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Appendix 9 School of Science Diving Manual

Adapted from the Government of Western Australia Department of Fisheries Diving Procedure Manual, Edith Cowan University Diving Operations Manual and University of Western Australia Scientific Diving Procedures Manual

This is a living document that will be updated regularly.

If conducting Curtin University/School of Science diving operations, please ensure you have the latest copy of this Manual, by contacting the School Diving Officer Rowan Kleindienst on:

Ph: 08 9266 1369; Mob: 0401103844; Email: rowan.kleindienst@curtin.edu.au

Feb 2016 v 1 Accepted by Faculty of Science & Engineering

Dec 2015 Draft v 0.3 Peta Tilbrook

Sep 2015 Draft v 0.2 Peta Tilbrook

2014 Draft v 0.1 Jennifer McIlwain, Euan Harvey and Simon Longbottom

Diving Manual December 2015

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE

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TERMINOLOGY

AS/NZS 2299: The Australian Standard for Occupational Diving Operations: i) Part 1 Standard Operational Practice AS/NZS 2299.1:2007 ii) Part 2 Scientific Diving AS/NZS 2299.2:2002

ATA: Atmosphere- A measurement of pressure.

BAIL OUT CYLINDER: This refers to a small SCUBA cylinder of not less than 368 litres (13 cubic feet) of air that is used as an emergency supply of air for divers operating on SSBA.

BCD: Buoyancy control device.

BOTTOM TIME: The total elapsed time from when a diver leaves the surface to the time (next whole minute) at which ascent is commenced, measured in minutes

BUDDY LINE: A line used to connect two or more divers, allowing them to maintain contact. It should be approx. 2 - 3 m in length. Usually only used in conditions of low in-water visibility.

BUDDY SYSTEM: A system whereby both divers must work together and maintain contact during the dive.

COMBINED DIVE: The bottom times of more than one dive, added together and treated as bottom time for a single dive for the purposes of determining decompression requirements.

CPR: Cardio pulmonary resuscitation.

CURRENT LINE: A line deployed behind a boat in conditions of strong current to facilitate the recovery of divers from the water. Also called a „Mermaid Catcher‟.

CU/SOS: Curtin University School of Science

CU/SOS Diver: Any Curtin University staff member or student, listed on the CU/SOS Diver Register, who is undertaking a dive on behalf of the University.

CU/SOS Dive Plan: An operational plan prepared by the Dive Supervisor for a dive, or a series of dives. A dive plan must be prepared and submitted for every CU/SOS dive.

CUBSC: Curtin University Diving and Boating Safety Committee

DIVE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM: A means of communication between the divers and/ or between the diver and surface personnel.

DIVE COMPUTER: A device that uses mathematical algorithms and electronic sensors to provide decompression and other dive information to the diver before, during and after a dive(s).

DIVE TABLE: A complete set of tables used to plan safe dive maximum no decompression limits, and detail decompression stops if required.

DIVE TIME: The duration of time from the diver leaving the surface until they return to the surface.

DIVER’S ATTENDANT (DA): Diver’s Attendant, either in water as a dive buddy (where approved) or on the surface.

DAN - Diver’s Alert Network: Organisation offering assistance to members in event of a diving emergency.

DCI / DCS: Decompression illness / decompression sickness.

DCIEM: Canadian Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine.

DCIEM TABLES: Decompression tables developed by DCIEM. As issued by the University Diving Officer.

DIVE PLAN/PERMISSION FORM: A designated Curtin University form, used to describe intended details of any proposed diving operation/s and record the University Diving Officer’s signed approval.

DIVE RECORD SHEET: A designated Edith Cowan University form, used to record details of each dive for every diver.

DIVE LEADER (DL): The Dive Leader is the “in-water” leader of a dive team, and may either be the Dive Supervisor, or another Diver nominated by the Dive Supervisor.

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DIVING OPERATION: Where personnel from Curtin University undertake a trip for the purpose of scientific or related underwater diving. The operation includes all time devoted to the trip, including preparation before departure, and the subsequent reporting phase on return.

DIVE SUPERVISOR (DS): The Dive Supervisor is responsible for the overall conduct of the dive, including any necessary pre and post dive activities, and the actual dive.

DIVE TEAM: The total number of personnel directly involved in any diving operation

FLOAT LINE: A line which is attached to a diver at one end and a float / dive flag on the surface as diver location indicator. Floatlines shall be no less than 1.5 times the water depth.

ENRICHED AIR NITROX (EANx): Oxygen enriched air comprising a 22%-40% oxygen mixture. Used to maximise bottom times in moderate depths. Requires additional training and equipment.

FREE DIVE: A breath hold dive that does not require the use of compressed air breathing apparatus.

HOOKAH: A low-pressure air compressor that supplies air directly to diver(s) via a hose. A hookah used by Curtin University divers must be built to Australian Standards.

HANDLINE / REEL: A coiled cord for attaching diver to shot line or other fixed structure to assist in dive site navigation.

NDL (No Decompression Limits): The maximum bottom time for each depth at which a diver does not enter a decompression dive schedule

NIGHT DIVING: Any diving activity conducted in the hours of darkness, including one hour prior to sunset and one hour after sunrise.

OXYGEN SUPPLY: A supply of oxygen for medical emergencies adequate to deliver oxygen for the time required to travel to the nearest centre where professional medical assistance is available. Oxygen must be medical grade.

POST DIVE REPORT: A designated CU/SOS form, used to describe actual details of any diving operations.

QUICK RELEASE: Able to be immediately released from the closed position by the single operation of 1 hand.

REPETITIVE DIVE: Any dive conducted after a surface interval from a previous dive of more than 15 min. and less than 18 hours, or that has a repetitive factor at the start of the dive of greater than 1.0

REPETITIVE FACTOR (RF): Using the DCIEM dive tables, a figure determined by the repetitive dive group (RG), and the length of the surface interval after a dive, and used for repetitive diving.

REPETITIVE GROUP (RG): After a dive conducted using the DCIEM dive tables, every diver will fall into a Repetitive Group category - determined by all of the dives they have completed in the previous 18 hrs

SAFETY SAUSAGE: A safety device inflated by a diver on the surface to attract attention.

SAFETY STOP: A stop prior to breaking the surface at the completion of the dive, to off-gas nitrogen in the body tissues. (Normally a three to five minute stop between three to six metres depth).

SCUBA: Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

SHALL/MUST/WILL: There are NO circumstances under which this recommendation may be ignored.

SHARK SHIELD / ESDS: An electronic device that emits an electromagnetic field to deter pelagic sharks from making contact with a diver.

SHOT LINE: A line extending from a float on the surface to a weight on the bottom. Used to mark the dive site location and act as an independent descent and ascent tool. The rope is marked with depth graduations to facilitate decompression stops at the correct depth.

SHOULD: Normal diving practice requires that this recommendation be obeyed, but there may be circumstances in which it is appropriate to relax or modify it.

SNORKEL DIVING: A diving activity where the use of diving equipment is used but does not include compressed air or rebreather equipment.

SURFACE INTERVAL (SI): Time between surfacing from one dive and commencing the next. If the SI is less than 15 minutes, then the second „dive‟ is deemed a continuation of the first dive.

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SSBA: Surface Supplied Breathing Apparatus.

SURFACE TETHER: A line that is attached to the diver and tended by a diver's tender at the surface.

VISITING DIVER: Any visiting scientist or student, listed on the CU/SOS Diver Register, who is undertaking a dive on behalf of the University.

VOLUNTEER DIVER: A person not associated with CU/SOS, who has volunteered to assist with CU/SOS diving, and meets the requirements necessary to be listed on the Diver Register.

WORKING “LIVE”: Where a vessel being used for diving is under power whilst Divers are in the water.

WORKSAFE: A division of the Department of Commerce, the state government agency in Western Australia responsible for the administration of work safety and health law

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SECTION 1. SCOPE OF THIS MANUAL AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS 1.1 Scope This document is the Curtin University School of Science (CU/SOS) Diving Manual.

It is compulsory for all divers to read this manual prior to taking part in any diving activity and to sign off that they agree to comply with all of CU/SOS diving rules, regulations and policies (Appendix 1).

It is intended to provide a concise statement of agreed policy and procedures governing all Snorkel (breath hold) and Compressed Air diving operations f o r School divers involved in underwater research and teaching activities to ensure users conduct their diving operations in a safe manner.

The terminology used in this Manual is not rigidly standardised, as there are no agreed definitions for many of the terms used. However certain words used in instances where instructions or recommendations are given, must be interpreted as follows:

MUST Under no circumstances can this recommendation be ignored

WILL/SHALL Other than in exceptional circumstances this recommendation should always be followed

SHOULD / RECOMMENDED

Normal diving practice requires that this recommendation be obeyed, but there may be circumstances in which it is appropriate for it to be relaxed

CAN/MAY The diver/diving operation may well benefit from employing this technique

Procedures indicated as "not permitted" in this manual may be allowed by the University Diving Officer (UDO), in very exceptional circumstances with detailed conditions agreed to in writing by all parties involved and kept on file with the University Diving Officer for at least three years.

At this time, the Curtin University will not authorise or permit the following activities: a) Diving Solo b) Diving to depths of greater than 30 meters; c) Diving that requires decompression stops as part of the dive plan d) Diving that uses mixed gas other than EANx e) Diving less than 24 hours before scheduled to fly.

1.2 Duty of Care and Legal Responsibility The following provides guidelines to divers and dive teams while operating in the field. Under Duty of Care, each person has a responsibility for their own, as well as other personnel’s health and safety.

a) Diving is a hazardous procedure, however education, training and team cooperation will reduce the hazards and lower the risk. This manual is to be used as a procedures manual, and if all procedures are followed, any risks will be significantly reduced;

b) Individuals or groups participating in compressed air or breath hold diving operations under the control of the Curtin University must operate within the guidelines and intent of these standards and procedures;

c) The nominated Dive Supervisor for a field trip is responsible for the entire Dive Team during the period in which that Dive Team is under his/her control, however it must be noted that risk assessment is the responsibility of all team members. In the event that weather, environmental factors, equipment or personnel are considered by any member of the team to create or contribute to an unsafe working situation, then diving operations must not continue until the situation is corrected to the satisfaction of the entire team;

d) At all times any tasks assigned must be within the experience and training of the diving personnel concerned, and the capacity of the equipment available.

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SECTION 2. CHAIN OF AUTHORITY & RESPONSIBILITIES 2.1 Curtin University Diving and Boating Safety Committee The Curtin University Diving and Boating Safety Committee (CUBSC) has responsibility for ensuring compliance with the School’s diving policies and operational procedures, as well as oversight and administration of School diving and boating projects.

The committee will meet as required. A quorum will be a minimum of three persons and must include the UDO or delegate and the Head of School/Department or delegate.

Terms of reference for the Committee include, but are not limited to, the following: a) To oversee the development, revision and implementation of the School’s diving and

boating regulations and codes of practice, with the understanding that any alterations to these must be ratified by the School’s OH & S representatives prior to implementation.

b) To take disciplinary action in the event of unsafe diving or boating activities by any individual or group within the School, which if necessary includes suspension of diving/boating projects, or any individual’s recognition as a Diver within the School.

c) Whenever necessary, to consider diving/boating related problems encountered while diving or operating under the policies or standards and requirements of the CU/SOS Diving Operations Manual.

