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UK-OFFICIAL BRd 2806(5)

UK-OFFICIAL i February 2015

Issued February 2015

Superseding JSP 917

Dated September 2012

BRd 2806(5)

UK MILITARY DIVING MANUALVOLUME 5

JOINT SERVICES SUB-AQUADIVING REGULATIONS

SECURITY WARNING NOTICE

THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT, and is issued for the information ofsuch persons only as need to know its contents in the course of their official duties. Any person finding this document should hand itto a British Forces unit or to a police station for its safe return to the Ministry of Defence, DDefSy, Main Building, Whitehall LONDONSW1A 2HB, with particulars of how and where found.

THE UNAUTHORISED RETENTION OR DESTRUCTION OF THE DOCUMENT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE OFFICIALSECRETS ACTS OF 1911-1989. (When released to persons outside government service, this document is issued on a personalbasis and the recipient to whom it is entrusted in confidence, within the provisions of the Official Secrets Acts 1911-1989, ispersonally responsible for its safe custody and for seeing that its contents are disclosed only to authorised persons.

CONDITIONS OF RELEASE

This information is released by the United Kingdom Government to the recipient Government for Defence purposes only.

This information must be afforded the same degree of protection as that afforded to information of an equivalent classificationoriginated by the recipient Government or as required by the recipient Government's National Security regulations.

This information may be disclosed only within the Defence Departments of the recipient Government except as otherwise authorisedby the UK Ministry of Defence.

This information is subject to UK MOD Crown Copyright, it may also be covered by privately owned copyright. Therefore, no part ofthis publication may be reproduced, used commercially, adapted or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical,photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publishing authority identified on page ii.

By Command of the Defence Council

Fleet Commander & Deputy Chief of Naval Staff

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BRd 2806(5) UK-OFFICIAL

ii UK-OFFICIALFebruary 2015

SPONSOR INFORMATION

This publication is sponsored by the Navy Desk Officer on behalf of Fleet Commander &Deputy Chief of Naval Staff

Superintendent of DivingBridge BuildingHorsea IslandCosham, PortsmouthHantsPO6 4TTRLI e-mail: [email protected]

This publication is authored and published by the Navy Publications and GraphicsOrganisation (NPGO)

The NPGO Author/Officer responsible for this publication is:

NA 13Navy Publications and Graphics OrganisationPepys Building

HMS COLLINGWOODFAREHAMHantsPO14 1ASRLI e-mail: [email protected] Mil: 93825 2753/Civ 01329 332753

All correspondence concerning this publication is to be forwarded to the NPGO Author/Responsible Officer and copied to the NavyDesk Officer.

©

UK MOD Crown Copyright 2015

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UK-OFFICIAL iii February 2015

RECORD OF CONFIGURATION CONTROL

Authored by Checked by Approved by

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Tally:NPGO AUTHOR13 Tally:NPGO OIC SO1 TallyDSEA-DMR-DST-SOFD

Signature:Signed on File Copy



Edition/Change:

2015 Edition

Date of edition/change:

February 2015Date:09/01/2015

Date:14-01/2015

Date:09/01/2015

The classification of this publication has been reviewed by the Desk Officer to reflect the newGovernment Security Classifications iaw publication 440 Part 4 Section 1 Chapter 1.

Name …... Signed on File Copy ……….. Date…09/01/2015

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iv UK-OFFICIALFebruary 2015

PREFACE

THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DIVING'S MANDATE

The Superintendent of Diving (SofD) is the higher authority for Service diving and equipmentincluding Army and SF, SofD leads in all aspects of diving related Health and Safetymeasures. This authority is exercised on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

1. BRd 2806(5) constitutes the guiding instructions for the conduct of non-military ‘diving atwork’ in the MOD and collectively known as Service Sub-Aqua Diving.

2. The publication is a partner document to the relevant HSE Approved Codes of Practice(ACOP) for diving projects under the Diving at Work Regulations 1997, applicable to the non-military diving activity being carried out by MOD personnel while ‘on duty’. It is required becausethe HSE ACOPs do not have legal application outside the UK territorial limits, however it is theSecretary of State for Defence’s Policy, that where MOD operates overseas, it will comply with

UK statutory regulations and relevant applicable laws of the Nation in which the activity is beingconducted. This publication provides guiding instructions to cover such situations and alsoadditional measures MOD has determined are required to satisfy its duty of care responsibilitiesunder the Health and Safety at Work Act.

