Fall 2024 Scientific Diving I Syllabus PDF

Introductions Name and Grad/Undergrad (Year) When and where you got certified Where you’ve done most of your diving Coolest thing you’ve seen diving Coolest place you’ve been diving Place you want to dive the most Reason for taking this class  Syllabus Cou...

Introductions Name and Grad/Undergrad (Year) When and where you got certified Where you’ve done most of your diving Coolest thing you’ve seen diving Coolest place you’ve been diving Place you want to dive the most Reason for taking this class  Syllabus Course Information: Course Alpha and Number: MARS 3200/6200 Course CRN: 6693/6442 Name of Course: Scientific Diving I Semester/Term: Fall 2024 Semester Dates: August 29 to December 20, 2024 Meeting Day: Thursday Meeting Times: 5:30 – 8:00 PM Meeting Place: Waterfront Tower 1 - 514  Syllabus My Information: Instructor Name: Ed Coccagna Instructor’s Office Hours: by appointment - before/after class is easiest Instructor’s Office Location: remote Instructor’s HPU email address: [email protected] Scientific Diving Program website: https://www.hpu.edu/cncs/scientific-diving/index.html  Syllabus Course Description: This is the first of a two-course sequence to train students in scientific diving based on guidelines from the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS). The course will cover AAUS training standards, including the history and regulations of scientific diving, diving physics and physiology, causes and prevention of dive injuries, dive equipment, and effective dive planning. During this first course, you can expect a lot of time spent on diving fundamentals in a more in-depth fashion than in your recreational dive certifications. You will become familiar with the HPU Scientific Diving Manual and what it takes to achieve and maintain HPU Scientific Diver status.  Syllabus Attendance: Attendance is mandatory except for documented medical issues or other extreme extenuating circumstances. Do note that the HPU Scientific Diving Manual requires students to complete a defined number of hours of training to grant HPU Scientific Diver status and affiliation with the AAUS. The course was designed to meet the required hours and therefore attendance is mandatory to achieve this certification. Students may pass the course but not receive dive status if all the attendance requirements for the course have not been met.  Syllabus Prerequisites: Minimum of an Open Water dive certification from a nationally recognized entity Minimum of 18 logged dives Authorization to dive from a physician familiar with diving medicine Ability to meet swimming standards Completion of all paperwork associated with course Instructor Approval Week Date Topic 1 29-Aug Intro to the Scientific Diving community 2 5-Sep HPU/AAUS diving applications / Marine Life ID 3 12-Sep Physics of Diving 1 (pressure, water, density, temperature, and buoyancy) 4 19-Sep Physics of Diving 2 (Gases, light and sound) / Review 5 26-Sep Physics Problem Set Due / Dive equipment / Marine Life ID 6 3-Oct Exam 1 / Diving Physiology (diving and the human body) 7 10-Oct Diving Physiology cont / Diving Injuries 8 17-Oct Decompression Theory 9 24-Oct Dive Planning 10 31-Oct Dive Tables Problem Set Due / Dive Planning / Marine Life ID / Review 11 7-Nov Exam 2 / Nitrox Diving and Tables 12 14-Nov First Aid/CPR/AED/O2 training 13 21-Nov Nitrox Tables Problem Set Due / Dive Rescue / Emergency Action Plan 14 28-Nov Thanksgiving Holiday – no class 15 5-Dec Dive Rescue / Dive Environments / Rev 16 TBA Final Exam TBA  Syllabus Required Reading: The class has no required textbook. PDFs, online modules, and videos will accompany aspects of the course and will be posted to Blackboard. You are responsible for all materials posted and coming to class prepared for quizzes and discussions. Assignments: All homework assignments will be posted to Blackboard and due the week after they are posted in class. Homework that is turned in after the due date will be docked a letter grade for each week that it is late. Exams and Quizzes: Exam dates are listed on this syllabus. Quizzes will be given periodically throughout the semester to test comprehension of dive concepts, marine organism IDs, and to ensure supplemental materials are being utilized as requested.  Syllabus Semester grades will be calculated using the following weights: Exams 1 and 2 40 % Final Exam 30 % Assignments 20 % Quizzes 10 % Final course grades will be issued according to the following criteria: % Letter Grade % Letter Grade 100 - 93 A 77 - 73 C 92 - 90 A- 72 - 70 C- 89 - 88 B+ 69 - 68 D+ 87 – 83 B 67 – 63 D 82 – 80 B- 62 - 60 D- 79 - 78 C+ < 60 F *Students wishing to pursue HPU Scientific Diver certification need to complete both courses (3200 and 3201 OR 6200 and 6201) with a grade of “80%” or better. *Students will need a score of 70% or higher to take the spring semester of the course.  Syllabus Dropping the course: If you stop attending the class, be sure to fill out the add/drop form (and process it) or you will receive an “F” for the semester, which will seriously affect your grade point average. Dropping a class is an important skill to develop and should be a well-reasoned decision. It is advisable to discuss the potential of dropping a class with your academic adviser. Classroom Decorum: Be an adult, act like an adult, and always respect those around you. Academic Integrity: Both Hawaii Pacific University and the Department of History and International Studies are dedicated to providing a learning environment based not only upon academic excellence but academic integrity as well. In this course it is expected that you will adhere to all Hawaii Pacific University guidelines regarding academic dishonesty. It is Hawaii Pacific University policy that any act of Academic Dishonesty will incur a penalty up to and including expulsion from the University. Any student who cheats on an academic exercise, lends unauthorized assistance to others, or who hands in a completed assignment that is not his or her work will be sanctioned. The term ‘academic exercise’ includes all forms of work submitted for points, grade, or credit. Please see the Student Handbook for the full policy (http://www.hpu.edu/Studentlife/student- handbook.pdf).  