2.2 University Diving Officer The University Diving Officer (UDO) is responsible for ensuring all CU/SOS divers are aware of the required qualifications, equipment and documentation as outlined in this document for the work being undertaken. More specifically, the UDO is responsible for the following:

a) Maintaining an up-to-date Diver Register for all CU/SOS divers; b) Ensuring all CU/SOS and personal equipment used is safe, within service dates, all CU/SOS

diving equipment is serviced regularly and a defects log maintained; c) Maintaining records of dive plans, dive logs, incident records and any maintenance/repair of

SCUBA cylinders, compressors, and keeping these records for a minimum of 3 years; d) Ensuring the Dive Supervisor for any dive prepares as complete a dive plan as possible for that

diving operation, as per the CU/SOS Dive Trip Permission Form (Appendix 3). e) Providing advice in the planning of research diving operations, in order to maximise their

scientific yield without compromising safety; f) With the assistance of the Dive Supervisor, ensuring personnel trained in first-aid, oxygen

therapy and emergency action are on hand and equipped to allow treatment of a diving accident on site and during transport to the nearest medical facility (if necessary);

The UDO may nominate other individuals as Site Diving Officers, where this will facilitate the management of CU/SOS diving at those workplaces.

2.3 Dive Supervisor The Dive Supervisor for any dive is responsible for:

a) Ensuring the UDO or delegate has not prohibited any intended diving activities. b) Lodging the following completed forms with the UDO no later than 48 hours before the

date of the first dive listed: i. Curtin University Fieldwork Preliminary Risk Identification (CU/FPRI)

https://ctl.curtin.edu.au/wil/fieldwork-forms/index.cfm ii. Curtin University Field Trip Risk Assessment Form (CU/FTRAF)

https://ctl.curtin.edu.au/wil/fieldwork-forms/index.cfm iii. CU/SOS Dive Trip Permission Form (Appendix 3) iv. Travel Approval Forms if away for more than a day or more than 50km from Curtin

University.

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c) Ensuring every diving operation is performed in accordance with its dive plan as far as possible.

d) Ensuring the dive team operates within the University’s diving regulations. The Dive Supervisor has additional responsibilities under these regulations if any dives are to be performed without a Surface Attendant.

e) Ensuring, with the UDO, that all Divers and Surface Attendants who will be involved in the operation are sufficiently trained and experienced to perform the required tasks safely.

f) Ensuring, with the UDO, personnel trained in first-aid, oxygen therapy and emergency action are on hand and equipped to allow treatment of a diving accident on site and during transport to the nearest medical facility (if necessary)

g) Conducting a pre dive On Site Checklist And Conditions Assessment (Appendix 4) and a pre-dive briefing in the presence of the entire Dive Team (including Surface Attendants, Boat Handlers and Divers) and discussing all necessary control measures with the Dive Team and UDO, in particular noting whether any dive operation contains one or more of the high risk factors.

h) Ensuring every diver is fully aware of their particular tasks for the dive, including knowing which other diver/s that they are to act as a buddy for.

i) Nominating a Dive Leader to control the underwater part of the diving operation, in the event the Dive Supervisor is staying at the surface for the dive.

j) Restricting or suspending any operation considered unsafe whilst in the field. k) Ensuring that at or close to every dive site there are adequate means of communication in

case of emergency. l) Ensuring that a member of the Dive Team completes a Record of Dive form (Appendix

5) for every dive, listing all relevant dive details for each person. m) Notifying the UDO as soon as possible of any diving-related incident that occurs to any

member of the Dive Team, and help complete any investigation. A diving related incident would include, but is not limited to, any incident involving injury, panic attacks, failure to return, equipment failure, incidents involving members of the public or incidents involving outside agencies.

2.4 Dive Supervisor Requirements A Dive Supervisor is the nominated leader for the operation of any Snorkelling or Scuba Dive Team, nominated on an annual basis by the UDO or delegate. A designated Dive Supervisor must be present at every CU/SOS diving operation and may act as either a Surface Attendant or as a Diver during any dive. They:

a) Must be over 18 years of age and a staff member or graduate student of Curtin University; volunteers cannot act as dive leaders or dive supervisors.

b) Are not required to hold a current dive medical if not diving;

c) Must have had training in accordance with the requirements of this manual and experience with the operation of any equipment being used and any work being carried out during the diving operation;

d) Must hold a Level 1 First Aid and an approved Oxygen Resuscitation certificate;

e) Must maintain a fitness level appropriate to their position and duties, and may be required to demonstrate this at the discretion of the UDO or delegate.

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2.5 Diver's Attendant/Surface Attendant Whenever a diver goes underwater they should be attended by a Diver’s Attendant. In cases where the UDO has allowed a 2 person dive team, the Diver’s Attendant may be the Diver’s buddy underwater (ie. each buddy is an attendant for the other. In all other cases, the attendant would be a Surface Attendant, and may in some cases also act as the Dive Supervisor/Boat Handler at the discretion of the UDO or delegate. A diver’s attendant’s duties and responsibilities are:

a) Display the appropriate dive flags and signals while diving operations are taking place. b) Deploy a current line as appropriate, once the boat is anchored securely c) Establishing and maintaining a constant look-out over any divers in the water; they must not

carry out any activities which may divert his/her attention from their responsibilities. d) Promptly and accurately filling in a CU/SOS ‘Record of Dive Sheet’ as required. e) Assisting with the recovery of divers and equipment during and after the dive as required. f) Log in and maintain radio communications with a research station, mother ship or shore base

as required (NB: this may require the Boat Handler to be certified in the use of marine radios).

2.6 Diver's Attendant/Surface Attendant Requirements a) All CU/SOS Diver’s Attendants must be at least 18 years of age. b) Having a complete working knowledge of the Dive Plan and associated tasks. c) Having training and knowledge of any signals in use. d) Having training and knowledge of any dive tables / computers in use. e) Having training and knowledge of all diving plant and equipment in use. f) Having training and knowledge of first aid and oxygen administration, except where a

second person with such training and knowledge is present.

2.7 The Diver Each Diver’s responsibilities include:

a) Obtaining their own Travel Approvals if they are travelling greater than 50km from campus or the trip involves overnight stays.

b) Be fully aware of the content of the Dive Permission/Plan and associated risk documents. c) Diving safely within the limits of his/her capabilities. If any Diver is uncertain about his/her

ability to safely undertake any proposed dive or diving task, they should refuse to attempt that dive/task, and may do so without prejudice. If any Diver feels they are being regularly asked to undertake dives/tasks beyond their abilities, they should notify the UDO.

d) Giving their full attention during the Dive Supervisor briefing, as in event of an accident any team member may need to initiate and/or control emergency procedures.

e) Abiding by the University’s Diving Regulations (as set out in the CU/SOS Diving Operations Manual), and any decisions made by the UDO concerning particular diving operations.

f) Conducting a functional check of their diving equipment in the presence of their diving buddy or the Diver’s Attendant.

g) Maintaining contact with their dive buddy, monitoring their own air supply, and informing their buddy at regular intervals of air supply status.

h) Not diving with any malfunctioning equipment and reporting any fault to the Dive Supervisor. i) Maintaining all dive equipment in use by them. j) Ensuring that they are medically and physically fit for each dive. k) Notifying the Dive Supervisor as soon as possible of any diving-related injury that occurs to

them or to their buddy diver. l) Maintaining an up to date Dive Logbook.

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SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS AND FITNESS TO DIVE All individuals seeking to engage in diving activities under the auspices of the University must register with the UDO by completing a CU/SOS Diver Registration Form (Appendix 1).

They must also meet all requirements listed specific to their position with the University and the type/s of diving operations they wish to conduct.

Notification of intent to dive and provision of paperwork to the UDO must occur in a timely fashion to allow for proper consideration of qualifications, experience, risk and conditions of the environment.

3.1 General Requirements As well as the details listed below in Section 2.2, regarding qualifications for CU/SOS divers, the following points should be noted by all divers operating from the University:

a) All divers should maintain a high level of competence in relation to the type of diving they undertake, as well as knowledge of the diving equipment in current use.

b) Dive Supervisors should ensure they are fully conversant with the requirements of their position at all times;

c) It is recommended that all diving personnel maintain a level of physical fitness commensurate with the type of diving operation/s in which they are involved, or likely to be involved in whilst at the University;

d) It is recommended that all divers participate in a minimum of one diving operation every six months, in order to maintain their skills and knowledge;

e) Divers who have not been involved in a diving operation within a twelve month period shall not dive, or act as a Dive Supervisor, without contacting and receiving permission from the UDO.

3.2 Snorkel Diving As a general guide, snorkel diving by CU/SOS personnel should only be used as an inspection/observation and/or light recovery/collection technique. No difficult or strenuous work of any kind should be attempted using snorkel diving, without implementation of appropriate safety precautions, and the written permission of the UDO or delegate.

Requirements for CU/SOS Snorkel Divers

Staff Graduate Students, Visiting Scientists and Volunteers Undergraduate Students

Diving Register Registered Registered Registered

Training1 First Aid; CPR; Oxygen Delivery (yearly)

Snorkel Diving Familiarisation Course by UDO

Fitness level

Fitness Test or Australian Standard AS 2299 (Occupational Diver) medical certificate2

Fitness Test Fitness Test; Swimming Test

Assessment Dive if required

1A copy off all documents is to be kept on file. 2 From a doctor trained in diving medicine according to the Workplace Health and Safety Compliance Standard 1996 - Underwater Diving Work. The certificate must be dated within the past 12 months and should state that the diver is fit to dive using compressed air, as well as noting any limitations imposed by the doctor.

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The Dive Supervisor must be aware of and make allowance for the fact that the level of fitness required for safe breath hold diving is higher than that for SCUBA or SSBA diving.

3.3 Compressed Air Diving CU/SOS divers intending to undertake diving operations using compressed air must hold at least the following diving and medical certifications, and fulfil all other requirements listed.

Staff Graduate Students, Visiting Scientists and Volunteers

Undergraduate Students

Diving Register Registered Registered Registered

Certification1

Advanced Diver & Rescue Diver or Commercial Diver (ADAS Pt 1)

Open Water Diver;

> 15 hrs logged post-training

Open Water Diver;

Provide log book

Training First Aid; CPR; Oxygen Delivery (yearly)

First Aid; CPR; Oxygen Delivery (yearly)

Surface air supply diving

Occupational diver to the Australian Standard AS2815.2

Advanced Diver, Recovery Diver & Rescue Diver;

Occupational diver to the Australian Standard AS2815.2;

>30hrs research diving

Test Annual Fitness to Dive Annual Fitness to Dive Annual Fitness to Dive;

Assessment Dive if required

Medical Certification2

Australian Standard AS 2299 (Occupational Diver)

Australian Standard AS 2299 (Occupational Diver)

Australian Standard AS 4005.1 (Sport Diver)

Personal Equipment Servicing Records

Provide annual tank and regulator test evidence (copy to be kept on file)

Provide annual tank and regulator test evidence (copy to be kept on file)

Provide annual tank and regulator test evidence (copy to be kept on file)

1A copy off all documents are to be kept on file. 2 From a doctor trained in diving medicine according to the Workplace Health and Safety Compliance Standard 1996 - Underwater Diving Work. The certificate must be dated within the past 12 months and should state that the diver is fit to dive using compressed air, as well as noting any limitations imposed by the doctor.

3.4 Approved Gas Mixtures (AGM) Diving When used appropriately, AGMs increase bottom time limits, reduce risk of decompression illness, and reduce post-dive fatigue. Departmental staff may undertake AGM Diving for the Department if suitably qualified and experienced.

Approved Gas Mixtures (AGMs) are defined here as follows: • Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) – widely available and used recreationally). • Trimix (nitrogen/oxygen/helium) - only available from specialist suppliers. • Heliox (helium/oxygen) - not readily available, used in offshore commercial applications.