3. The publication is divided into sections which are relevant to particular fields of activitywithin the Service Sub-Aqua domain. These sections comprise of general instructions; Adventurous Training specific instructions; Cadet Force instructions and those applicable forvocational diving as part of Resettlement Training entitlement. Diving is subject to technological,medical and regulatory advances and reviews, and as a consequence it is important to ensurethat this document remains ‘live’ in order to keep pace with these influencing factors. Anychanges will be promulgated by the most effect means possible to ensure it remains relevant

and effective.

4. Neither the Ministry of Defence nor the Crown is liable for any use made of this book byany person outside the service of the Ministry of Defence or the Crown, or for anything said oromitted to be said therein, or for any consequences, including any accident, or for anything doneor omitted to be done as a result of the use of this manual by any such person.

5. Users wishing to comment on the contents of this publication should use a duplicate ofthe special form provided on page vi, copies of which are to be forwarded through the usualadministrative channels to the addressees shown on page ii. A copy should also be forwardedto the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for this publication, DSO (AT).

6. Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment Statement and Record KeepingStatement:

This policy has been equality and diversity impact assessed in accordance withDepartmental policy. This resulted in Part 1 screening only completed (no direct discriminationor adverse impact identified/or policy is a reflection of statutory requirements and been clearedby a Legal Adviser). This policy is due for review in February 2018.

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UK-OFFICIAL v February 2015

INTRODUCTION

1. ApplicabilityBRd 2806(5) requirements apply specifically to Joint Service sub aqua diving activity

and meet or exceeds DWR and Recreational Diving ACOP requirements. As a result, all JointServices sub-aqua diving is to be conducted in accordance with these regulations.

2. AuthorisationBRd 2806(5) will be updated on an annual basis in conjunction with the other volumes.

Amends falling within this time frame will be promulgated by JSSADC and will also be publishedon the MOD Diving Safety Web site. These regulations are not to be amended or altered,except by authority of SofD. Dispensation to depart from these regulations may only be given bySofD.

3. AvailabilityThese regulations are available from the MOD Diving Safety Web Site at the following

address:

MOD Diving Safety Website

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http://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/Organisations/Orgs/HOCS/Organisations/Orgs/DSEA/Pages/DivingSafetyWebsite(MOD).aspxhttp://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/Organisations/Orgs/HOCS/Organisations/Orgs/DSEA/Pages/DivingSafetyWebsite(MOD).aspxhttp://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/Organisations/Orgs/HOCS/Organisations/Orgs/DSEA/Pages/DivingSafetyWebsite(MOD).aspx


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vi UK-OFFICIALFebruary 2015

PROPOSALS FOR CHANGES

Forward through usual Administrative Channels to the addresses listed on Page ii. All changesare to be submitted at the earliest opportunity and not retained awaiting instructions forsubmission.

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UK-OFFICIAL vii February 2015

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Joint Services Sub-Aqua Diving Governance and Structures

Chapter 2 Joint Service Sub Aqua Diving Practices

Chapter 3 Regulations for MOD Sponsored Cadet Forces Diving

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UK-OFFICIAL 1-1February 2015

CHAPTER 1

JOINT SERVICES SUB-AQUA DIVING GOVERNANCE AND STRUCTURES

CONTENTSPara0101. Introduction0102. Statutory Requirements0103. Types of Joint Service Sub-Aqua Diving0104. Governance of Service Sub-Aqua0105. Duty Holder Construct0106. Superintendent of Diving0107. Breaches of Diving Safety Policy and Regulations0108. Diving Standards Team (Adventurous Training)0109. Joint Service Sub Aqua Diving Centre (JSSADC)0110. Single Service Sub Aqua Associations0111. Eligibility

0112. Organisation of Service Branches0113. Commanding Officer’s Responsibility and Supervision of Diving0114. Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisor (SADS) Qualification0115. Authority to Award BSAC Qualifications0116. Expedition Participant Diving Qualification Requirements0117. MOD Approved AT and Overseas Resettlement Centres0118. Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI)

ANNEXES

Annex 1A SADS Registration FormAnnex 1B Annual Branch Report and Registration Format (Containing Enclosure-1

Branch Site Register including Sheltered Water Training AreasAnnex 1C Diving at Work Regulations 1997 (DWR 97) applicability to joint Service

Adventurous Training Diving - Guidance for Commanding OfficersAnnex 1D BSAC Equivalence for Divers Qualified with Other Agencies

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1-2 UK-OFFICIALFebruary 2015

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL JOINT SERVICES SUB-AQUA DIVING REGULATIONS

0101. Introduction

a. Joint Services sub-aqua diving is a recognised Adventurous Training (AT)activity (see note 1) that develops and tests skills such as leadership, initiative,courage, self-discipline and physical fitness. Diving expeditions are often conductedunder challenging conditions. Diving involves controlled exposure to risk within theconfines of structured, progressive training whilst complying with proven safetyprocedures. Responsibilities must be clearly understood by those appointed tooversee the activity. The MOD has a legal and moral obligation to provideresources, assistance and protection to personnel whilst on duty.