Syllabus ADA Accommodation Statement: Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title III (Public Accommodations) and Title V (Employment) and the Hawai’i Fair Employment Practice Law, Hawai’i Pacific University does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. If you are a student with special needs, as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and need any course materials provided in an alternative format, please contact your HPU ADA advisor. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your special needs. Title IX - Sexual Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy: HPU is committed to providing an educational environment free from sexual discrimination. Students, faculty and staff must report violations of sexual harassment, sexual assaults, stalking, domestic violence, dating violence, and retaliation to trigger corrective and preventative actions as well as victim support services. Victim support services include assistance with filing police reports, referrals to counseling and medical providers, assignment of a victim advocate, and assistance with academic accommodations. Faculty and students who become aware of such violations should contact the Title IX Coordinator (808-687-7014) or file an anonymous report using the Compliance Hotline (877-270-5054 or www.tnwinc.com/hpu). More details can be found at www.hpu.edu/studenthandbook.  Syllabus Accessibility Services (ADA accommodation): Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act 2008 (ADAAA), and Title III (Public Accommodations) Hawai’i Pacific University does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Any student who feels he/she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability is invited to contact Accessibility Services at HPU (808-544-1197); at [email protected], or at the LB Bldg., Suite 602, 1060 Bishop Street). This is a necessary step in order to ensure reasonable accommodations in a course. Students are not expected to disclose their specific disability to the professor; Accessibility Services will provide a letter for an instructor explaining the accommodations and NOT the nature of the disability. If you would like to discuss other concerns, such as medical emergencies or arrangements in the event of an emergency evacuation, please make an appointment to talk with the professor as soon as possible.  Syllabus Counseling & Behavioral Health Services (CBHS): CBHS provides current HPU students with free and confidential psychological counseling. Sometimes the stress of school along with personal issues can be too much to handle. CBHS provides the opportunity for students to discuss any personal problems or concerns and explore solutions. Appointments can be scheduled by phone at (808) 687-7076 or in person at the Downtown campus at UB 905. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Security and Safety: Help keep our campus safe and secure. For emergency situations, call 911; for non-emergencies, contact HPU security (808-544-1400). Timely reports of observations to security and the police can go a long way in preventing future crimes. Also, HPU security provides transportation or a walking escort at the Hawaii Loa campus, and a walking escort on the Downtown campus for anyone walking alone on foot to any university parking lot, facility or city bus stop. Call 808-236-3515 (Hawaii Loa) and 808-544-1400 (Downtown)--a security officer will be sent to your location. To receive critical information via text messaging, update your mobile number with Rave Alert (http://phone.hpu.edu), HPU’s emergency text program. Go to https://www.hpu.edu/About_HPU/security/hpu-security.html for more about campus security and emergency preparedness. Week Date Topic 1 29-Aug Intro to the Scientific Diving community 2 5-Sep HPU/AAUS diving applications / Marine Life ID 3 12-Sep Physics of Diving 1 (pressure, water, density, temperature, and buoyancy) 4 19-Sep Physics of Diving 2 (Gases, light and sound) / Review 5 26-Sep Physics Problem Set Due / Dive equipment / Marine Life ID 6 3-Oct Exam 1 / Diving Physiology (diving and the human body) 7 10-Oct Diving Physiology cont / Diving Injuries 8 17-Oct Decompression Theory 9 24-Oct Dive Planning 10 31-Oct Dive Tables Problem Set Due / Dive Planning / Marine Life ID / Review 11 7-Nov Exam 2 / Nitrox Diving and Tables 12 14-Nov First Aid/CPR/AED/O2 training 13 21-Nov Nitrox Tables Problem Set Due / Dive Rescue / Emergency Action Plan 14 28-Nov Thanksgiving Holiday – no class 15 5-Dec Dive Rescue / Dive Environments / Rev 16 TBA Final Exam TBA # 1 Priority and Focus of this class? Safety Safety Safety  What is Scientific Diving? Scientific diving is doing science underwater To achieve this, a scientific diver must be trained to work underwater with a higher level of proficiency that allows them to focus on the research task and data collection, in addition to the basics of diving. In other words, Scientific divers must be prepared to carry extensive equipment, accomplish numerous tasks, and maintain high safety standards simultaneously. “To work efficiently, research diving requires that the diving itself be automatic. The diver must be well trained and comfortable under rigorous field conditions.” (From Foster, Dean & Deysher. 1985. Subtidal Techniques. In: Ecological Field Methods: Macroalgae. Littler & Littler, Eds.) How do we achieve this? Knowledge and practice!  Other types of diving vs scientific diving Types of diving are set apart from each other depending on the purpose and objectives involved. Recreational divers enjoy the panoramic view of life beneath the sea and the thrill of breathing under water as a leisure pursuit. Commercial divers are underwater construction workers, builders and trouble shooters. Military divers are subject to a national defense mission. Public safety divers have investigative, rescue or protective missions. Scientific divers' goals are to advance science and preserve and protect the aquatic environment!  