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Currently, AGM protocols apply principally to the use of EANx, as training courses in the use of this mixture are readily available, along with dive tables, and dive computers that calculate the appropriate residual nitrogen loads.

Minimum requirements for diving with EANx for CU/SOS divers are: a) Achieved minimum requirements as detailed above in “staff diver” b) Qualified as Enriched Air Diver by a recognised EANx diver-training organisation. c) Use EANx dive computers and EANx cylinders filled with an EANx mix from approved suppliers. d) Divers cannot switch between normal air and EANx in the course of a single days diving.

3.5 Diver Grading All divers who have passed the minimum requirements are graded according to the following criteria:

Trainee Level 1 Diver Level 2 Diver Level 3 Diver

Logged Dive Time

<50hr 50hr 70hr 100hr

SSBA Certificate of Competency

Diving restrictions

Must have an experienced dive buddy

No high risk diving

Max dive depth is 12m

3.6 Proof of Diving Experience and Exceptions Divers without a logbook who claim to have more than the required hours experience may be permitted to dive at the discretion of the UDO, subject to passing a test if requested.

3.7 Fitness to dive All personnel who have successfully passed their annual diving medical examination shall generally be classed as fit to dive, however the physical ability of any individual to act in any role, or perform a task can only be determined by that individual. Divers must notify the UDO of any medical condition or injury that may have occurred since the date of their last medical which could increase their level of risk if they undertook a dive.

If an individual decides they are fit to dive but that person’s physiological or psychological state appears to have been altered by personal illness, injury, intoxication, or loss of coordination from the effects of prescription drugs or other substances, then their fitness may be further assessed by the Dive Supervisor or UDO at any time, with either of those individuals able to veto a dive if deemed necessary.

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SECTION 4 DIVING EQUIPMENT The School’s diving equipment is only for use by people who qualify as registered divers according to this Manual and must not be used for any dives that are not approved University activities, except in exceptional cases where the permission of the UDO or delegate has been obtained.

Where CU/SOS equipment is loaned to a diver, a form detailing the condition of the equipment must be signed by both parties (UDO and diver) at handover and on return of the equipment. After issue, the diver shall be fully responsible for the care, proper cleaning and maintenance; problems with any item must be reported to the UDO as soon as possible.

In the event of equipment being abused, damaged, stolen, or neglected due to inadequate care the individual, group or organisation concerned will be required to replace or repair the item/s involved as soon as possible, at their own expense.

Personal diving equipment may be used as long as the conditions below are met.

4.1 Compulsory Equipment for all divers (snorkel, SCUBA and SSBA) The following equipment must be used or carried by each diver on every dive unless special dispensation has been granted by the UDO or their delegate:

a) Exposure protection (wetsuit or drysuit) appropriate to the prevailing environmental conditions which may also include hood, boots and gloves.

b) Mask, fins, snorkel (attachable or attached to mask) and a dive knife. c) Where divers are operating in free-swimming SCUBA mode in circumstances in which there is

surface support, there must be a means to recall the divers to the surface.

The flag must be clearly visible to all vessels operating in the vicinity.

4.2 Compulsory Equipment for SCUBA The following equipment must be used or carried by each scuba diver on every dive:

a) A SCUBA cylinder and valve designed in accordance with AS 2030. b) A SCUBA regulator and alternative air source or supply, such as a pony bottle or octopus

regulator. c) A BCD with oral and SCUBA-feed inflator with a weight belt or incorporating an integrated

weight system with quick-release. d) An air cylinder pressure gauge, depth gauge and timing device (dive watch or computer).

4.3 Compulsory Equipment for SSBA The following equipment must be used or carried by each diver on every SSBA dive:

a) A surface supply air hose for each diver, including a non-return valve located as close as possible to the diver, e.g. at the breathing medium inlet to the mask or mouthpiece, or as an integral part of the components specified in Item (b);

b) Either a full face mask, band mask or incompressible helmet or a half face mask and separate demand valve;

c) An air cylinder pressure gauge, depth gauge and timing device (dive watch or computer). d) An emergency gas supply, or bail out cylinder, of sufficient air capacity to allow a diver to free

him/herself from any immediate danger and perform a safe ascent at a rate of no greater than 9m/min. This system must be set up through a distribution block and valve, and be able to be brought into operation by a diver through the use of only one hand. Where a drysuit, full face mask and voice communications are in use together, the bail out cylinder size for SSBA operations must be at least 5 litres water capacity, and the cylinder must contain a minimum of 120 bar of air pressure at the start of the dive. Under exceptional circumstances the use of lower volume bail out systems may be approved by the UDO.

e) A harness to secure the gas supply hose and the equipment to the diver.

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f) A safety line, except where the diver’s hose is being used for this purpose, in which case the hose must be secured to the harness by a hose grip and lockable clip.

4.4 Other equipment which may be required Additional equipment which may be deemed necessary for the safe conduct of a dive includes:

a) Emergency air supplies; b) A high visibility inflatable position signalling device (safety sausage™); c) A compressed air powered signalling device; d) Submersible dive tables; e) A lifeline or floatline; f) Night diving equipment including primary and backup torch and a strobe light or cyalume

stick/s.

4.5 Additional equipment which may be used by divers The following equipment may be used by CU/SOS divers provided diver safety is not compromised:

a) Underwater photographic equipment; b) Underwater slates, measuring tapes, lightweight grids, frames, collection bag and traps; c) Sledge hammer or hammer, to pound in stakes and pickets; d) Small hand tools such as screw drivers, pliers, wrenches, etc; e) Hand held pneumatic tools; air for any tools used must be taken from a source entirely

separate from the diver's air supply f) Small lift bag - of no greater than 20 litres volume Air for filling the bag must be delivered from a

source which is not the diver's primary regulator, such as an octopus regulator g) Small air lifts - of no greater than 250 litres per minute air flow rate; h) Spear guns or slings as permitted by the appropriate DoF regulations, or by special permit.

Other than the tools listed above, no CU/SOS diver shall use any tool underwater unless they have first received training in appropriate techniques and skills, are familiar with the operation that item of equipment, and have received permission from the UDO.

4.6 Essential Equipment for Boat or Shore Dives 4.6.1 The International Dive Flag

A code A, blue and white swallow tail flag must always be flown when diving: a) From any boat or shore dive platform (750mm long and 600mm wide); b) On a surface float (300mm long and 200mm wide) when diving;

i. In shallow water, ii. In an area with a high level of boat traffic iii. By one diver from the group or by one diver from each buddy group

During night dives, a flashing/strobe light must be attached to the flag top.

4.6.2 Oxygen resuscitation equipment

For every CU/SOS diving operation involving compressed air breathing apparatus, there must be available, on site, oxygen resuscitation equipment suitable for the treatment of an unconscious, breathing patient, and a supply of medical oxygen sufficient to transport at least two patients to the nearest treatment facility. Such equipment should be carried for snorkel diving operations too.

All such oxygen resuscitation equipment shall be kept clean and dry in a waterproof case, and maintained as per the schedule set out for diving equipment at Section 7.11 below.

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4.6.3 First aid kit

For every CU/SOS diving operation, there must be available on site a first aid kit adequate for injuries that may be reasonably foreseen. As the distance from medical assistance increases so may the contents of the kit need to increase.

Adhesive strips (assorted sizes) Kidney dish, forceps & scalpel blades

Antiseptic solution (Savlon) Non-allergenic adhesive tape (5m x 2.5 cm)

Antibacterial solution or swabs (Betadine) Resuscitation mask

Bandages – triangular, hospital crepe, conforming Safety pins

Blankets - Exposure Scissors - capable of cutting 10 mm wetsuit

Disposable latex or vinyl gloves Sharps disposal container

Ear drops Soft brush for cleaning wounds

Eye pads Sterile saline/water

Gauze squares Sunscreen

General first aid and diving first aid manuals Wound dressings including non-adhesive ones

NB. Care should be taken with exposure blankets as they can accelerate heat loss if placed directly beneath a patient without some form of insulation being provided as well.

Other items which must be self-administered by the patient include analgesics such as paracetamol or aspirin.

4.7 General Equipment

Diver Location Aids Drinking water for the prevention of dehydration and the management of decompression illness.

Whistles

Bright coloured hood Phone card or coins in case a phone is needed.

Brightly coloured/radar reflective inflatable 'sausage'

Note pad and pencil to record details of incidents, treatment and signs/symptoms.

A marker buoy should be available for rapid deployment to mark the site of a lost diver or lost equipment.

Some form of protection/shelter from the environment, eg blankets, towels, dry cloths, etc.

Two Shark Shields have been purchased for the use by Departmental Divers. Use of shark shields is strongly recommended for appropriate dive activities

Irukandji Stinger Protection of full body cover and facial guards should be worn for divers from Exmouth Gulf northwards, particularly from November to April when the risk of stings is highest

4.8 Equipment Maintenance Where CU/SOS equipment is loaned to a diver, a form detailing the condition of the equipment must be signed by both parties (UDO and diver) at handover and on return of the equipment. After issue, the diver shall be fully responsible for the care, proper cleaning and maintenance; problems with any item must be reported to the UDO as soon as possible.

All diving and safety equipment used on University diving operations (including personal equipment) must be maintained and serviced at least to the manufacturer’s specifications, or more often if in

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regular use. As a minimum, the following service schedules must be observed for the equipment listed below:

SCUBA cylinder Annual service/test required at qualified test station

Regulator/Contents gauge Annual service required by a qualified technician

Depth gauge (mechanical) Checked every three months

Depth gauge (electronic) Checked every six months

Dive computer Depth sensor must be checked every six months

BCD inflator unit/valves Annual check required

Air delivery hoses Annual pressure test

Wherever possible, all equipment in use shall be cleaned and/or flushed with fresh water at the end of each working day, and any faults or defects should be noted. Defective equipment must be tagged to prevent accidental use, and reported to the Dive Supervisor or UDO. Equipment that is known to be faulty in any way must not be used for CU/SOS diving operations.

4.9 SCUBA Cylinders Curtin University SCUBA cylinders may only be filled at approved filling stations, or with a portable air compressor unit approved for such use by the UDO or delegate. After filling, cylinders should have their valves taped, or capped, to prevent contamination and allow easy identification of full cylinders.

The amount of air pressure left in returned cylinders should be checked prior to filling, and cylinders must have at least 30 ATA of pressure remaining. If, at the time of filling, any cylinder is found to be totally drained of air, it must be inspected and tested prior to being used again, and the cost of this will be charged to the last user of the cylinder.

Cylinders with any defects (e.g. air leaks from valves) must be labelled and put aside for maintenance, with the details recorded in the University’s diving equipment defects log (which shall be kept by the UDO). Unless prepared for imminent use, SCUBA cylinders should be stored partially filled.

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4.10 Pre dive equipment check For all CU/SOS dives a full pre-dive check shall be performed on the equipment of any diver/s (including stand-by diver/s). This should be done by either the Surface Attendant, or by the diver’s buddy.

Air supply and regulator Buoyancy Compensator

Tape removed from pillar valve Inflator hose connected

Gauge at zero before turning on air supply Inflator operation

Air supply turned on Dump valve operation

Contents of tank Security of tank in BCD harness

leaking hoses and or gauges Mask/Snorkel

Operation of contents gauge Mask skirt intact

Operation of second stages Mask seal set around lenses correctly

Second stage free-flow Mask strap in good condition

Torn regulator mouthpieces Snorkel attached to mask or stored on diver

Depth gauge/computer

Depth gauge reads zero

MDI (maximum depth indicator) is zeroed

Computer turned on a few minutes before entry

4.11 Equipment Hygiene To help prevent the possible transmission of infectious diseases between divers, the sharing of face masks, snorkels and regulators between divers is discouraged where an appropriate disinfection schedule has not been completed. In the event CU/SOS divers are issued with a regulator set, they are responsible for the hygiene of that set whilst it is in their care.