b. JSP 433, MOD Diving Safety Policy includes the overarching policy for JointServices sub-aqua diving. BRd 2806(5) provides direction and guidance for all MOD

Joint Services sub-aqua diving activities.

c. The British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) is the national governing body forrecreational diving in the UK. In addition to these regulations, Joint Services sub-aqua divers shall follow BSAC safe diving (see note2).

d. The definition of Joint Services sub-aqua diving is that conducted by authorisedpersonnel using one or more of the following: MOD supplied equipment (see note 3),facilities, resources or funding from any public or non-public service fund. Thisincludes:

(1) Diving undertaken as pre-release vocational (Resettlement) training.

(2) Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) and Standard Learning Credits (SLC)approved courses.

(3) Diving activity undertaken by personnel working in the MOD sponsoredCombined Cadet Force (CCF). Further details can be found in Chapter 3.

(4) Diving conducted under the Joint Service Adventurous Training (JSAT)Scheme.

(5) Any diving conducted by the Diving Standards Team (DST) (AT) whilecarrying out their duties i.e. diving audits or staff training.

(6) Any diving conducted by the Joint Services Adventure Training (JSAT)Centres, including staff training.

Notes:

1. JSP 419 Section One Para 3a

2. Found at www.BSAC.com

3. Personal equipment may be used to undertake Joint Service sub-aqua divingsee para 0202f.

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0102. Statutory Requirements Authorised personnel engaged in Joint Services sub-aqua diving activities are on

duty and are considered by the HSE to be “at work” and are therefore subject to the Diving atWork Regulations 1997 (DWR). The Secretary of State for Defence has directed that, wherethe MOD operates overseas, it shall comply with UK standards, or the standards of the hostcountry, whichever is the more stringent. All Joint Services Sub-Aqua diving activities are tocomply with the DWR. The HSE Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) for Recreational DivingProjects is to be followed by all involved in Joint Services sub-aqua diving.

0103. Types of Joint Service Sub-Aqua DivingIn accordance with JSP 419 (JS AT Scheme) there are 4 types of AT activity: Type

1(T1) – Phase 1 Training, Type 2 (T2) – Unit Training, Type 3 (T3) – Expeditions and Type 4(T4) - Joint Service Sub-Aqua Diving Courses.

a. T1. Activities that introduce sub-aqua to Phase 1 trainees as part of theirsyllabus, e.g. a Try Dive.

b. T2. BSAC training delivered by Service sub-aqua branches (as DistributedTraining).

c. T3. Expeditions organised either through Service sub-aqua branches or byindividual units/sub-aqua Associations.

d. T4. Sub-aqua courses delivered by Joint Service AT Centres and formal MOD Approved Centres.

0104. Governance of Joint Service Sub-Aqua Diving

a. The responsibility for the safe conduct of Joint Service sub-aqua diving rests withthe chain of command as follows:

(1) In line with JSP 430 Part 1 (see note 1), ownership of risk in high-riskactivities such as diving is held at three Duty Holder levels. These are theSenior Duty Holders (SDH) (Service Heads), the Operating Duty Holders (ODH)(normally in the chain of command, usually at 2 Star level) and CommandingOfficer Duty Holder (CODH) (see note 2) at Unit level.

(2) Captain Personal, Family, Community Support and Physical Development(Capt PFCS&PD) is the sponsor for Service sub-aqua diving within the JointService Adventurous Training (JSAT) scheme.

(3) Single Service sub-aqua diving AT is the responsibility of the respectiveService AT authorities in line with policy set by Capt PFCS&PD.

(4) Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Personnel) (DCDS Pers) is responsiblefor ELC and resettlement diving policy. Unit CO’s retain responsibility forapproving resettlement or ELC scheme plans for individuals under theircommand. Respective Operating Duty Holders will carry commensurate levelsof responsibility for their chains of command.

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Recreational Diving Projects Approved Code of Practice(ACoP)


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(5) FOSNI Youth SO1 H&S Standards is responsible for Cadet Forces divingsafety.

