SECTION 3.00

DIVING EQUIPMENT

3.10 GENERAL POLICY

3.10.1 All equipment shall meet standards as determined by the Diving Safety Officer and the Diving Control Board. Equipment that is subjected to extreme usage under adverse conditions should require more frequent testing and maintenance.

3.10.2 All equipment shall be regularly examined by the person using them.

3.20 EQUIPMENT

3.21 Regulators

3.21.1 Only those makes and models specifically approved by the Diving Safety Officer and the Diving Control Board shall be used.

3.21.2 Scuba regulators shall be inspected and tested prior to first use and every twelve months thereafter.

3.21.3 Regulators will consist of a primary second stage and an alternate air source (such as an octopus second stage or redundant air supply).

3.22 Breathing Masks and Helmets

Breathing masks and helmets shall have:

3.22.1 A non-return valve at the attachment point between helmet or mask and hose, which shall close readily and positively.

3.22.2 An exhaust valve.

3.22.3 A minimum ventilation rate capable of maintaining the diver at the depth to which he/she is diving.

3.23 Scuba Cylinders

3.23.1 Scuba cylinders shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Unfired Pressure Vessel Safety Orders.

3.23.2 Scuba cylinders must be hydrostatically tested in accordance with DOT standards.

3.23.3 Scuba cylinders must have an internal inspection at intervals not to exceed twelve months.

3.23.4 Scuba cylinder valves shall be functionally tested at intervals not to exceed twelve months.

3.24 Backpacks

Backpacks without integrated flotation devices and weight systems shall have a quick release device designed to permit jettisoning with a single motion from either hand.

3.25 Gauges

Gauges shall be inspected and tested before first use and every twelve months thereafter.

3.26 Flotation Devices

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

3.26.2 Personal flotation systems, buoyancy compensators, dry suits, or other variable volume buoyancy compensation devices shall be equipped with an exhaust valve.

3.26.3 These devices shall be functionally inspected and tested at intervals not to exceed twelve months.

3.27 Timing Devices, Depth and Pressure Gauges

Both members of the diving pair must have an underwater timing device, an approved depth indicator, and a submersible pressure gauge.

3.28 Determination of Decompression Status: Dive Tables, Dive Computers

3.28.1 A set of diving tables, approved by the Diving Control Board, must be available at the dive location.

3.28.2 Dive computers may be utilized in place of diving tables, and must be approved by the Diving Control Board. AAUS recommendations on dive computers are available at http://www.aaus.org.

3.30 AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT

3.31 Hand held underwater power tools.

Hand held underwater power tools. Electrical tools and equipment used underwater shall be specifically approved for this purpose. Electrical tools and equipment supplied with power from the surface shall be de-energized before being placed into or retrieved from the water. Hand held power tools shall not be supplied with power from the dive location until requested by the diver.

3.40 SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

3.41 First aid supplies.

A first aid kit and emergency oxygen shall be available.

3.42 Diver's Flag

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

3.43 Compressor Systems - UA Controlled

The following will be considered in design and location of compressor systems:

3.43.1 Low pressure compressors used to supply air to the diver if equipped with a volume tank shall have a check valve on the inlet side, a relief valve, and a drain valve.

3.43.2 Compressed air systems over 500 psig shall have slow-opening shut-off valves.

3.43.3 All air compressor intakes shall be located away from and upwind of areas containing exhaust or other contaminants.

3.50 EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

3.51 Record keeping

Each equipment modification, repair, test, calibration, or maintenance service shall be logged, including the date and nature of work performed, serial number of the item, and the name of the person performing the work for the following equipment:

3.51.1. Regulators

3.51.2 Submersible pressure gauges

3.51.3 Depth gauges

3.51.4 Scuba cylinders

3.51.5 Cylinder valves

3.51.6 Diving helmets

3.51.7 Submersible breathing masks

3.51.8 Compressors

3.51.9 Gas control panels

3.51.10 Air storage cylinders

3.51.11 Air filtration systems

3.51.12 Analytical instruments

3.51.13 Buoyancy control devices

3.51.14 Dry suits

3.52 Compressor Operation and Air Test Records

3.52.1 Gas analyses and air tests shall be performed on UA-controlled breathing air compressor at regular intervals of no more than 100 hours of operation or six months, whichever occurs first. The results of these tests shall be entered in a formal log and be maintained.

3.52.2 A log shall be maintained showing operation, repair, overhaul, filter maintenance, and temperature adjustment for each compressor.

3.60 AIR QUALITY STANDARDS

Breathing air for scuba shall meet the following specifications as set forth by the Compressed Gas Association (CGA Pamphlet G-7.1) and referenced in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134

CGA Grade E

Component Maximum

Oxygen 20 - 22%/v

Carbon Monoxide 10 PPM/v

Carbon Dioxide 1000 PPM/v

Condensed Hydrocarbons 5 mg/m 3

Water Vapor NS

Objectionable Odors None
AAUS SCIENTIFIC DIVER TRAINING FLOW CHART

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