Types of scientific diving research Examples of the range of scientific work that can utilize scientific diving: Chemistry Archaeology Geology Ocean Engineering Biology Aquaculture and Fisheries Paleontology Animal Husbandry Oceanography The diversity of disciplines involved in scientific diving, and the varied environments where this diving is performed, has necessitated the development of a wide variety of techniques for observing and sampling underwater. These techniques are always built on a fundamental level of diver comfort and competence, which is the major goal for you through this course.  Scientific Diving History The first recorded scientific dives were made by Henri Milne-Edward (Sicily) circa 1844 1925: University of Miami students dive off of Sands Key as part of their class. 1930’s: University of Miami offers courses that include practical underwater observations. 1934: Kitching, J.A. Et al. Used helmet for sublittoral ecology observations. (Jmbauk 19:677 -705) 1947: Haymaker, F. Used hardhat gear for underwater photography of Scripps canyon. (She pard, F.P. 1949) 1948: UCLA’s Bullock, T.H. Conducted benthic invertebrate studies using hand- operated pumps and helmets. (Walker, B. Fish studies)  Scientific Diving History 1949: Conrad Limbaugh and A. Rechnitzer start using aqualungs at UCLA. 1950: Conrad Limbaugh becomes chief diver at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Later be came first Diving Safety Officer. 1951: Initial SIO diving safety courses taught by C. Limbaugh 1952: Two students from UCSB and UCB drown while using scuba, leading to the formation of a statewide committee. 1954: Limbaugh and others publish University of California diving safety rules and regulations. 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s: Continued emergence of self-regulating programs and standards.  Scientific Diving History 1975: The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners (UBCJ) of America, supported by the AFL-CIO (a federation of unions), petitioned OSHA, urging that a standard be issued with respect for professional diving operations. 1976: OSHA enacts proposed rulemaking for commercial diving. 1977: On October 2nd OSHA commercial diving regulations take affect. These regulations apply whenever diving occurs in an employer-employee relationship. 1977: AAUS is formed from its precursor, CACSTD (California Advisory Committee on Scientific and Technical Diving) and eventually registered as a California 501.C.6 corporation in 1980.  Scientific Diving History 1979: AAUS petitions OSHA for an exemption, citing its ruling as unnecessarily restrictive and negatively impacting the scientific diving community. Supporting it's argument by stating scientific diving's exemplary exposure/incident rate statistics, a rate lower than the Commercial Diving Industry, and it's self regulation and consensual standards for over 20 years. 1980: OSHA hearings in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. 1982: November 26th issuance of scientific diving exemption to commercial diving regulations (29CFR1910 Subpart T), allowing scientific diving that meets certain requirements to occur without complying with the commercial diving operations standard.  Legal definition of scientific diving? Scientific diving is defined (29CFR1910.402) as: “Diving performed solely as a necessary part of a scientific, research, or educational activity by employees whose sole purpose for diving is to perform scientific research tasks. Scientific diving does not include performing any tasks usually associated with commercial diving such as: Placing or removing heavy objects underwater; inspection of pipelines and similar objects; construction; demolition; cutting or welding; or the use of explosives.”  OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration Established by the federal government in 1970 Purpose: To ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. Why is the definition of scientific diving important? In 1982, OSHA exempted scientific diving from commercial diving regulations (29CFR1910, Subpart T) under certain conditions. The final guidelines for the exemption became effective in 1985 (Federal Register, Vol. 50, No.6, p.1046). The American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) is recognized by OSHA as the scientific diving standard setting organization. HPU became an official Organizational Member (OM) of AAUS in December of 2020. HPU diving activities are governed by AAUS standards and the additional standards set forth by the HPU Dive Control Board (DCB) and HPU’s legal team.  The Scientific Diving Exemption OSHA has granted an exemption for scientific diving from commercial diving regulations under the following guidelines (Appendix B to 29 CFR 1910 Subpart T) when a scientific diving program has been installed and adheres to the following: The Diving Control Board consists of a majority of active scientific divers and has autonomous and absolute authority over the scientific diving program’s operation. The purpose of the project using scientific diving is the advancement of science; therefore, information and data resulting from the project are non-proprietary. The tasks of a scientific diver are those of an observer and data gatherer. Construction and trouble-shooting tasks traditionally associated with commercial diving are not included within scientific diving. Scientific divers, based on the nature of their activities, must use scientific expertise in studying the underwater environment and therefore, are scientists or scientists-in- training.  The Scientific Diving Exemption continued In addition, the scientific diving program must contain, as defined by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart T 1910.401(a)(2)(iv): A Diving safety manual which includes at a minimum: Procedures covering all diving operations specific to the program; procedures for emergency care, including recompression and evacuation; and criteria for diver training and certification. A Diving control (safety) board, with the majority of its members being active divers, which must at a minimum have the authority to: Approve and monitor diving projects; review and revise the diving safety manual; assure compliance with the manual; certify the depths to which a diver has been trained; take disciplinary action for unsafe practices; and, assure adherence to the buddy system (a diver is accompanied by and is in continuous contact with another diver in the water) for SCUBA diving.  