Notes:

1. Management of Ship Safety and Environmental Protection Part 1:Regulations

2. Where no Commanding Officer is appointed, a Delivery Duty Holder (DDH)will be nominated with appropriate written delegations. For clarity the CODH/DDH role will be referred to as the CODH throughout the BRd.

b. The Joint Services Sub-Aqua Diving Policy Advisory Committee (JSSADPAC) isa Working Group that convenes 6 monthly to review safety performance or wherenecessary as directed by an appropriate Duty Holder or SofD. It is Co-Chaired byCapt PFCS&PD SO1 Adventurous Training Staff Officer and SofD (for MOD DivingSafety Management Panel (DSMP) issues). The JSSADPAC is responsible for

ensuring that JSAT diving safety management is compliant with the DefenceMaritime Regulator’s policy and to provide domain input to the DSMP. (See JSP 433Ch8)

0105. Duty Holder Construct

RN/RM Army RAF

Joint Services sub-aqua diving (exempt Cadet Forces)

Senior Duty Holder First Sea Lord CGS CAS

Operating DutyHolder

ODH of authorising lead unit AOC 22(Trg) Gp

Commanding Officer

Duty Holder

Unit CO of authorising lead unit

Cadet Forces

RN/RM Army RAF

Senior DutyHolder

First Sea Lord CGS CAS

Operating DutyHolder

FOSNI AG AOC 22(Trg) Gp

Commanding OfficerDuty Holder

Sea Cadets:Captain SeaCadets

CCF (RN/RM):Captain NavyCadets

Army Cadet Forceand CCF (Army):Colonel Cadets

Air Training Corpsand CCF (RAF)Wing Cdr CCF

0106. Superintendent of Diving As the MOD’s diving contractor focal point, MOD Superintendent of Diving (SofD) is

responsible for the regulation of all MOD diving activities. SofD is mandated by PUS throughDirector, Defence Safety and Environment Authority (DSEA) for regulation, safety andstandards of Joint Services sub-aqua diving activities. He is responsible for the setting anddevelopment of, diving safety policy. Diving Supervisors (SADS) will act as the divingcontractor’s representative.

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0107. Breaches of Diving Safety Policy and RegulationsWhere a breach of MOD diving safety policy and regulations is identified, SofD may,

if the circumstances warrant, issue sanctions to prevent unsafe activity or use of unsafeequipment. These sanctions would be issued in place of HSE Crown Censures. Failure tocomply with such notices may result in disciplinary action. Options are as follows (see note):

a. Improvement Notice. An Improvement Notice would be served as a result of alapse in standards which, if not rectified, could lead to unsafe diving practise orequipment. It would demand that any breach or shortfall to be addressed as soon asreasonably practicable.

b. Prohibition Notice. A prohibition notice would be issued to immediately stopthe use of unsafe equipment or conduct of unsafe diving practises. Diving orequipment use shall not continue until deemed safe.

Note. For further information see JSP 433 MOD Diving Safety Policy Part 1:Directive.

0108. Diving Standards Team (Adventurous Training)

a. DST (AT) are authorised to carry out specific functions on behalf of SofD:

(1) Monitor and audit practices and procedures, in order to provide assurancethat Joint Services sub-aqua diving is conducted safely IAW DWR and BRd2806(5).

(2) Identification of safety shortfalls that affect Joint Services sub-aqua diving,through audit of:

(a) Service diving centres.

(b) MOD Approved Centres (MAC).

(c) Service sub-aqua branches.

(d) MOD sponsored Cadet Forces.

(3) Provide diving safety advice to MOD personnel and organisations.

(4) Advise on Joint Services sub-aqua diving safety policy.

(5) Maintain a record of incident reports including technical assessment andlessons identified. These are to be posted on the DST(AT) web site and forwardto OIC JSSADC for onward distribution.

(6) In the event of a serious incident, conduct accident investigation duties inorder to identify root cause and prevent reoccurrence. This investigation may beconducted in association with HSE Diving Inspectors.

b. Provide SME advice to a Service Inquiry or other formal investigation.

c. DST(AT) is to conduct quarterly safety review of incidents with OIC JSSADC andassociation representatives. Outcome of review will be posted on DST website andpublished by OIC JSSADC.

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d. DST(AT) comprises of 2 personnel. Due to their limited numbers, DST(AT) staffare exceptionally permitted to dive IAW with the recreational ACOP with regard tominimum personnel and act as in water supervisors on the following occasions

(1) When participating on a continuation diver training course to maintain thenecessary qualifications to enable them to carry out their DST duties. Training tobe conducted in UK centres.

(2) When conducting site surveys and instructor validation of candidatecommercial oversees MOD Approved Centres

(3) When conducting annual certifications of existing commercial overseesMOD Approved Centres

e. In order to mitigate the reduced numbers of divers required at Para 0202, beforediving commences they are to ensure that the dive centre provides a minimum of:

(1) A suitably qualified person who is familiar with the diving project plan andthe arrangements for obtaining assistance in the event of emergency.

(2) The first aid equipment identified in the risk assessment and a competentperson trained in its use.