Every effort must be made to ensure that oil, petrol lubricants, chemicals or preserving solutions (such as formalin) do not come into contact with diving equipment, as they may destroy the equipment or otherwise render it unusable. Such products must not be stored or transported in close proximity to any CU/SOS diving equipment at any time.

In the event that equipment contamination occurs, then the affected item/s must not be used, and the following steps will be taken:

a) The affected equipment should be rinsed thoroughly with water to remove as much of the contaminant as possible.

b) The equipment must be clearly tagged, indicating that it must not be used, and detailing the type of contaminant with which it has been in contact.

c) The equipment must be forwarded to the UDO for cleaning (if possible), with a report detailing the circumstances under which the contamination occurred.

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SECTION 5. DECOMPRESSION TABLES AND DIVE COMPUTERS The use of a conservative decompression table is essential for safe, ‘low’ risk diving.

Dive computers and dive tables are guides that attempt to take into account the physiological processes involved with the breathing of compressed gases at depths. They are not infallible and do not take into account many factors that can affect an individual’s susceptibility to decompression sickness. These factors include variations in age, sex, weight, physical condition, medications, recent illnesses/injuries, as well as many others, and consideration must be given to them by all CU/SOS Dive Supervisors during the formulation of dive plans.

5.1 Decompression Tables It is recommended the DCIEM (Canadian Defence and Civil Institute for Environmental Medicine) Short Standard Air Decompression Tables, or Dive Computers based on these, be used for all CU/SOS diving operations. These tables are more conservative than most others, and cater particularly well for repetitive and multi day diving. Waterproof copies of these tables are available from the UDO, and a familiarisation session will be conducted by the UDO, regarding the use of the tables, for all new CU/SOS divers if deemed necessary.

5.2 Dive Computers Divers using dive computers must read the manuals and be totally familiar with their use, including any peculiarities specific to the brand of computer being used. UWATEC, Suunto, Mares and Oceanic are all suitable brands. Divers can purchase computers which can calculate residual loads for air and Enriched Air Nitrox air mixes.

Each diver shall be assigned a dive computer for the term of the complete dive program, the serial number recorded on the individual’s daily log sheet.

a. Dive computers: b. Shall not be shared c. Use may be waived by the UDO for dives <5m. d. Must have an audible ascent rate alarm for dives >5m. e. Must have a dive planning function. f. Must be used prior to a repetitive dive, to estimate their bottom time and no decompression

limits and informs the dive tender who shall record this in the dive plan/log. g. Which permit ascent rates > 9m/min must only be used only at <9 m/min or slower

SECTION 6. DIVE TEAMS 6.1 ‘Normal’ dive teams A normal dive team comprises a group of people, who as a unit can perform the duties of a Dive Supervisor, Diver/s (Dive Leader and buddy/s), Diver’s Attendant/s and Boat Handler (where required). A “normal” dive team may be made up of:

a) Two qualified divers and one competent Surface Attendant; or b) Three qualified divers and one competent Surface Attendant; or c) More than three divers, grouped into pairs (preferably) or trios, and one or more

competent Surface Attendants, depending on the dive operation.

Dive teams should follow the buddy procedure such that the two or three people in the dive team are in visual contact whilst performing the dive. Where more than one Dive Team is in the water and there is only one Surface Attendant, dive teams must tow a surface marker buoy that can be located at all times by the Surface Attendant.

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6.2 Solo diving Diving with no buddy diver or Surface Attendant present is not permitted under any circumstances, except in case of emergency.

6.3 Two person dive teams The use of two person dive teams is actively discouraged, but may be approved by the UDO or delegate in some circumstances, such as in the case of level 1 or above divers working at depths less than 12m in sheltered waters. All relevant risk factors must be considered carefully prior to authorisation.

6.4 Diving without a Diver’s Attendant (at the surface) Diving without a Surface Attendant is actively discouraged and will only be approved by the UDO or delegate in exceptionally safe circumstances, such as in cases of experienced divers working at shallow depths (<10m) in sheltered waters.

Diving without a Surface Attendant will not be permitted when there are strong winds (>15 knots).

Diving without a Surface Attendant will not be permitted where there will be more than two buddy groups in the water at one time (ie. more than six divers).

Before approval is given for diving to occur without a Surface Attendant, the UDO should consider all relevant factors.

Conditions which must be met before diving without a surface attendant may take place are as follows:

a) The operation must have been approved for two person diving if only two divers are involved.

b) All divers involved must agree they are prepared to dive without a Surface Attendant. c) At the time of the dive, the Dive Supervisor must have determined that "low-risk

conditions" are prevailing at the dive site (these conditions are defined in d) Where a) and b) have been met, all divers involved must agree to abort the dive at a signal

from the Dive Leader if any of the "low-risk conditions" cease to exist. e) Any boat used must be anchored/moored as close to the dive site as possible, and all

divers must stay within the approved area throughout the dive. f) A check must be made that the anchor of any boat being used is secure, immediately

upon starting the dive.

Where such a diving operation is to take place in exposed waters, the Dive Supervisor must ensure a current line is deployed from the stern of the boat - before divers enter the water. This should comprise a floating rope with minimum length of 50m (greater in poor conditions) and diameter of 10 mm. It must also have a highly visible buoy (preferably with a dive flag mounted) attached to its free end

6.5 Diving involving undergraduate classes Where compressed air diving is conducted as part of an undergraduate course, there must be a person in charge of the group who is trained and/or experienced in dive leadership. In addition to the normal requirements of this manual, this person shall ensure that:

a) No alcohol is to be consumed within the 12 hours prior to diving. Excessive alcohol consumption at any time will result in the person concerned being banned from all diving.

b) Students must only dive in their assigned teams. A Dive Leader for each team will be appointed by staff. Dive Leaders shall be responsible for the other members of their team, and for ensuring all divers in their team abide by any instructions. Dive Leaders are also responsible for ensuring all compressor duties are fulfilled (ie. cylinder filling), and all equipment is adequately washed in fresh water at the end of the diving day.

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c) During any dive, each dive team present must be marked with a buoy, and all team members must maintain visual contact with all other members at all times. If visual contact is lost with any diver, then all diver(s) must surface and the team reform.

d) Dives are restricted to a depth of less than 12 metres, and a maximum time of 45 minutes e) No diving or snorkelling is permitted at night f) No dive team may leave the assigned area or location during the course of a dive. g) Entering caves, tunnels or crevices is not permitted. h) Sufficient lookouts are posted. i) Consideration is given to both in and out of water supervision. j) Novice divers are buddied with an experienced diver where possible. k) There is a means to go to the assistance of a person or persons in trouble. l) A formal dive protocol is used to assist undergraduates in understanding some ground rules for

the field trip

6.6 Snorkel teams The minimum size of a snorkel team performing low risk tasks in low risk conditions is two, which could comprise either a snorkeler and a surface supervisor, or two buddy snorkelers (in this case, both divers must remain in visual contact with each other at all times during the dive).

In areas where there are higher risks, the minimum size of a snorkel team shall consist two buddy snorkelers and a surface supervisor.

Where snorkelling is conducted by large groups (ie. > 10 people): a) At least one supervising person on watch at the surface for every ten divers b) A regular head count undertaken c) Supervisors capable of going to the assistance of any person in difficulties. d) Supervisors equipped with a whistle and the group must be informed that if the whistle is

sounded, all snorkelers must return to the beach/boat. e) All snorkelers must be buddied up (experienced with novice where possible) and told to

remain in contact with one another during the dive. f) First aid and oxygen equipment, along with trained operators, should be on site while any

such diving operation is in operation.

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SECTION 7 DIVE PLANNING 7.1 Components of a Dive Plan For every diving operation, the Dive Supervisor shall submit a Dive Plan, a minimum of 48 hours before departure to the UDO or delegate for approval. The Dive Plan will consist of:

a) CU/SOS Dive Trip Permission Form (Appendix 3) b) Curtin University Fieldwork Preliminary Risk Identification Form c) Curtin University Field Trip Risk Assessment Form d) CU Travel Approval Form (if >50km away or staying overnight) for each participant

7.2 Risk Forms The Curtin University Fieldwork Preliminary Risk Identification (CU/FPRI) https://ctl.curtin.edu.au/wil/fieldwork-forms/index.cfm and the Curtin University Field Trip Risk Assessment Form https://ctl.curtin.edu.au/wil/fieldwork-forms/index.cfm must be completed by the principal researcher prior to any CU/SOS field project.

Note: If you answer Yes to CU/FPRI, STEP ONE ‘A risk assessment in relation to this (or an equivalent) activity has previously been prepared, and there have been no significant or material changes in the situation since that time’ then you do not need to do another one, just attach a copy to the CU/FPRI.

These forms reflect some of the safety and logistical issues that should be considered in the process of setting up any diving project, and it should be used to record relevant information on the project, including information on the field sites intended to be used for the project, emergency contact procedures, and the researcher's training. This information shall be considered by the UDO before approving commencement of any dive project. Completed and approved forms shall be submitted to the UDO and filed in the J:\SAE\SAE Health and Safety\Safety Management System.

7.3 Dive Plan For every diving operation the Dive Supervisor shall complete a CU/SOS Dive Trip Permission Form (Appendix 3), and submit it to the UDO or delegate for approval. In order to ensure an independent assessment that planned dives are appropriate in relation to Manual the ODU or delegate shall not approve dive plans for dives in which they are involved.

The objectives of the Dive Trip Permission Form are as follows: a) To ensure that all necessary information is formally documented and appropriately filed for

future reference. b) To ensure that the necessary reporting to government instrumentalities is complied with. c) To provide a communication mechanism that enables all involved to actively improve safety

standards. d) To assist in reducing, controlling or eliminating the hazards to which persons are exposed at

work through the identification of hazard patterns from the records.

In situations where a term approval is given, divers and dive supervisors shall be responsible for ensuring that the nature of their diving does not exceed the boundaries set out in the approved dive plan. All divers shall read and familiarise themselves with the relevant dive plan that they are involved in, and sign the bottom of the plan to acknowledge this.

The Dive Plan shall be: a) discussed with the UDO or delegate before approval; b) submitted with sufficient time given to adopt any changes required by the UDO (a minimum

of 48 hours before the first dive listed on the form); c) discussed in detail with all divers and support personnel before the dive, by the Dive

Supervisor.

The Dive Supervisor must ensure that their Dive Plan has been signed by the University Diving Officer or delegate before undertaking any diving operation.

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7.4 On Site Checklist and Condition Assessment Prior to commencing any diving each day, an On Site Checklist and Condition Assessment Form (Appendix 4) must be completed and discussed with the dive team before diving Prior to subsequent dives the form should be reviewed.

7.5 Dive Briefing To help ensure a successful diving operation, it is important that each member of the dive team understands the objectives of the dive - in particular that they understand their roles and the roles of all other members of the dive team during the dive.

A dive briefing, normally conducted by the Dive Supervisor, allows for the exchange of the above information. It also allows minor modifications to be made to the dive plan in the event of adverse environmental conditions or problems with the physical condition of any member/s of the dive team. A dive briefing should include, but not be limited to:

a) the objectives of the operation and the assignments of each member of the dive team; b) the intended working depth of the operation, and the topography of the site; c) conditions to be expected in the operating area; d) a review of communications; e) any special equipment or considerations; f) anticipated hazards; g) lost buddy procedures; h) conditions controlling the termination of the dive (time, remaining air supply, etc); i) emergency response plan; j) soliciting questions to ensure understanding of tasks and assignments.