Pertinent Definitions Scuba Diving - A diving mode independent of surface supply in which the diver uses open circuit self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Organizational Member (OM) - An organization which is a current member of the AAUS, and which has a program, which adheres to the standards of the AAUS as, set forth in the AAUS Manual. Diving Control Board (DCB) - Group of individuals who act as the official representative of the membership organization in matters concerning the scientific diving program. Diving Safety Officer (DSO) - Individual responsible for the safe conduct of the scientific diving program of the membership organization (Scientific Diver) Certification - A diver who holds a recognized valid certification from an AAUS OM Diver-In-Training - An individual gaining experience and training in additional diving activities under the supervision of a dive team member experienced in those activities. * Definition of other pertinent terms can be found in Appendix 5 of the HPU Scientific Diving Manual  HPU Dive Control Board Dr. David Horgen – HPU Professor of Chemistry Dr. Matt Iacchei – HPU Professor of Marine Science Ed Coccagna – HPU Scientific Diving Safety Officer and Program Manager  HPU Dive Control Board Has autonomous and absolute authority over the scientific diving program’s operation. The DCB must: Establish additional standards, protocols, and operational procedures beyond the AAUS Approve and monitor diving projects Review and Revise the diving safety manual Ensure compliance with the diving safety manual Approve depth ratings for new divers Take disciplinary action for unsafe practices Ensure adherence to the buddy system for scientific diving Act as the official representative of HPU in matters concerning the scientific diving program Act as a board of appeal to consider diver-related problems Recommend the issue, reissue, or the revocation of diving authorizations  HPU Dive Control Board The DCB must (continued): Establish and/or approve training protocols or standards through which the applicants for authorization can satisfy the requirements of HPU’s diving safety manual Suspend diving operations considered to be unsafe or unwise Establish criteria for equipment selection and use Recommend new equipment or techniques Establish and/or approve facilities for the inspection and maintenance of diving associated equipment Periodically review the DSO’s performance and program Investigate diving incidents within HPU’s diving program or violations of HPU’s diving safety manual Recommend changes in policy and amendments to AAUS and HPU’s diving safety manual as the need arises  HPU Diving Safety Officer The Diving Safety Officer (DSO) serves as a voting member of the DCB and is the designated representative to AAUS. This person has extensive experience in research diving and a technical expertise in diving operations. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Answers, through the DCB, to the appropriate administrative officer or designee, for the conduct of the scientific diving program of HPU. 2. If delegated by the DCB, the routine operational authority for this program rests with the DSO. This oversight includes, but is not limited to: training, diver authorizations, approval of dive plans, maintenance of diving records, and ensuring compliance with this manual.  HPU Diving Safety Officer Duties and Responsibilities (continued): 3. May permit some duties and responsibilities to be carried out by a qualified delegate, with the approval of the DCB. 4. Must be guided in the performance of the required duties by the advice of the DCB, but operational responsibility for the conduct of the scientific diving program will be retained by the DSO. 5. Must suspend diving operations determined to be unsafe or unwise. Break for 10 minutes  American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Mission Statement: “to facilitate the development of safe and productive scientific divers through education, research, advocacy, and the advancement of standards for scientific diving practices, certifications and operations.”  AAUS Goals: Provide a national forum for the exchange of information on scientific diving Advance the science and practice of scientific diving Collect, assess, and distribute exposure, incident and accident statistics related to scientific diving Promote just and uniform legislation relating to scientific diving Facilitate the exchange of information on scientific diving practices among members Engage in any or all activities which are in the general interest of the scientific diving community  AAUS membership There are 150+ Organizational Members (OM) – comprised of research institutions, public and private universities, museums, aquaria, government agencies, consulting companies and environmental outreach organizations. There are approximately 3000 Individual Members (IM) -AAUS certification or AAUS science diver training occurs when a diver is trained through an AAUS Organizational member as an AAUS scientific diver. AAUS membership occurs when an individual chooses to join the Academy. Certification does not equal membership. Certified divers must actively join AAUS if they wish to become members. Conversely, membership in AAUS does NOT denote an active AAUS science diver status. The valuable benefits of individual membership are detailed in a subsequent section. AAUS Scientific Divers – 5500+ divers performing over 140,000 dives annually (2018 Statistics). AAUS trained divers who leave their scientific diving organization carry with them the training they have received. This training does not equate to active scientific diver status. For that the individual needs to be operating under the auspices of an AAUS Organizational member and meet all of the requirements for an active scientific diver in that program.  Organizational Members Help shape Scientific Diving Standards – AAUS standards are recognized as the industry standard in scientific diving. These standards are continually evaluated and updated by AAUS membership. Have Advocacy for Regulatory Discussions - AAUS has and will continue to approach OSHA with membership’s concerns and suggestions to help define and adapt the federal regulation of scientific diving to changes in technology and community best practice. Encourage and Ease Scientific Collaborations - AAUS reciprocity greatly facilitates research collaboration across institutions.  