0109. Joint Service Sub Aqua Diving Centre (JSSADC)The JSSADC is the lead centre for Joint Service sub-aqua diving. In addition to

training, details of which can be found in the current edition of JSP 419 and the relevant JointService DIN, OIC JSSADC also carries out the following specific functions on behalf of CaptPFCS&PD:

a. Assessment of Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisors (SADS).

b. Award and withdrawal of SADS qualifications is the responsibility of CaptPFCS&PD. Capt PFCS&PD delegates this authority to OIC JSSADC.

c. Maintain a register of SADS authorised to supervise sub-aqua diving that can beused by single service authorities when approving expeditions.

d. Informing all SADS of changes to BRd 2806(5) and any safety information withregard to Joint Service sub-aqua diving practices.

e. Provide Capt PFCS&PD with SME advice, and attend Service Inquiries and

other formal investigations as the sponsor’s representative.

f. Advise single service AT authorities on matters relating to Joint Services sub-aqua diving, in particular the conduct of diving expeditions.

g. Organisation and conduct of the annual training period for Level 4 AT Centrestaff and for providing a statement of assurance to Capt PFCS&PD, Centre OICsand DST (AT) following that training.

h. Keep a list of the registered dive sites for each service branch.

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i. When a Service Sub-Aqua Branch has no qualified SADS amongst themembership and one is not readily available from other sources, OIC JSSADC mayissue a temporary BSADS qualification to a BSAC Advanced Diver qualified memberof the Branch. Formal notification of this temporary qualification is to be made inwriting (an email attachment is acceptable) to the individual concerned and is toinclude details of the duration and any limitations applicable to the qualification andcopies sent to DST(AT) and the Unit CO. The individual is not be permitted to act asa SADS outside the period specified.

j. Publish incident reports, lessons from major PXRs and diving safety informationto the wider community.

k. Act as the MoD representative to the National Governing Body.

0110. Single Service Sub-Aqua AssociationsThe RN/RM, Army, and RAF, each have a Service Sub-Aqua Association with

bespoke structures to meet the requirements for co-ordinating the activity within each SDH

domain. Specifically, each association:

a. Is to have a procedure in place for disseminating information relating to the safeconduct of Joint Service sub-aqua diving by members of constituent branches.

b. Advises the chain of command in order that they may efficiently exercise controlof sub-aqua diving.

c. Liaises with Capt PFCS&PD, JSSADC, other Service Sub-Aqua Associations,the BSAC, and other professional bodies through the JSSADPAC.

d. Approve SWTA on behalf of association branches

0111. Eligibility

a. The following are eligible to partake in Joint Services sub-aqua diving AT:

(1) All Regular Service personnel.

(2) RN/RM Reserves, Army Reserves and RAF Reserves personnel (includingCadet Force Adult Volunteers).

(3) University Officer Training Units

(4) Officer Cadets

(4) Cadets

(5) Specialist Instructional Officers (SIO) employed in an AT role

b. The MOD has a well understood principle that there should be no civilianinvolvement in AT unless deemed essential to the delivery of the activity.

Note. To participate in Joint Service sub-aqua diving, civilians must: be of essentialvalue to a Service branch or expedition, not displace a Service person, haveappropriate insurance, be medically fit and have approval from the relevant SingleService AT authority.

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c. MOD and MSF Civilians are not entitled to conduct Joint Services sub-aquadiving AT unless specifically employed to do so (see note). Under no circumstancesare Service dependents permitted to take part in Joint Services sub-aqua diving AT.

Note. DST(AT) and Joint Services sub-aqua adventure training staff.

d. Civilian members of Service Sub Aqua Diving branches are considered to be ‘AtWork’ and are subject to DWR 97.

e. For additional Single Service Regulations regarding eligibility, refer to:

(1) Royal Navy. BRd 51.

(2) Army. AGAI Vol 1.

(3) Royal Air Force. AP 3342

f. Essential civilians taking part in Joint Service sub-aqua diving as members of aService branch or expedition are to comply with these regulations; noting that:

(1) When applying for annual SADS registration in accordance with Para 0114,civilian SADS must have their applications endorsed by their BranchChairman/OIC or unit CO, to confirm that there is a continuing requirement fortheir services as a SADS. The endorsing officer must be a serving member ofthe RN/RM, Army or RAF.

(2) Where a civilian SADS is a member of the relevant Service AssociationHolding Branch, the annual registration form should be signed by the appropriate Association Chairman or a delegated officer within the Association. A civilian

who wishes to qualify as a SADS must have their application to attend thecourse endorsed by either their single service Sub-Aqua Association Chairmanor the appropriate AT Authority.