7.6 Lost buddy procedures Where divers are buddied together on a dive, and lose contact with each other during that dive, the lost buddy procedure to be followed should be the standard procedure taught on most “open water” diving courses in Australia. This involves trying to locate each other by following a set routine:

a) Immediately on noticing contact has been lost with their buddy, each diver should maintain their position and examine a 360° circle, looking for the buddy, or their exhaust bubble trail (often easier to see if looking up slightly);

b) If visual contact is not made after following the above procedure, each diver should ascend 3 - 5 metres, and repeat the procedure;

c) If contact is still not re-established at this stage, each diver should surface (at a rate of no more than 9 m/minute). Once having regained contact at the surface, the dive may be recommenced or terminated, at the discretion of the Dive Supervisor or Dive Leader.

d) If a diver is still missing more than 5 minutes after his/her buddy surfaces an immediate search should be instigated, and continued until either the buddy is located or the searching diver deems that further assistance is required.

NB: Lost buddy procedures must be discussed in every pre-dive briefing.

7.7 Dive Record For every University dive, an entry on a “CU/SOS Dive Record (Appendix 5) must be completed for each diver, listing all requested details of that dive. This should be completed at the surface by the Diver’s Attendant, except where the dive has been approved for two person diving (with no surface attendant), when a form must be completed immediately after the dive. Upon completion of the diving operation all forms must be forwarded to the UDO within 5 days.

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7.8 Diving with other groups Due to the nature of University research, situations often arise where Curtin University divers need to work with divers from other groups/organisations. The following sections outline the requirements to be met by CU/SOS divers when operating under these circumstances.

7.8.1 Research diving in conjunction with another scientific organisation

Where CU/SOS divers are operating with divers from another scientific organisation (eg. CSIRO), there are two scenarios that may occur.

a) Where CU/SOS personnel are working under the aegis of the other organisation (ie. with their divers, using their vessel), then the CU/SOS diver/s will normally be bound by that organisation’s diving code. In this situation they must meet all certification requirements of that organisation, and gain approval to dive from the organisation’s Diving Officer (as required by their diving regulations). The CU/SOS Diving Officer should be notified of such diving operations, but the divers involved need not complete CU/SOS dive planning and dive record forms for these dives;

b) Where CU/SOS personnel are working with divers from another organisation, from a CU/SOS vessel, or on any official CU/SOS diving operation, then the divers from the other organisation must meet all certification requirements of the University, and gain approval to dive from the CU/SOS Diving Officer. All CU/SOS forms must be completed in this situation.

7.8.2 Research diving in conjunction with recreational dive industry

Where research diving is to be conducted in conjunction with the recreational dive industry (eg. observational and monitoring exercises), and where normal safety procedures of the recreational dive industry are deemed adequate for the task and conditions, the University Diving Officer may authorise the dive under the Workplace Health and Safety guidelines prevailing for the recreational dive industry and its workers.

7.9 Snorkelling Where snorkelling teams are operating a dive flag must be displayed adjacent to any snorkelling site at all times. In addition, it is recommended:

a) All snorkel divers (or buddy pairs) tow a safety line with surface float/dive flag, to clearly display their location to the Dive Supervisor, and to aid in the diver’s recovery from the water in the event of an accident.

b) Every snorkel diver carry a “safety sausage” capable of being orally inflated should the need arise.

c) The wearing (physically attached to snorkeler) of safety line with surface float/dive flag is mandatory where the snorkeler is the only diver at the site. The safety line must be at least 5 m greater in length than the maximum depth of the water around the dive site, and the float should be large enough and of such a colour to be easily visible. If possible, a small dive flag should be attached to the surface float (NB. This does not remove the need for a large dive flag to be displayed at the site).

Given the very real dangers of shallow water blackout, divers participating in breath hold diving activities should take great care to not exceed their personal limits. No snorkel diver should exceed 10m depth at any time unless:

a) They are formally qualified by an accredited Freediving / Apnea institution a) Have written approval from the UDO to do so b) Have an approved risk assessment including emergency plan

No snorkel diving other than surface observation (where the diver remains at the surface at all times) is to be undertaken by any diver who has been involved in compressed air diving operations during that day, or who has a repetitive factor (RF) of greater than 1.1 from previous compressed air diving operations.

7.10 Termination of dive

A dive shall be terminated in accordance with the pre‐dive plan, or when

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a. Divers are being recalled from the surface; b. A diver asks for the dive to be terminated (it is not acceptable at any point to challenge or

ignore the wish of a diver to terminate a dive); c. A diver loses contact with their buddy although the dive can be resumed if both divers find

each other again and are comfortable doing so; d. A diver reaches the air pressure that has been decided to be the minimum acceptable

pressure to leave bottom on at (50 Bar unless otherwise specified during the dive briefing or consultation with the UDO in the trip planning phase);

e. Any member of the dive team becomes aware of any change in conditions (including equipment function) that threatens the safety of the dive team.

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SECTION 8 Diving Communications Where CU/SOS divers are either required to use a communications system, or wish to do so, the UDO should be consulted prior to any dive with that system, and the guidelines below should be adopted.

8.1 Lifelines In situations where CU/SOS divers are required to operate with lifelines tethering them to the boat, attended by a surface Divers Attendant, those divers must be familiar with the standard communication signals used in this situation. All signals from Attendant to Diver should be preceded by one pull to attract attention. All signals received should be acknowledged by repeating the signal.

Attendant To Diver Diver To Attendant

General Directions General Working

1 pull Attention; Are you OK? Stop, search where you are Attention; at bottom; I am well Hold on; Stop

2 pulls Sending down the rope end Send me the rope end

3 pulls You have come up too far; go down slowly until we stop you

I am going down

4 pulls Come up May I come up?

4 pulls

+ 2 bells Come up, hurry up; Come up surface decompression

I want to come up; Assist me up

2 bells Go out or go to the end of distance line/jackstay

In succession: I am fouled, I need another diver to assist Pull up

3 bells Face shot then go right In succession: I am fouled but I can clear myself Lower

4 bells Face shot then go left Take up slack or you are holding me too tight

5 bells Come into your shot or turn back if on a jack-stay Have found, started or

completed work Pulls: Long, steady and distinct; Bells: short, sharp pulls

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8.2 Hand Signals All CU/SOS divers should familiarise themselves with the hand signals most commonly required for SCUBA diving. The signals can be found in Open Water Diver manuals as released by most diver training organisations (see the following page). They can also be found at Appendix F of AS 2299 - the Australian Standard for Occupational Diving.

8.3 Voice Communications Where divers are intending to use voice communication systems, they must know how to use the equipment, prior to attempting any dive, especially where full face masks are being used. A familiarisation dive must be performed in sheltered waters prior to undertaking field operations.

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SECTION 9 Diving Risk Factors and Risk Levels 9.1 Risk ratings of diving activity and conditions Risk Factor Lower Risk Moderate Risk Higher Risk***

Alcohol Nil <12h ago, during diving

Ascent RateDCS 9m/min >9m/min

Boat Traffic/Depth Infrequent traffic, > 5m High traffic, < 5m

Current At Site Nil to weak Moderate Strong

Depth At Work Site <15m 16-30m > 30m

Dive ProfileDCS Ideal - deep to shallow Square– same deep depth Reverse/sawtooth

– multiple up and down

Diving Experience > 50 h 20-50h < 20h – needs a buddy

Duration of DiveDCS Two repetitive groups less than no deco-limit Near no deco-limit No deco-limit exceeded

Entrapment Hazards Ascent not obstructed Ascent obstructed

Fatigue Rested Tired Fatigued

Local Knowledge Good Meagre

Marine Life General observation Spearfishing Manipulation of venomous animals

Medical Assistance < 30min 0.5 - 2h > 2h

Multiple AscentsDCS None One or two Three or more

Multi-Day Diving ≤ 2 dives/day; rest 24h on day 5 ≥3 dives/day; rest on day 3

No. of Personnel 2 or 3 divers (multiples)

1 boat person

2 or 3 divers (multiples)

No boat person Solo diver

Repetitive DivingRD 3 dives/day 4 dives/day > 4 dives/day

Safety Stops 9-20m, 5min@5m 20-30m 5min@10m and 5min@5m

Sharks Nil reports Identified >10km, >24h ago, not near dive site

Identified <10km, <24h ago near dive site

Site Location Location not remote, sheltered embayment, uniform bottom profile

Remote location, exposed

Task-Related Use of slates, cameras, lightweight frames

Use of hand-held air powered tools and/or small lift bags

Use of heavy tools and frames, large lift bags

TemperatureHPT >25C 15-25C <15C

Hypothermia

Time of Day Start and finish in full daylight Start at/before dawn, or finish near dusk Night diving

Time Since Last Dive < 3 months 3-6 months > 6 months

Travel Time >24h after last dive < 24h after last dive

Visibility >4m <1m

Wave and Sea Height <1m 1-3m >3m

Weather & Sea Calm, settled weather pattern Calm, unsettled weather pattern Rough, storm

Wind >10 knots

***These conditions are to be avoided

DCS: Decompression Sickness - can increase the risk of decompression sickness by increasing the opportunity for bubble formation upon multiple ascdents.

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RD: Divers must use the DCIEM dive tables or a computer for calculating their no decompression limits. Divers performing repetitive dives over multiple days must have a 24hr break every third day. Divers performing <three dives/day must have a 24hr break on the fifth day.

HPT: Hypothermia - a diver should cease diving operations if they become more than uncomfortably cold. After exiting, divers can continue to lose heat and their body core temperature can drop dangerously low leading to hyperthermia.

9.2 Definitions of "low risk” conditions

a) Depth of the site and its immediate surroundings does not exceed 15 m; b) Swell and/or wave height does not exceed 1 m; c) Current is nil to slight (a diver is able to easily swim into the current, with minimal exertion); d) Underwater visibility is greater than 4 m; e) Wind forecast from exposed direction is less than 15knts; f) The dive starts and ends in full daylight.

9.3 Other diving conditions & risks It is the initial responsibility of the UDO or delegate to ensure, as far as practicable, that diving hazards are identified for staff, students and visiting divers. Following an assessment of the hazards involved in a particular diving operation, the UDO must ensure that suitable measures to control risks have been determined. In addition, he/she must be sure that any Dive Supervisor responsible for implementing the control measures is capable of doing so. Once on site, risk assessment becomes the responsibility of the Dive Supervisor for an operation.

9.3.1 Night diving

For any night dive to be approved by the UDO, the following conditions must be met: a) A surface attendant. b) Any boat used for night diving must have a working anchor light, and after anchoring a

flashing strobe light must be attached to the anchor line at the optimum distance below the surface that will allow divers to find the vessel without surfacing (if visibility permits this).

c) An activated cyalume light stick or other suitable marker light must be attached to each diver and each diver shall carry at least two operational diving lights and a whistle.

d) People engaged in night diving without a vessel must display a yellow-orange flashing light that can be seen from a minimum distance of 200 metres (Department of Transport 2009).

e) No towed diving or drift diving is to be undertaken at night. f) Night dives to depths of greater than 20m must have compelling justification. For these dives,

special control measures may need to be implemented, at the discretion of the UDO or delegate.

9.3.2 Low Visibility Diving

Where diving operations are conducted in conditions with less than 1 metre visibility (excluding night diving), each diver must activate and attach at least one activated cyalume light stick. Divers are to consider the use of hand reels attached to the base of shot lines and/ or diver-to-diver connection via a line.