Benefits of Individual Members Community Involvement - AAUS provides multiple forums for diving scientists to share information on diving research, methodologies and funding with other professional researchers and dive professionals. Members are kept abreast of the latest standards of practice for training, equipment, diving procedures and managerial and regulatory operations. Owning your Diving Safety - Your safety underwater is primarily your responsibility, but it helps to have a solid foundation. AAUS Diving Standards are available for you to use, even if you are currently diving outside of the auspices of an AAUS OM. Additionally, an active equipment recall and safety notices board will keep you informed of equipment performance or safety concerns. Research Diving and Career Opportunities - Individual Members have access to a jobs board as well as internship programs to help broaden opportunities and experiences.  Benefits of Individual Members Professional Development - Stay abreast of AAUS OM workshops and member institution opportunities for professional development through the monthly AAUS newsletter, the E- Slate, as well as the AAUS annual symposium with it's associated trainings and workshops. Discounts - Individual Members enjoy periodic discounts from AAUS Corporate Sponsors and discounted gear programs (must be accessed through your AAUS DSO). ** Keep in mind that AAUS certification or AAUS science diver training occurs when a diver is trained through an AAUS Organizational member as an AAUS scientific diver. AAUS membership occurs when an individual chooses to join the Academy. Certification does not equal membership. Certified divers must actively join AAUS if they wish to become members. Conversely, membership in AAUS does NOT denote an active AAUS science diver status.  The AAUS Foundation The Foundation is the charitable arm (501c3) of AAUS. The Foundation is currently responsible for AAUS scholarships and awards research scholarships, internships, travel and gear awards for students. In conjunction with AAUS, the Foundation has given out $150,000 in scholarship monies since 1996. The Foundation shares other scholarship and internship opportunities in scientific diving and is a GREAT resource for aspiring marine scientists.  Scientific Diver Training Knowledge Development Training + Written Exam(s) Acquire Medical Clearance Complete a Swimming/Water Skills Assessment Complete Confined Water Skills Including skills such as mask clearing; air sharing; buddy breathing; equipment removal and replacement; Open Water Skills Including skills such as air sharing; emergency ascent; regulator and mask clearing; excellent buoyancy; navigation; self-rescue and buddy rescue; dive planning; demonstrate good judgment for safe scientific diving  Scientific Diver Training Additional Rescue Skills Including rescue diver from depth and transport on the surface with appropriate techniques; stressed and panicked diver scenarios; egress from water to shore or boat Dives Successfully complete a minimum of one checkout dive and at least eleven additional open water dives in a variety of dive sites, for a cumulative surface to surface time of 6 hours, and following a specific depth progression. Equipment - Examination/review of: Personal diving equipment Task specific equipment Function and manipulation of the decompression management method(s) to be employed by the diver (dive tables, decompression computer, etc. as applicable)  Benefits of scientific diver training and status Greater competency in diving Increased diving opportunities Training recognized throughout the scientific community Authorization to dive at HPU AAUS reciprocity network AAUS job postings  Benefits continued – AAUS reciprocity Reciprocity is based on the principle that all AAUS OMs train scientific divers to the same consensual standards and that there exist an interinstitutional communication, familiarity and trust. It is a starting point to manage the exchange/sharing of divers. Important points to remember about reciprocity are: Two or more AAUS OMs engaged jointly in diving activities, or engaged jointly in the use of diving resources, must designate one of the participating DCBs to govern the joint project. →It is important to know under whose standards and liability dives are happening and how those dives are to be reported. So talk to your DSO early and often if you plan to work with divers from other organizations!  Benefits continued – AAUS reciprocity Note - A visiting Scientific Diver may be asked to demonstrate their knowledge and skills for the planned dive. →There are shared minimum training guidelines between OMs, including topics in this online class, but diving on coral reefs and in the arctic require some additional different skills that you may need to learn. Just as in any type of diving, there is always more to learn as a scientific diver. Additional steps/paperwork, such as waivers or verification of employment may be required by the receiving program →Again, consulting with your DSO well BEFORE the planned project can ensure that all necessary steps are taken for success.  Maintaining scientific diver status 12 dives logged per year Current physician’s approval to dive 60 years old = every two years Current certifications in the following: First Aid, CPR, and oxygen administration HPU specific requirements: current swim fitness evaluation and insurance requirement * AAUS Scientific diver authorization is only valid when you are diving under the auspices of an AAUS institution. If you switch OMs, there are ways to transfer your authorization to your new OM, as explained in the standards section.  