(3) MOD civilian employees employed in a Joint Services sub-aqua diving ATrole who require a SADS qualification as part of their duties may have theirannual registration document endorsed by their employing officer orEstablishment Head, providing they meet the annual qualification criteria forrenewal.

0112. Organisation of Service Branches

a. Each Service sub-aqua branch is to be a ‘Special Branch’ of the BSAC andensure the following organisational structure is established:

(1) A properly constituted Committee in accordance with the BSAC BranchOfficers’ Handbook.

(2) The CO is to appoint the OIC Diving/Branch Chairman, who should ifpossible be a serving Officer or SNCO, to be responsible to the CO for allaspects of running the Branch.

(3) The CO is to approve the appointment of the Branch Diving Officer (DO),who will be responsible to the CO for the conduct of diving activities. Whereverpossible, the DO is to be an ESADS.

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(4) The duties of the Branch committee members are described in the BSACBranch Officers' Handbook and each post should hold Terms of Reference(TOR’s) which should be reviewed at least annually or if a post holder changes.These TOR’s are to be made available during the RDSC.

(5) A record of Committee meetings is to be kept and the proceedings are tobe reported to the unit CO.

(6) The CO is to ensure that an effective diving safety management systemappropriate to the circumstances of the Branch is established and maintained bythe Branch Committee.

(7) Branches are to submit an annual report by 31 October in accordance with Annex 1B.

b. Encroachments. When non service Sub Aqua Diving organisations haveorganised local encroachments within MOD property and when no MOD supplied

equipment, facilities, resources or funding from any public or non-public service fundare being used then their diving activities are not covered by Joint Services sub-aquadiving and they are not entitled to any of the advantages available to a JSAT branch. Any risk associated with the non service Sub Aqua Diving organisations within theencroachment is borne entirely by the CODH that granted the encroachment; divingis conducted exclusively at the risk of the individuals involved.

0113. Commanding Officer’s Responsibility and Supervision of Diving(Guidance for Commanding Officers is at Annex 1C)

a. By its very nature Service sub-aqua diving involves controlled exposure to risk.COs have responsibility for safety of all personnel under their command. OICs of

Service sub-aqua diving AT Expeditions and/or Branch DOs are wholly responsibleto the CO for the welfare and care of those in their charge at all times. They are toensure that there is a system of safety which reduces risks to ‘As Low AsReasonably Practicable’ (ALARP). To assist them in exercising this responsibility,Service open water diving must be carried out under the supervision of a currentlyregistered SADS unless specifically exempted under Para 0114 sub para g and Para0202.

b. Where Command authority is granted to personnel to undertake training orexaminations under the BSAC Instructor Training Scheme or BSAC nationallycontrolled examinations or to undertake a qualifying course at an HSE compliantcivilian diving school in the UK or a MOD Approved Centre, whether BSAC or

otherwise (see note), a SADS is not required. However, any diving undertakenoutside that examination or course must be supervised by a SADS in the normalway.

c. Service personnel wishing to use a non-BSAC diving school for a MODsponsored diver qualifying course under the Joint Services sub-aqua diving scheme,including resettlement training, ELC or SLC approved courses (e.g. PADI OpenWater Course) must be in possession of a ‘Medical Fitness to Dive Certificate (BRd1750A, Part 2, Chapter 12, Leaflet 12-03), have obtained the relevant authority toundertake the course and undertake it at a site authorised and cleared by DST (AT)

Note. Non BSAC courses can only be undertaken by personnel undertaking civiliandiving courses as part of their resettlement entitlement or under Standard orEnhanced Learning Credit (S/ELC) scheme for personal development purposes.

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0114. Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisor (SADS) Qualification

a. A SADS is a BSAC Advanced Diver or Dive Leader who has attended theappropriate SADS training course and subsequently passed the SADS assessment.They must be currently authorised by OIC JSSADC to supervise Service sub-aquadiving as either an Expedition SADS (ESADS) or a Branch SADS (BSADS).

b. SADS who wish to supervise are to apply annually for re-registration withJSSADC, by 1 November (see note) on the form at Annex 1A.

Note. SADS registration for 2014/15 will be valid until 31 October 2015.

c. Out of date SADS who wish to re register must conform with the following:

(1) 0-2 years, re-register using Annex 1A.

(2) 2-5 years must attend JSSADC for a SADS refresher course.