9.3.3 Currents

Diving in currents stronger than a diver can easily swim against is strongly discouraged. If permitted, then all divers involved must be experienced in this type of diving and must be tethered to the boat (in which case all personnel must be trained and experienced in this procedure), or use a surface float, so that their location is always known. A boat driver with knowledge of local conditions must be used, and in the event the boat is to work ‘live’, must be an experienced boat handler. Where an anchored vessel is being used for diving operations in such conditions, a current line of at least 50m in length and 10mm in diameter must be streamed behind the vessel while divers are in the water.

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9.3.4 Deep dives

Special permission must be obtained from the UDO before any dives are undertaken to depths of greater than 20 m.

Dives to depths of greater than 30 m are prohibited, except where the requirements set out for this type of diving in the AS2299 Dive Standard are met (ie. an onsite recompression chamber is available), and approval from the UDO has been granted.

9.3.5 High risk shallow dives

Shallow dives in areas of heavy boat traffic expose divers to risk of injury from such traffic. If diving in any area where boat traffic is known to be heavy, divers must fly a dive flag on a float immediately above their work site to indicate their position.

Dive Supervisors should also note that cases of DCI have been reported as a result of long shallow dives (in less than 6-7 m depth), and should endeavour to minimise the effect of other predisposing factors in the event that such a dive is approved.

9.3.6 Obstructed ascents

Some research diving occurs under ledges and in shallow caves. Inexperienced divers may not dive under these conditions. At least one member of any dive team performing this type of work must have more than 50 hours of underwater experience. Depending on the nature of the work and the topography, a team of 3 divers may be required. As well, where there is more than a minor risk of entrapment a boat person/surface attendant must be present, and emergency air supplies with regulators attached must be within easy reach of the dive team.

9.3.7 Remote Dive Site Locations

At least one member of any dive team working in a remote location must be experienced with the type of conditions expected at all sites to be dived in the area. Special consideration must be given when anchoring the dive boat on steep drop offs and in areas with breaking waves, as well as with driving the boat through narrow channels with standing waves. Divers must exercise special caution in surge zones and passages, where strong currents commonly occur.

Any boat operating in remote locations (as decided by the UDO) must be fully equipped with extra fuel, radio, safety and first aid equipment, as well as any other items deemed necessary by the UDO or Dive Supervisor for the trip.

For long field trips to remote locations, where diving operations are to be undertaken, the Dive Supervisor for the operation must consider availability of the nearest recompression chamber in the event of a diving accident.

9.3.6 Decompression diving

Decompression diving is not permitted during CU/SOS diving operations under normal conditions, and will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances if prior approval has been obtained from the UDO, and the dives are conducted according to the Australian Standard for Occupational diving, AS 2299-1992.

9.3.7 Lack of local knowledge

Divers with little “local” knowledge of a proposed dive site, or of Western Australian diving conditions, are not permitted to dive unless accompanied by someone familiar with the proposed dive environment. Such divers may not act as a Dive Supervisor unless they can satisfy the UDO that they have the planning and experience to conduct the dive safely.

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9.3.8 Dangerous marine animals

Divers working with dangerous marine animals (eg. venomous molluscs) must indicate this on their “Permission to Dive” application form. As well, they must brief the UDO and all other persons in the dive team of the most appropriate first aid procedures for injuries associated with such animals. This is especially important for marine injuries requiring specialised treatment.

Divers whose tasks may attract dangerous marine animals, or who are diving at sites frequented by them, must inform the UDO of this situation, and must have in place procedures to minimise risks to divers and to deal with any emergency that may occur.

9.3.9 Task related factors

Diving tasks requiring the use of winches with large cable, cranes and other heavy tools require divers to be trained to the appropriate Australian Commercial Diving Standard and to use voice communication between surface operators and divers.

9.3.10 Diving occurring while the dive boat is working ‘live’

This is where the dive boat is kept under way whilst divers are in the water. Although there are several advantages to working in this manner, depending on the situation, the main danger of the practice is the potential for injury to divers from the propeller/s of the boat.

Except in cases of emergency, this practice is not permitted during any CU/SOS diving operation unless the Dive Supervisor has received approval from the UDO or delegate, and the following conditions are met:

a) The Boat Operator must be suitably qualified to drive the boat being used, according to this manual, and must also have considerable experience in small vessel handling (as determined by the UDO or delegate).

b) A separate Surface Attendant must always be present in situations where the Boat Operator cannot clearly see the location of the divers from the boat’s control position at all times;

c) A dive flag must be flown at all times; d) All Divers involved in the operation must agree to the practice.

9.3.11 Exercise

Divers should not participate in activities involving vigorous physical exertion before or after diving, as exercise of this nature will predispose a diver to DCI.

Where vigorous exercise is unavoidable before, during or after a dive (e.g. where diving in strong currents, or walking in to a dive site), the UDO should be advised, and extra allowance made to take account of this factor when calculating permissible dive times.

9.3.12 Alcohol/drugs/medication

Alcohol consumption in association with diving is to be actively discouraged. If possible, it is advisable to avoid the administration of any drugs or medications whilst diving.

At this time little or no change has been observed in the toxicity of most of the common drugs in use under hyperbaric conditions, however drugs can influence diving safety in other ways, such as by impairing judgment and concentration, or by affecting a diver’s susceptibility to narcosis and/or DCI.

9.3.13 Medical assistance

It is the responsibility of the Dive Supervisor for any dive or set of dives to determine the most efficient means of obtaining medical assistance in the event of an accident during the dive. The various appendices to this manual dealing with medical matters should be consulted when determining medical requirements for any diving operation.

An appropriate first aid kit must always be carried during any CU/SOS diving operation.

For all dives, divers must have available either in the vessel or on-shore (for shore-based dives) an adequate oxygen supply to deliver oxygen for the time required to travel to the nearest location where professional medical assistance is available. The delivery unit should consist of an oral/nasal mask capable of delivering a positive pressure of 100% oxygen on demand or free-flow. The oxygen delivery unit must be capable of delivering oxygen at 15l/min.

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9.3.14 Availability of Recompression Chamber

Where divers are working in remote areas, it is likely that access to a Hyperbaric Unit may take some time in the event of a diving accident. For this reason, where any CU/SOS diving operation is conducted in an area further than 6 hours travelling time from the nearest recompression facility, great care must be taken to allow for all risk factors that may increase a diver‟s susceptibility to DCI. During such operations, a safety margin must be added to dives by reducing the maximum bottom time permitted by the dive tables.

The following rules must be adhered to at all times during remote diving operations: a) If the permitted Effective Bottom Time (EBT) is exceeded during any dive, the diver concerned

must not re-enter the water for at least of 18 hrs. After any dive, divers must not become involved in any activity likely to increase their risk of contracting any form of DCI (eg. exercise);

b) When determining the amount of time required to evacuate a patient from the dive site to a recompression chamber, the following points should be noted: • The time commences from when the diver is removed from the water or shows any signs of

DCI, and ends when they are able to be placed inside the recompression chamber • The only form of transport that can reliably be counted on to be available for patient

evacuation is the means by which the dive site was initially accessed (ie. car/boat). The assumption must not be made that air or road ambulance will be available and able to reach a site within a reasonable time period

• Where any factors are present, or likely to be present, that may increase the risk of DCI during a dive (such as multiple ascents, multiple repetitive dives, cold water, hard work, etc.), then the Dive Supervisor should consider building an extra safety margin into any dive plan. This is particularly important when diving in areas greater than 2 hrs away from the nearest recompression facility.

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SECTION 10 TRAVELLING AND FLYING AFTER DIVING Restrictions on road and air travel may apply after any CU/SOS diver has been subject to pressures of greater than one atmosphere whilst breathing compressed air. The rules and limitations apply to all CU/SOS divers and must be followed at all times, except in the event of an extreme emergency where no other option is available. In this event, these rules should only be breached on the advice of medical personnel trained in hyperbaric medicine, and/or with the consent of all diving personnel involved.

After incurring DCI, a diver should not be exposed to greater than 300m effective altitude for seven days.

10.1 Travelling after Diving The restrictions on road travel after diving take the form of a “delay period” before divers are able to ascend to heights of greater than a certain threshold. These restrictions are the result of a number of well documented incidences of DCI cases being precipitated by divers driving to altitude on their trip home after a dive.

Delay period restrictions for travel after diving

Maximum Altitude (m) Minimum delay before travel (hrs)

0 - 150m No delay required

150 - 300m 2 hrs

300 - 600m 12 hrs

600 - 2400m 24 hrs

> 2400m 48 hrs

NB: In pressurised aircraft, the altitude referred to is the effective altitude within the cabin. Commercial aircraft are usually pressurised to an effective cabin pressure of 2400m or less.

It is the responsibility of the Dive Supervisor for any dive to determine whether or not travel after the dive will exceed an altitude threshold, and to ensure the correct delay before travelling after diving is observed.

10.2 Flying after Diving As it is impossible to formulate a rule guaranteeing a diver will not be affected by decompression illness due to the effects of flying after diving, the following rule must be adhered to by all CU/SOS divers, except in cases of emergency, where a person may require helicopter evacuation from a site.

After any dive covered by this manual, using compressed gases, the minimum surface interval before the diver/s involved can travel by air shall be 24 hours.

Appendix H of the AS/NZS 2299.1:2007 provides a detailed analysis of recommended delays before exposure to altitude and divers should consult with the UDO if they will need to fly following university diving activities.

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SECTION 11 INCIDENTS, INJURIES AND EMERGENCIES In the event of an emergency it is essential to immediately assist the injured person. To help with this the Dive Supervisor for any dive should prepare an emergency response plan for their area of operation.

11.1 Injuries to Staff or Students If injured, a student or staff member MUST:

a) Seek first aid/medical assistance b) Inform the Dive Supervisor and relevant others immediately; c) Formally report the incident, as soon as possible, to Curtin University using the online

incident reporting at http://healthandsafety.curtin.edu.au/event_and_hazard/index.cfm

Supervisors and/or eye witnesses may assist the injured person when appropriate or necessary by completing the form on their behalf.

If required, the student or staff member can attend Counselling and Disability Services for additional support.

11.2 Reporting procedures Students and staff must report any incident or hazard that arises during a diving/fieldwork activity as soon as possible, to Curtin University, including:

a) All injuries/illnesses (events that cause an illness or injury requiring medical attention). b) All near-misses (events that do not cause injury but have the potential to do so). c) All hazards (anything that has the potential to cause ill health or injury). d) All other incidents including environmental, property damage, spills etc.

Reporting to Curtin should be via the Curtin University Online Reporting System. If you have any difficulties accessing the online reporting system, please complete the Printable Form or contact the Health, Safety and Emergency Management Department on 9266 4900.

For any incident involving a CU/SOS diver, especially in the case of a serious accident or fatality, the University Diving Officer must be notified as soon as possible.

11.3 Missing Diver In the event of a missing diver use the flowchart below and carry out the following:

a) If buddy contact is lost under the surface, each diver should circle 360° looking for the buddy or their exhaust bubble trail (often easier to see if looking up slightly);

b) If no visual contact is made following the above procedure, each diver should ascend 3-5m and repeat the process;

c) If no contact is made following the above procedure, dive buddy or team shall surface and notify the Diver's Attendant of a missing diver (i.e. 5 or more short blasts on a whistle is the International assistance signal);

d) Diver's Attendant immediately activates their emergency response plan detailing situation and requests assistance; this may include notifying the Volunteer Sea Rescue group, police and UDO.

e) Mark last known position of lost diver on GPS and with an emergency marker buoy (NOTE: if any person sights the missing diver, they should maintain visual focus on that position);

f) Divers involved in search must not subject themselves to risks such as decompression illness; g) If divers are still in the water, recall using the recall signal such as starting the motor and

revving 3 times; h) Search should begin where diver was last seen using the emergency marker buoy as

reference;

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i) Search should be conducted in pairs; j) Sink (do not swim) to the bottom to determine effect of current; k) If the diver is located, proceed with appropriate actions and notify appropriate persons; l) Complete and submit a Confidential Injury/Incident Report Form (see Safety and Health

website).