AAUS scientific diving standards Greatest contribution of AAUS to the diving community “Gold standard” for diving safety AAUS collects annual statistics from member organizations and is in a continual process of reviewing and updating standards, which leads to safer diving across the board Diving incidents are significantly lower in diving operations that adhere to AAUS standards  AAUS statistics and safety in numbers # Dives by depth range, 2019 90000 82422 80000 70000 # Total Divers: 5,495 60000 50000 # Total Dives: 137,991 38298 40000 # Dives 30000 # Incidents: 12 20000 13639 10000 2450 689 167 326 0 0-30 31-60 61-100 101-130 131-150 151-190 191+  AAUS scientific diving standards Scientific divers are required to know the standards and to uphold them when diving Helpful resources: HPU scientific diving safety manual (on blackboard and program website) Content from this course HPU Dive Control Board members or the diving safety officer Other HPU scientific divers Divers found to not be following the standards will have diving privileges revoked and potential further discipline from the university Remember: The purpose of the scientific diving standards is to ensure scientific diving is conducted in a manner that will maximize the protection of scientific divers from accidental injury and/or illness, and to set forth standards for training and certification that will allow reciprocity between Organizational Members (OMs).  Paperwork Unlike a recreational dive certification where your certification card is proof of training, scientific diving has two standard avenues for verifying training. Both are usually issued by your DSO and can be required for different types of collaborations. Letter of Reciprocity (LOR) is a verification of both scientific diver training AND a statement of currency in an AAUS OM program. Implies that the home institution assumes liability for the visiting diver. Example: Graduate student diver needs to dive with different OM diver to collect data for collaborative study Verification of Training (VOT) verifies scientific diver training but does not imply/assume liability for diver. Example: Undergraduate diver transferring to new program for graduate studies LORs and VOTs generally do not include indemnification statements. Most AAUS OMs require completion of institutional-specific forms for liability purposes.  Diving – getting started Submit a dive plan Before conducting any diving operations under the auspices of the OM, a dive plan for the proposed project or dive must be formulated and submitted for approval by the DCB or designee. Dives should be planned around the competency of the least experienced diver. The HPU dive plan form is available on the program’s website and in the appendix of the diving safety manual Your DSO/DCB needs time to review your plan, so submit them early! Please submit all dive plans at least five business days prior to planned diving activities. Divers are not to proceed with diving operations until the dive plan has been approved and returned to you. If you have any questions regarding dive plans, direct questions to the HPU diving safety officer or members of the dive control board.  Lead diver Each dive shall have a Lead Diver designated. They are responsible for: Ensuring dives are conducted in accordance with the OM's standards for diving operations. Ensuring all dive team members possess current authorization and are qualified for the type of diving operation. Coordination with other known activities in the vicinity that are likely to interfere with diving operations. Ensuring safety and emergency equipment is in working order and at the dive site. Suspending diving operations if in their opinion conditions are not safe. (This is of course the responsibility of all divers on every dive!) Reporting to the DCB, through the DSO, any physical problems or adverse physiological effects including symptoms of pressure-related injuries.  The HPU Diver Code What do you think the ultimate responsibility is for HPU divers? The decision to dive is that of the diver. It is the diver’s responsibility and duty to refuse to dive, without fear of penalty, if in his/her judgment, conditions are unsafe or unfavorable, or if he/she would be violating the precepts of regulations in the Diving Safety Manual of the OM. The majority of dive accidents involve divers diving in situations they are not comfortable with, or putting themselves in situations where they knew something was off and chose to proceed anyway.  Speaking Up When trying to accomplish work underwater, it is easy for limited weather windows, the expense of field time, and other factors to make you feel obligated to do the dive. Due to the work environment and potential power dynamics involved, you may find yourself uncomfortable with a diving-related situation as you dive with those more experienced than you, or hold power over you in some way because they are your professor, your boss, or able to influence your future in some way. If you feel uncomfortable about a diving-related situation, please consider talking to your DSO, DCB chair, HR department, or an authoritative figure that can offer support. Each diver holds the right to refuse a dive and should never be penalized for doing so. Even though it may feel hard, you MUST speak up if you don't feel comfortable with the plan, don't understand the plan, or otherwise think you or someone else is at risk. You may very well be seeing or know something that someone else is not aware of, and speaking up can save your life, or that of others.  Emergencies and Deviations from Regulations Any diver may deviate from the requirements of this manual to the extent necessary to prevent or minimize a situation likely to cause death, serious physical harm, or major environmental damage. A written report must be submitted to the DCB explaining the circumstances and justifications should any deviations from the regulations occur. The penalty for non- compliance will involve revoking of diving privileges.  Pre-dive safety checks Form found in the appendix section of the HPU Diving Safety Manual and on the program’s website. The form “Pre and Post-Dive Checklist” must be present and on site for all diving activities. The form must be submitted to the DSO at the end of diving operations relevant to the specific dive plan.  