(3) More than 5 years must complete a SADS assessment at JSSADC.

d. A SADS when leaving the Services will cease to be deemed as in date unlessthey remain eligible in line with Para 0111 and become a member of a Service Sub- Aqua Association or registered Branch.

e. A Branch SADS who changes branch, or wishes to supervise for another branch,is not authorised to supervise at the new branch until the gaining branch DO hassubmitted a completed Annex 1C and Branch Site Register to JSSADC. Thisinformation should also be recorded in the branch competent persons register

f. SADS are to attend a refresher course at JSSADC every five years or whencalled forward by OIC JSSADC. Non attendance, except for circumstances beyondthe control of the SADS, will result in the suspension of that individual’s qualification.

g. Unless deputising for an ESADS, BSADS are only permitted to supervise divesat locations listed on the Branch Site Register (see para 0109 sub para h).

0115. Authority to Award BSAC QualificationsThe delegation of authority to a Branch DO to award BSAC diving qualifications up to

the grade of Advanced Diver comes from the BSAC National Diving Officer (NDO) and notthe chain of command. Therefore, an Expedition DO/Leader/Instructor who is not the BranchDO may only award diving qualifications during an expedition provided:

a. Approval of this delegation of authority has been obtained from their Branch DO.

b. When a member of the expedition belongs to another branch, approval for theExpedition DO to award qualifications has been obtained from that member's BranchDO.

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0116. Expedition Participant Diving Qualification RequirementsExpedition leaders, with appropriate advice from the expedition SADS, are

responsible for the composition of their expeditions. In addition to BSAC members, theexpedition leader can accept divers from other recognised training agencies listed at Annex1D, this includes military professional divers (RN, RM and Army). All diving is to beconducted in accordance with BSAC rules and guidelines. It is essential that expeditionleaders carry out a risk assessment on each diver to ensure that they have the necessaryqualifications and skills to meet the aim of the expedition. If additional training is identified,this must be completed either before deployment or during a dedicated training session onarrival at the expedition location. Divers are to be medically fit in accordance with Para 0201and are to be familiar with BSAC decompression tables and procedures. Appropriate workup training to ensure that all divers are capable of meeting the expedition aims is to becarried out either through pre-deployment training or as part of the expedition plan.

0117. MOD Approved AT and Overseas Resettlement Centres

a. A number of civilian diving centres in the UK and overseas are certified annually

to achieve MOD approval. Entitled personnel using these centres for training, ratherthan as an expedition base, will be using centre personnel to deliver the training andtherefore the use of an ESADS is not required. MOD approved centres can be usedto undertake courses to either advance BSAC qualifications as part of the JointService sub-aqua adventurous training diving regime or as part of a resettlementpackage.

b. Those centres that seek MOD approval to conduct AT Scuba Diving courses,without the benefit of an MOD approved Subject Matter Expert (SME) i.e. ExpeditionSub Aqua Diving Supervisor (ESADS) need to complete the MOD Diving StandardsTeam Questionnaire (See Annex 2G), be able to demonstrate that their (CNBA)standard meets BS EN12021, BRd 2806(5) Para 0219-2020, and achieve MOD

approved centre status

c. Entitled personnel wishing to conduct diver training as part of the SLC / ELCprogramme should first contact Training Education Skills Recruiting Resettlement(TESRR), Main Building (9621 86013).

d. For the most up to date list of MOD approved centres capable of delivering ATand Resettlement diver training please contact the DST (AT) or visit the DSEA-DSTDiving Safety Website: MOD Diving Safety Website

e. The Joint Services Sub-Aqua Diving Policy Advisory Committee will review andupdate the MOD Approved AT and Resettlement Centres on an annual basis

0118 Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) Although Joint Service sub-aqua AT diving is conducted in accordance with the rules

of the national governing body (BSAC) there are very few overseas centres that deliverBSAC training courses. In order that AT diving training can be undertaken at commercialoverseas MOD Approved Centres, personnel wishing to take advantage of this ATopportunity can exceptionally undertake PADI training courses noting that in order tocontinue to participate in Joint Service sub-aqua AT diving on their return they must becomeBSAC members and undertake the requisite training to achieve BSAC equivalency (see para0204). Note this exemption only applies to training courses delivered by an overseascommercial organisation without the use of SADS; JSAT Diving expeditions under thesupervision of an ESADS are to dive in accordance with BSAC safe diving.