Missing Diver Flow Chart

Fiona Stanley Hospital Hyperbaric Medicine Unit

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11.4 Injured Diver Injuries which divers may be suffering from include decompression sickness, pressure injuries (barotrauma), shock, oxygen deficiency (hypoxia), carbon dioxide (CO2) or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, saltwater aspiration syndrome, injuries from boating traffic and also from encounters with marine life.

During a diving emergency use the flowchart below and carry out the following: a) Assist casualties immediately b) Recall all divers or swimmers to the boat or shore; c) Ensure that other members of the diving team are not at risk and that all divers are present; d) Recover the injured diver's equipment after the emergency (the Dive Coordinator may decide

not to recover items if to do so would be unsafe or cause undue delay); e) Keep injured diver’s equipment separate to other equipment prior to expert examination; f) Ensure that no equipment has been left in a dangerous condition; g) Ensure that the diver’s field dive log(s) and log book are available for the doctor, particularly if

recompression is required.

In the case of a fatality or serious accident requiring recompression and/or hospitalisation, the Head of Department, the UDO and Health, Safety and Emergency Management Department (08 9266 4900) must be notified within 2 hours. The Vice Chancellor or delegate should be notified as soon as practicable.

Injured Diver Flow Chart

11.5 Diving Emergencies Protocol

Fiona Stanley Hospital Hyperbaric Medicine Unit

08 6152 2222

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a) Don’t panic, stay calm and think clearly. b) Ensure status of all crew / divers is known. c) Treat casualties by following the DRABCD action plan:

Danger Ensure there is no further danger to you, others and the casualty

Response Is the person responding? If not, call for help.

Airway Is the airway clear and open? If not clear mouth and tilt head back.

Breathing Can you hear of feel the casualty breathing? If not, give 2 initial breaths. If breathing returns, place in recovery position.

CPR If you're not trained in CPR, then provide hands-only CPR. That means uninterrupted chest compressions of about 100 a minute pressing down 1/3 of the chest depth until paramedics arrive. You don't need to try rescue breathing. If you're well-trained in CPR and confident in your ability, begin with chest compressions instead of first checking the airway and doing rescue breathing. Start CPR with 30 chest compressions before checking the airway and giving rescue breaths.

Defibrillation Attach an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible following the voice prompts.

d) Provide other First Aid to patient e) Provide oxygen to the patient if they are suffering from shock (using DAN O2 kit which

should provide close to 100% oxygen for about 40min with a ‘D’ size cylinder) f) Examination of an injured diver's central nervous system soon after an accident may

provide valuable information to the physician responsible for treatment. The Five-Minute Neurological Exam is easy to learn and can be performed by individuals with no medical experience (Appendix 6)

g) If at sea, return casualties to shore as soon as possible but immediately notify the emergency services (Ambulance, Police and Sea Rescue).

Essential details required are: a) Number of casualties b) Are they conscious and do/did they require resuscitation? c) Is there an obvious major injury or problem? d) What is the progressive state of casualties (e.g. stable, good colour, getting worse)? e) What medical equipment do you have available? f) Other relevant information: g) Full diving history for the preceding 48hours h) Previous medical history (e.g. previous injury, head cold, diabetic) i) Medical training of people on board or at the scene j) Keep records of details of the incident and advise the UDO. If the UDO is unavailable,

contact Health, Safety and Emergency Management Department (08 9266 4900)

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11.6 Emergency Services a) Call 000 – (you will be asked if you require Police, Fire or Ambulance) state “Ambulance”,

when connected to St John’s Ambulance Communications Centre, state “Diving Emergency”. Mobile phones can also be used to dial 112 for an ambulance. Alternatively, by radio, use VHF (Ch. 16) or 27 MHz radios (Ch. 88).

b) St John’s takes details of your location, your telephone number, clinical details and they offer First Aid advice.

c) If casualties are to be returned to shore for overland transfer; d) arrange to meet the ambulance at a specified location, estimate your time of arrival (ETA)

and give the name and description of your vessel e) The ambulance will transport the patient to the nearest hospital for assessment. NOTE: Direct

transfer to Fiona Stanley Hospital Hyperbaric Unit only if authorised f) If injuries are severe, St. Johns may make the decision to request helicopter evacuation

11.7 Hyperbaric Treatment The Fiona Stanley Hyperbaric Medicine Unit (HMU) is the Western Australian State Referral Service for Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. They operate a routine Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) from Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm, and are available on call after hours 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact the Helpdesk on (08) 6152 2222

The Hyperbaric Medicine Unit at Royal Adelaide Hospital co-ordinates the Divers Emergency Service, a telephone-based consultation service for diving-related matters covering Australia, the Southern Pacific and Southeast Asian regions.

Divers Emergency Service

Within Australia (Toll Free) 1800 088 200 Outside Australia +61-8-8212 9242

11.8 Evacuation from Rural and Remote Areas Contact DAN Asia Pacific on +61-3-98869166, immediately for any evacuation services required if a doctor recommends an evacuation procedure or decompression chamber/hyperbaric chamber located in the Fiona Stanley Hospital

11.9 Helicopter Evacuation The Fire and Emergency Services Association of Australia (FESA) Helicopter Evacuation Services:

a) Flies critical care specialists direct to an incident and then transports the injured directly to the hospital that will provide them with the very best of medical care;

b) Emergency rescue is available around the clock every day of the year (while the focus of the service is emergency rescue, it also has a secondary role to provide essential hospital transfers);

c) The helicopter has an operating range of 200 kilometres from Perth, covering 90 per cent of Western Australia’s population

d) With a refuelling stop the service can be extended to cover regional areas such as Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Albany as required

•

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SECTION 12 WA MARINE RESCUE GROUPS ALL volunteer marine rescue groups monitor radio listening watches on Marine Radio 27.88MHz and VHF Channel 16. Most groups also monitor other frequencies such as 27.90MHz, 27.91 MHz and VHF channels 72 and 73, as well as their own channels. Don't hesitate to call any volunteer marine rescue group on your marine radio.

Marine Radio Communications Chart

Group Call Sign 27 MHz UHF VHF MF/HF Phone

Albany Sea Rescue VMR610 88, 90 Y 16, 81, 82 4125 (08) 9844 1005

Augusta Sea Rescue VMR625 88 - 16, 82 N 0408 907 966

Bremer Bay Sea Rescue VMR607 88 2 16, 80 N 0429 374 171

Broome Sea Rescue VMR650 88, 91 Y 16 N (08) 9192 8202

Bunbury Sea Rescue VMR634 88 - 16 4125 (08) 9791 2330

Busselton Sea Rescue VMR640 88, 91 - 16, 74, 80, 22 N 0407 755 715

Carnarvon Sea Rescue VMR676 88, 91 - 16, 73, 81 4125 (08) 9941 3613

Christmas Island VMR VMR686 N - 16, 74, 80, 81,82 N (08) 9164 7000

*Cockburn Sea Rescue VH6CL 88,90 N 16, 73, 82 N (08) 9410 1544

Cocos Island VMR VMR678 N - 16, 20, 28 N (08) 9162 7742

Coral Bay Sea Rescue VMR679 88, 90 Y 16, 80, 82 4125 (08) 9942 5874

Denmark Sea Rescue VMR613 88, 94 - 16, 77, 22 N (08) 9848 3899

Derby Sea Rescue VMR694 88 - 16, 81 2182 , 4125 0419 959 376

East Kimberly VMR VMR699 88 - 16, 80, 81 N (08) 9161 1747

Esperance Sea Rescue VMR601 88 Y 16, 21, 22 2182 , 4125 0419 869 655

Exmouth Sea Rescue VMR682 88, 90 Y 16, 21, 22 Y (08) 9949 2426

Fremantle Sea Rescue VN6DI 88, 90 16, 73,82 2182, 4125 (08) 9335 1332

Geraldton VMR VMR670 88, 91 5 16, 72, 82 4125 0421 857 172

Hopetoun Sea Rescue VMR604 88 8 16, 82 N (08) 9838 3207

Jurien Bay Sea Rescue VMR661 88, 91 Y 16, 21 4125 (08) 9652 1950

Kalbarri Sea Rescue VMR673 88,90,96 20 16, 80 4125 (08) 9937 2112

Lancelin Sea Rescue VMR688 88, 91 Y 16, 80 4125 (08) 9655 1289

Leeman Sea Rescue VMR664 88, 91 6 16, 73 4125 (08) 9953 1164

Mandurah Water Rescue VMR611 88, 91 - 16, 73, 82 4125 0409 081 801

Margaret River Sea Rescue VMR628 88 - 16, 72, 80 N (08) 9755 5579

Naturaliste Sea Rescue VMR631 88, 91 6 16, 74, 80 4125 (08) 9756 8262

Onslow VMR VMR683 88 - 16 N 0429 688 714

Peaceful Bay Sea Rescue VMR616 88, 96 15, 2 16, 77,22 4125 (08) 9840 8108

Port Denison Sea Rescue VMR667 88, 91 - 16, 73 2182, 4125 0419 936 313

Port Hedland Sea Rescue VMR691 88 - 16 N (08) 9173 3055

Port Walcott Sea Rescue VMR689 88, - 16, 81 N (08) 9159 2143

Rockingham Sea Rescue VN6KC 88, 90 - 16, 73, 81, 82 4125 (08) 9527 9988

Shark Bay VMR VMR675 88, 90 - 16 N (08) 9948 1376

Two Rocks Sea Rescue VMR677 88, 91 - 16, 73 N (08) 9561 5777

Walpole Sea Rescue VMR619 88 2 16, 21 N (08) 9840 1527

West Pilbara Sea Rescue VMR685 88 - 16, 73 N 0437 978 774

*Whitfords Sea Rescue VJ6LQ 88, 90 N 16, 73 4125 (08) 9401 3757

Windy Harbour VMR VMR620 88, 91 2 16, 81 2182, 4125 (08) 9776 8388

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SECTION 13 REFERENCES Australian Institute of Marine Science Diving Procedures Manual - September 1997;

DCIEM Diving Manual - Part 1: Air Decompression Procedures and Tables;

Macquarie University Diving Operations Manual

Standards Association of Australia. The following Diving Standards: AS2299, AS2815.1, AS2815.2, AS2815.3, AS2030.1, AS4005.1;

Standards Association of Australia. AS2030 - Storage of Compressed Gases;

Standards Association of Australia. - A Draft Standard for Scientific Diving;

Tasmanian Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries - Diving Procedures Manual 1997;

University of Queensland - Heron Island Research Station Diving Operations Manual;

University of Sydney Diving Operations Manual

University of Tasmania Diving Policy and Procedures

University of Western Australia - Code of Practice for Underwater Diving;

Workplace Health and Safety Compliance Standard 1996 - Underwater Diving Work;

Diving and Subaquatic Medicine 1976, Edmonds, Lowry and Pennefather, Diving Medical Centre.

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APPENDIX 1. CU/SOS SNORKEL & SCUBA DIVER REGISTRATION FORM

A1.1 Details Please complete this form:

Surname: First Name:

Date of Birth: Department:

Phone: Mobile:

Email: Staff/Student/Visitor:

Home address:

Next of Kin: Mobile/Phone:

Home address:

A1.2 Qualifications Please enter all your qualifications and training relevant to snorkelling and diving.