Pre-dive safety checks Prior to commencing a dive, the dive team must: Ensure that every team member is healthy, fit, and trained appropriately for the dive methods and objectives. Conduct a functional check of their diving equipment in the presence of the dive buddy or tender. They must ensure the equipment is functioning properly and suitable for the type of diving operation. →This step can often be lost in the rush to get work done or when diving with a diver much more experienced than you. Everyone has off days, check your gear and your dive buddy's gear, no matter how often either of you dive. You are a team! Ensure each diver has the capability of achieving and maintaining positive buoyancy at the surface. Ensure environmental conditions at the site are evaluated prior to entering the water.  Pre-dive safety briefing Before conducting any diving operations under the auspices of the OM, the dive team members must be briefed on: Dive Buddy assignments and tasks Objectives of the planned dive Maximum depth(s) and bottom time Turn around pressure and required surfacing pressure Entry, exit, descent and ascent procedures Perceived environmental and operational hazards and mitigations Emergency and diver recall procedures  The HPU Buddy System HPU scientific divers must adhere to a strict buddy system policy both in and out of the water for dive operations. The HPU buddy system begins before the dive as each partner inspects his/her own and buddy’s gear prior to getting in the water. The pre-dive check also serves as an informative time, especially if one of the divers is feeling anxious or appears unfit for the task at hand. Many emergencies can be stopped before they have a chance to take root when each diver is paying attention to his/her surroundings. Divers should trust their judgement and act early. In the water, divers of a buddy team must remain within a reasonable distance of each other in order to render aid in the instance of an emergency, especially for an out of air scenario. An emergency rarely happens when you are expecting it, so you should be vigilant and pay attention to yourself, your buddy, and your surroundings at all times. For an out of air scenario, your buddy is your lifeline. Please note that although HPU scientific divers do thorough buddy checks prior to getting in the water and keep dive gear in pristine condition, a fluke regulator failure gives very little time to act in what is certainly a time-sensitive situation…  The HPU Buddy System continued …The diver may not realize the failure until drawing for another breath that is not delivered. This does not provide much time for the buddy team to make contact with each other and render aid. Please be mindful of where your buddy is at all times and ensure that you remain close enough to help each other. Safe distances may be dictated by environmental conditions at times therefore a fixed distance is not given. A diver must use his/her judgement to determine an appropriate maximum distance with the safety of the buddy team as the top priority. After the dive, the buddy team must remain together for a period of 30 minutes after reaching the surface. Buddies should help each other with gear, participate in the post-dive briefing and talk about their dive, meanwhile paying attention to each other’s well-being. If a separation is required of the buddy pair (e.g. a restroom visit or changing into street clothes), you can temporarily swap buddies with another pair or stand outside of the entrance of the separation space, remaining in range of verbal contact. Please report any instances of divers violating these policies to the DSO immediately.  Solo Diving Solo diving is NOT permitted under the AAUS standard. All diving activities must adhere to the buddy system. This buddy system is based upon mutual assistance, especially in the case of an emergency. This includes if a dive team member dropped a piece of gear at the surface after a dive. If this happens, the buddy team must retrieve the piece of gear together providing they have the appropriate amount of air and bottom time remaining. Dive Buddies should be within close-proximity at all times to ensure visual contact and an immediate response in the event of an emergency. Has anyone ever been in a situation where the buddy system prevented something unfavorable from happening?  Termination of the dive Each dive must be terminated while there is still sufficient cylinder pressure to permit the diver to safely reach the surface, including decompression time, or to safely reach an additional air source at the decompression station. (We will talk more about how to make sure you achieve this in the dive planning module.) It is the responsibility of the diver to terminate the dive that he/she considers unsafe, without fear of reprisal, in a way that does not compromise the safety of another diver already in the water. Remember when we talked about how important it is that you speak up before the dive? If something happens during the dive, end it safely! After the completion of a dive, each diver must report any physical problems, symptoms of a pressure-related injury, or equipment malfunctions to the Lead Diver, DSO, and/or DCB.  Support equipment for diving Required topside support equipment: First aid kit designed for dive support Emergency oxygen supply adequate for the number of divers present Dive flag for marking the area HPU Emergency Action Plan Writing utensil Save a dive kit Cell Phone for emergency calls  Post dive requirements After the completion of a dive, each diver must report any physical problems, symptoms of decompression sickness, or equipment malfunctions to the Lead Diver, DSO, and/or DCB. Remain together or in verbal communication range of your buddy for a period of no lesser than 30 minutes. Complete the post dive checklist. Rinse and maintain your gear. Log your dive. Dive logs must be submitted within 7 days. In the case of a diving incident, an incident report must be submitted within 24 hours.  