False


The ultimate responsibility for safe diving procedures rests with the ______.

• DSO• DCB• Lead Diver• Individual Diver


Select all of the topics included in AAUS Volume 2 Standards.

• Nitrox• Aquarium Diving Operations• Staged Decompression• Saturation• Surface Supplied• Rebreathers• Mixed Gas• Air


OSHA exempted scientific diving from commercial diving regulations in ____. The exemption can be found in ________ of the OSHA regulations.

• 1982 / 29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T• 1987 / 29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T• 1975 / 29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T• 1990 / 40CFR Part 1460, Subpart T


Select all Scientific Diver Certification requirements specified by AAUS Standards. There are a minimum of four correct answers.

• Requires a medical examination• Requires a swim test• Requires theoretical and practical training for

a cumulative minimum of 100 hours• Requires a minimum of 24 dives be logged

during any 12-month period• Includes depth certification requirements• Requires training in specialized breathing

gases


Aside from any major injury or illness, or any condition requiring hospitalization; AAUS Standards state the required interval for a diving medical examination is every 5 years for all scientific divers.

a.Trueb.False


In addition to medical and minimum number of dives to be logged annually, AAUS standards state holders of a scientific diver certification must also maintain current certification in first aid, CPR, and oxygen administration for their certification be current.

a.Trueb.False


AAUS Standards state: "A scientific diver may not deviate from the requirements of the Diving Safety Manual.“

a.Trueb.False


AAUS standards allow a diver wearing a drysuit to forego wearing a BCD.

a.Trueb.False


A major factor in obtaining the scientific diving exemption was the low accident/incident rate documented within the scientific diving community.

a.Trueb.False

Self Study QuestionsMatch the statement with the correct AAUS topic.a. Historic Sloganb. Mission Statementc. Purposes and Goals• Dedicated to the advancement and practice of scientific

diving.• To facilitate the development of safe and productive

scientific divers through education, research, advocacy, and the advancement of standards for scientific diving practices, certifications, and operations.

• Develop, review and revise standards; collect, review and distribute statistics; conduct symposia and workshops; represent the scientific diving interests of the membership before other organizations and government agencies; and fund research, education and development of safe scientific diving programs and practices.


AAUS standards provide information on minimum equipment configuration that you need to be aware of and apply. For example: Assuming each item attached to a regulator first stage has its own hose and port (no combination items such as an octopus/inflator), what is the minimum number of ports necessary for a first stage supporting a diver wearing a drysuit? (One cylinder, one first stage, account for all regulator items specified in AAUS standards)

• 3• 4• 5• 6

Self Study QuestionsSelect all that apply to the operational control of a

Diving Control Board. There are at least four correct answers.

• Has autonomous and absolute authority over the scientific diving program's operation.

• Has operational responsibility for the conduct of the local diving program.

• Shall establish and/or approve training programs through which the applicants for certification can satisfy the requirements of the organizational member's diving safety manual.

• Shall be at the dive location during the diving operation.• Shall assure adherence to the buddy system for scuba

diving.• Empowers and guides the Diving Safety Officer in the

performance of required duties.


The fight to obtain a scientific diving exemption began in 1975 as a result of a petition filed with OSHA by the _________.

• United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America

• Association of Dive Contractors (ADC)• United Auto Workers• American Academy of Underwater

Sciences (AAUS)


Unlike scientific diving, recreational diving is required by law to adhere to the buddy system for scuba diving.

a.Trueb.False

Self Study QuestionsSelect all the true statements applying to Scientific Diving

and the exemption to OSHA Commercial Diving regulations. There are at least four correct answers.

• 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.

• is exempt from commercial diving standards as long as the dives are under the supervision of a Diving Safety Officer.

• must be under the direction and control of a diving program with a diving manual, and a Diving Control Board.

• 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 included within scientific diving.

• scientific divers are scientists or scientists-in-training.• only members of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences

(AAUS) can qualify for the scientific diving exemption.


One of the requirements for meeting the scientific diving exemption to OSHA commercial diving regulations is that the majority of members of an organization's Diving Control Board must be active scientific divers.

a.Trueb.False


Which of the following individuals is required to be present at the scientific dive site?

• the DSO• a member of the DCB• the Lead Diver• a Diving Medical Technician

(DMT)/Chamber Operator


AAUS Standards state: "Under all circumstances, a diver will terminate the dive, without fear of penalty, whenever they feel it is unsafe to continue the dive.“

a.Trueb.False

AAUS Scientific Diving History and Regulations. Objectives Upon completion of this module, the...

Documents

Transcript of AAUS Scientific Diving History and Regulations. Objectives Upon completion of this module, the...