Diving Qualifications Approx Hours # Dives at Depth (m)

Date Agency # Dives

Day Night 0-10 10-20 20-30 30+

Snorkelling ie PADI/SSI

Open Water

Advanced

Rescue

SSBA

Date Agency Renewal Dates

First Aid

Oxygen Therapy

CPR

Medical Certificate

A1.3 Personal Equipment Servicing If you wish to use your own equipment, it must be inspected and approved by the UDO and copies of the servicing records submitted.

Item Make and model Service Dates

Regulators

Gauges

BCD

Computer

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A1.4 Diving Conditions Experienced Please complete this table demonstrating the level of experience you have with diving from or in the following conditions:

Shore Mangrove Air Assisted

Small Boat Cave Current >0.5 knot

Large Boat Wreck Fresh Water

Rocks Penetration Computer

Surf Low Visibility <1.5m Speargun

Coral Reef Hi Visibility >15m

E - Extensive (>30 times); M - Moderate (5-30 times); L - Limited (1-4 times)

Statement by the Diver: I have read the Curtin University School of Science (CU/SOS) Diving Manual and agree to comply with all of CU/SOS diving rules, regulations and policies.

I also state the above is a true representation of my diving qualifications and history.

Signed:

Name:

Date:

Statement by the UDO:

I have reviewed the qualifications, logbooks and certifications and have been provided with copies for the records.

Signed:

Name:

Date:

Statement by the UDO:

I have assessed the above snorkeler/scuba diver according to the criteria in Appendix 2 and found them competent for:

Protected Water Open Water

Snorkelling Y/N Y/N

Scuba Diving Y/N Y/N

Signed:

Name: Date:

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APPENDIX 2. CU/SOS NEW SNORKEL & SCUBA DIVER SKILL EVALUATION

The following is the basis of the skills evaluation for new entry level divers to the University Dive Register. If deemed necessary, the University Diving Officer may vary performance requirements and skills for the evaluation.

A2.1 Snorkel Divers Skill Evaluation a) Before entering the water snorkelers must be briefed on: b) The dangers and prevention of hyperventilation and over exertion; c) Ear equalization and prevention of ear injury; d) Hand and emergency signals; e) Emergency actions and procedures; f) Buddy system with allocation of buddies (no solo snorkelers) •

Protected Waters (Swimming Pool) Open Waters

Swim Nonstop 100m in 5mins 200m in 10mins

Fin 100m in 4mins 800m in 19mins

Ear Clearing Y Y

Mask Clearing Y Y

Snorkel Clearing Y 2 methods

Duck Dive 2m 2m, retrieve object

Weight Belt Remove & replace

Signals OK, something wrong, danger, surface OK, surface require assistance

Inert Diver Tow Tow or push diver 100m in 5min in full gear

A2.2 Scuba Diving Skill Evaluation a) Swim 200 m nonstop without the use of swim aids, in less than 10mins; b) Fin 800m in less than 19mins; c) Fully assemble equipment, perform necessary checks and enter water; d) Push or tow an inert diver 100m in 5 mins with both divers in full SCUBA. e) Surface swim 25m alternating between snorkel and SCUBA while kicking; f) Demonstrate mask clearing; g) Demonstrate weight belt removal and replacement; h) Demonstrate removal and replacement of SCUBA equipment; i) Demonstrate regulator recovery and clearing; j) Demonstrate buoyancy control by fin pivot and hovering motionless for at least 15 seconds; k) Demonstrate use of alternative air source stationary and while swimming; l) Problem solving assessment (optional); m) Discussion of ascent rates, dive profiles and other University diving practices. n) Other tests may be added if deemed appropriate.

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APPENDIX 3. CU/SOS DIVE TRIP PERMISSION FORM This form must be submitted for approval no later than 48 hours before departure; if it is not submitted or completed, diving is not permitted.

All divers* must be listed on the University Diver Register and must hold a current Dive medical certificate (a recreational certificate is sufficient for undergraduate divers diving during official field excursions). Diver’s logbooks may be inspected by the UDO at any time. *Divers includes Snorkel Divers.

All divers must abide by the procedures outlined in the most recent version of the Curtin University Diving Operations Manual.

Project Leader Dive Sites

Project Description Number of Diving Days

Destination Number of Dives/Day

Trip Dates Maximum Dive Depth

Contact Numbers Equipment Needed

Boat Details

Skipper Details

# Diver Name Role Qualification Dive Medical Expiry Oxygen Expiry First Aid Expiry

1 Dive Supervisor

2 Attendant #1

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

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APPENDIX 4. CU/SOS ON SITE CHECKLIST AND CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT Date/Time: Site: Name: Signature

This Form must be completed on-site each day and discussed with the dive team before diving and reviewed before each subsequent dive. Required Items: On-site Conditions: Weather forecast suitable Y / N O2 kit functioning normally Y / N Tide prediction suitable Y / N O2 cylinder pressure (mPa) First aid kit no Surface visibility (km) O2 kit no Wind (speed/direction) O2 cylinder size Waves (size/direction) Defibrillator (AED) Y/N/NA Swell (size/direction) Dive flag (alpha) Y / N Tide/current (speed/direction) Communication (phone / radio) Y / N Weather conditions (good, okay, poor) Sufficient water and food Y / N In-water visibility (m) DCIEM tables Y / N Water depth at worksite (m) Dive proposal with risk assessment Y / N Everyone properly dressed for the conditions Y / N Site registration with risk assessment Y / N On-site Briefings Complete: Fieldwork notification Y / N Dive plan discussed & agreed Y / N Dive safety log(s) Y / N Emergency plan discussed & agreed Y / N Collection permits Y/N/NA Exit/entry points identified & agreed Y / N Risk Mitigation / Control / Description Is the O2 supply sufficient to supply two divers until EMS arrives Y / N Do not dive unless the answer is yes. Are BT/RG restricted due to distance from re-compression chamber Y / N Do additional measures need to put into place given the conditions Y / N Are conditions forecast to decline Y / N Is it possible for divers to exceed the planned max depth Y / N Dangerous marine creatures Y / N Entanglement or entrapment Y / N Vessel traffic Y / N Unforeseen risks (add as required) Y / N Notes:

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APPENDIX 5. CU/SOS DIVE RECORD

Project Leader

Dive Site

Date

Location Dive # Diver Role Gas Mix Max Depth Air In Air Out Time In Time Out Bottom

Time Surface Interval

Repetitive Factor

Effective Bottom Time

Repetitive Group

Diver Initials

APPENDIX 6 FIELD NEUROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT TEST Examination of an injured diver's central nervous system soon after an accident may provide valuable information to the physician responsible for treatment. The Five-Minute Neuro Exam is easy to learn and can be performed by individuals with no medical experience. The examination can be done whilst reading from this manual. Perform the following steps in order, and record the time, and the results for each test.

Conduct these tests on both right and left sides, and observe carefully for differences between the two sides. Tests 1, 7, and 9 are the most important, and should be given priority if not all tests can be performed.

6.1 Orientation • Does the diver know his/her name and age? • Does the diver know the present location? • Does the diver know what time, day, year it is?

Even though an individual may appear alert, the answers to these questions can reveal confusion. Do not omit them.

6.2 Eyes

Have the diver count the number of fingers you display, using two or three different numbers of fingers. Check each eye separately and then together. Have the diver identify a distant object. Tell the diver to hold head still - or you gently hold it still - while placing your other hand about 18 inches (slightly less than a half meter) in front of the face. Ask the diver to follow your hand. Now move your hand up and down, then side to side. The diver's eyes should follow your hand and should not jerk to one side and return (called nystagmus). Check that the pupils are equal in size.

6.3 Face

Ask the diver to whistle or purse their lips. Look carefully to see that both sides of the face have the same expression whilst whistling. Ask the diver to grit their teeth. Feel their jaw muscles to confirm that they are contracted equally.

Instruct the diver to close his/her eyes while you lightly touch your fingertips across their forehead and face. Confirm that sensation is present, and feels the same everywhere.

6.4 Hearing

Evaluate the diver's hearing by holding your hand about two feet from the individual's ear and rubbing your thumb and finger together. Check both ears by moving your hand closer until the diver hears it. Check several times and compare with your own hearing. NB. If the surroundings are noisy, this test is difficult to evaluate. If necessary, ask any bystanders to be quiet and tum off unneeded machinery.

6.5 Swallowing Reflex

Instruct the diver to swallow while you watch their "Adam's apple" to be sure it moves up and down.

6.6 Tongue

Instruct the diver to stick out their tongue. It should come out straight in the middle of the mouth without deviating to either side.

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6.7 Muscle Strength

Instruct the diver to shrug their shoulders while you bear down on them, to observe for equal muscle strength. Check the diver's arms by bringing their elbows up level with their shoulders, hands level with the arms, and touching their chest. Instruct the diver to resist while you pull their arms away, push them back, and move them up and down. The strength should be approximately equal in both arms in each any direction. Check leg strength by having the diver lie flat and raise and lower their legs while you resist the movement.

6.8 Sensory Perception

Check on both sides by touching lightly as was done on the face. Start at the top of the body and compare sides while moving downwards to cover the entire body. The diver's eyes should be closed during this procedure. The diver should confirm the sensation in each area before you move to another area.

6.9 Balance and Coordination

Be prepared to protect the diver from injury when performing this test. Have the diver stand up with feet together, close their eyes and stretch out their arms. The individual should be able to maintain balance if the platform is stable. Your arms should be around, but not touching the individual, in case they fall. Be prepared to catch a diver who starts to fall.

Check coordination by having the diver move an index finger back and forth rapidly between their nose and your finger - held approximately 18 inches (slightly less than a half meter) from their face. In another test of coordination, instruct the diver to slide the heel of one foot down the shin of the other leg while lying down.

The diver's condition may prevent the performance of one or more of these tests. Record any omitted test, and the reason. If any of the tests appear abnormal, injury to the central nervous system should be suspected.

The tests should be repeated at frequent intervals while awaiting assistance, to determine if any change occurs. Report the results to the emergency medical personnel responding to the call.

Good diving safety habits would include practicing this examination on normal uninjured divers, to become proficient in the test.

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APPENDIX 7. DIVE CHECKLIST This checklist provides a summary of all the requirements for forms and procedures that need to be completed and signed off prior to getting into the water.

Forms And Procedures To Be Completed Initials

Appendix 1 - CU/SOS Snorkel & Scuba Diver Registration Form

Appendix 2 - CU/SOS New Snorkel & Scuba Diver Skill Evaluation (If Necessary)

Appendix 3 - CU/SOS Dive Trip Permission Form

• List of All Participants And Roles

• Sighted Qualifications

• Sighted Current Dive Medical Certificates

Curtin University Fieldwork Preliminary Risk Identification Form Https://Ctl.Curtin.Edu.Au/Wil/Fieldwork-Forms/Index.Cfm

Curtin University Field Trip Risk Assessment Form

Https://Ctl.Curtin.Edu.Au/Wil/Fieldwork-Forms/Index.Cfm

CU Travel Approval Form (If >50km Away Or Staying Overnight) For Each Participant

Submit Forms To CU/SOS Dive Officer 48h Prior To Departure

Equipment Check List

• Sighted All Gear

• Sighted Gear Service Records

• International Dive Flag

• Oxygen Resuscitation Equipment

• First Aid Kit

Appendix 4. CU/SOS On Site Checklist And Conditions Assessment

Dive Plan

Pre Dive Briefing Including Lost Buddy And Emergency Response

Appendix 5. CU/SOS Dive Record

Submit Dive Records To CU/SOS Dive Officer