Dive log Dive logs provide a valuable record of your dives and help provide the statistics that AAUS uses to govern the scientific diving community. HPU scientific divers must log every dive made under the auspices of HPU and are encouraged to log all other recreational dives. Dive logs will be submitted to the DSO within one week of dive completion. Submitted dive logs will be placed in the diver’s permanent file. The dive log must include at least the following: Name and authorization of diver and buddy Date, time, and location Diving modes used General nature of diving activities Maximum depth, dive time, and surface interval time Diving tables or computers used Detailed report of any near or actual incidents  Required Incident Report All diving incidents requiring recompression treatment, or resulting in moderate or serious injury, or death must be reported to the HPU DCB and AAUS in a timely manner. HPU must record and report occupational injuries and illnesses in accordance with requirements of the appropriate Labor Code section. The HPU DCB must investigate and document any incident of pressure- related injury and prepare a report that is to be forwarded to AAUS during the annual reporting cycle. If pressure-related injuries are suspected, or if symptoms are evident, the following additional information must be recorded and retained by the DCB, with the record of the dive, for a period of 5 years:  Required Incident Report Written descriptive report must include: Name, address, phone numbers of the principal parties involved. Summary of experience of divers involved. Location, description of dive site, and description of conditions that led up to incident. The circumstances of the incident and the extent of any injuries or illnesses. Description of symptoms, including depth and time of onset. Description and results of treatment. Disposition of case. Recommendations to avoid repetition of incident.  Depth Ratings Your scientific diver authorization will come with a specific depth rating. Each depth rating indicates the maximum depth in which a diver can conduct science and may supervise other divers holding a lesser depth authorization. A scientific diver requires a valid depth authorization to be considered active. A diver may be authorized to the next depth level after successfully completing the requirements for that level. A diver may exceed his/her depth authorization when accompanied and supervised by a dive buddy holding a depth authorization greater or equal to the intended depth. Dives must be planned and executed with the permission of the DCB or designee.  Progressing to greater depths Authorization to 30 Foot Depth - Initial science diver depth authorization, approved upon the successful completion of training listed above. Cumulative minimum supervised dives: 12. Authorization to 60 Foot Depth - A diver holding a 30-foot authorization may be authorized to a depth of 60 feet after successfully completing and logging 12 supervised dives to depths between 31 and 60 feet under supervision of a diver authorized by the DCB, for a minimum total time of 4 hours. Cumulative minimum supervised dives: 24. Authorization to 100 Foot Depth - A diver holding a 60-foot authorization may be authorized to a depth of 100 feet after successfully completing and logging 6 supervised dives to depths between 61 and 100 feet under supervision of a dive buddy authorized by the DCB. The diver must also demonstrate proficiency in the use of the appropriate decompression profiling method. Cumulative minimum supervised dives: 30.  Progressing to greater depths Authorization to 130 Foot Depth - A diver holding a 100-foot authorization may be authorized to a depth of 130 feet after successfully completing and logging 6 supervised dives to depths between 100 and 130 feet under supervision of a dive buddy authorized by the DCB. The diver must also demonstrate proficiency in the use of the appropriate decompression profiling method. Cumulative minimum supervised dives: 36. Authorization to 150 Foot Depth - A diver holding a 130-foot authorization may be authorized to a depth of 150 feet after successfully completing and logging 6 supervised dives to depths between 130 and 150 feet under supervision of a dive buddy authorized by the DCB. The diver must also demonstrate knowledge of the special problems of deep diving and of special safety requirements. Cumulative minimum supervised dives: 42. Authorization to 190 Foot Depth – A diver holding a 150-foot authorization may be authorized to a depth of 190 feet after successfully completing and logging 6 dives to depths between 150 and 190 feet under supervision of a dive buddy authorized by the DCB. The diver must also demonstrate knowledge of the special problems of deep diving and of special safety requirements. Cumulative minimum supervised dives: 48.  Flying after diving Following a Single No-Decompression Dive: Divers should have a minimum preflight surface interval of 12 hours. Following Multiple Dives per Day or Multiple Days of Diving: Divers should have a minimum preflight surface interval of 18 hours. Following Dives Requiring Decompression Stops: Divers should have a minimum preflight surface interval of 24 hours. Before Ascending to Altitude Above 1000 feet (304 meters): Divers should follow the appropriate guideline for preflight surface intervals unless the decompression procedure used has accounted for the increase in elevation.  Other US governing scientific diving entities National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) standards, while mostly adhering to AAUS standards, does requires a slightly different medical. https://www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/diving-program The University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) amplifies the AAUS standards for diving from a research vessel platform: www.unols.org National Science Foundation (NSF) has additional standards for polar diving as determined by their Office of Polar Programs: www.Usap.Gov, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration  Alternatives to AAUS membership It is worth noting that AAUS standards are not the only option for scientific diving, and one doesn't have to be an AAUS member to use AAUS standards. For example, diving for research may also can be conducted under the commercial diving standard. Remember that in order to conduct dives under the scientific dive exemption ALL the requirements of the exemption must be met, just a purpose of science is not enough! The requirements of the exemption may still be met without AAUS membership or regulation. Many OMs prefer AAUS membership due to the safety record as a result of following standards, and for the benefit of reciprocity/collaboration among institutions.