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ANNEX 1A

SADS REGISTRATION FORM

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ANNEX 1B

ANNUAL BRANCH REPORT AND REGISTRATION FORMAT

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ANNEX 1C

DIVING AT WORK REGULATIONS 1997 (DWR 97) APPLICABILITY TO JOINT SERVICEADVENTUROUS TRAINING DIVING - GUIDANCE FOR COMMANDING OFFICERS

References:

A. JSP 430 Management of Ship Safety and Environmental Protection B. JSP 433 Diving Safety PolicyC. JSP 419 Adventurous Training ManualD. JSP 832 Service Inquiries

1. Introduction

a As the MOD Diving Contractor Focal Point, the Superintendent of Diving (SofD)ensures that MOD’s obligations as a diving contractor are met across the Department,and is the MOD lead for all aspects of diving related safety. To assist him in this duty

the Diving Standards Team (Adventurous Training) (DST (AT)) which is comprised ofDiving Standards Officer (AT) (DSO (AT)) and Diving Standards Inspector (AT) (DSI(AT)) who are required to carry out regular diving safety management systeminspections of Tri-Service Diving Branches and MOD approved centres. The DutyHolder construct is as defined in Reference A. MOD Diving Safety Policy is detailed inReference B.

b The DST (AT) will engage through the Unit CoC to arrange to carry out a regulardiving safety management system inspection of the unit Branch, normally carried outevery 3 years, and is to be given access to the Branch diving records and equipment.During the DST (AT) inspection the Unit should assist by tasking the Branch DivingOfficer (DO) and Equipment Officer (EO) to be available for the duration of the

inspection. Otherwise a relevant representative, capable of addressing matters arisingduring the inspection is to be available.

c Service personnel diving outside authorised Sub-Aqua Diving activities (i.e. on leaveand not using military AT equipment) are governed by the regulations of the divingorganisation that they are members of; for example BSAC or PADI. These activitieshave off-duty status.

2. Regulation and Governance of Joint Service Sub-Aqua Diving All authorised Joint Service AT Sub-Aqua Diving is carried out under the Diving at Work

Regulations 1997 and the following guidance is provided for Commanding Officer DutyHolders as defined in Reference B.

a. In accordance with Reference C, authorised Joint Service sub-aqua AT diving, isconducted by Service personnel in an ‘On duty’ status and is therefore subject to theDiving at Work Regulations 1997 (DWR 97). Guidance for what constitutes authoriseddiving activities is given below.

b. All civilian members of Service Sub Aqua Diving branches will also be considered tobe ‘At Work’ whenever diving as part of an authorised sub-aqua AT activity, and willtherefore be subject to DWR 97.

c. All persons conducting sub-aqua AT diving in a Service branch will be subject to allrelevant elements of this BRd unless specifically excluded.

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d. The BRd incorporates the guidance provided in the HSE’s Approved Code ofPractice for Recreational Diving Projects and applies to all sub-aqua AT diving whereverit is being conducted and thereby ensures compliance with DWR 97.

e Service Sub-Aqua Branches are to be ‘special branches’ of the National GoverningBody (NGB) - the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) and they are to follow the advice andguidance provided in BSAC Safe Diving. BSAC produces a comprehensive DivingOfficer’s Handbook that all branches must possess.

f. Specific regulations covering the participation of holders of qualifications from othercertifying organisations (PADI, SAA etc) are also contained within this BRd.

g. Responsibility for authorising personnel to participate in Joint Service sub-aqua ATDiving activity rests with the CO Duty Holder. However, single Service AT Authoritiesare responsible for approving JS AT activities in their domains and therefore haveresponsibility to ensure that appropriate due diligence has been conducted for theactivity they are approving. The RN is the lead Service for sub-aqua AT diving and theCaptain Personal, Family, Community Support and Physical Development (CaptPFCS&PD) at HMS TEMERAIRE will until further notice be the point of contact for JointService sub-aqua Operating Duty Holder level policy development and dissemination.

3. CO Duty Holders ResponsibilitiesCommanding Officers are responsible for:

a. Safety Management System. Ensuring that an appropriate diving safetymanagement system is established and maintained within their unit. This system willconstitute the level one assurance process for the activities of the Branch. As for allother activities conducted by their personnel on duty, COs are responsible for the safetyof their personnel conducting authorised Service sub-aqua AT diving.

b. Chairman. Appointing a Chairman of the unit sub-aqua branch who is responsibleto the CO for all activities of the branch. Where possible, this person should be aserving officer and could include a reservist at the CO’s discretion; a SNCO may beconsidered, but advice should be sought from the Chairman of the sS Association..

c. Diving Officer . Approving the appointment of the branch Diving Officer (DO). TheDiving Officer (DO) is directly responsible to the CO for all diving operations and safetyissues connected with branch diving activities and where possible should be a ESADSand a BSAC Nationally Qualified Instructor; if no-one of this grade is available a BSADScan carry the appointment. The DO may be a civilian member of the branch if nosuitably qualified Service person is available.

d. BSAC. Ensuring their unit Sub-Aqua club is a special branch of BSAC and is alsoregistered with the appropriate single Service Association. For Joint units (CaptPFCS&PD) (SO2AT) can provide guidance on which Association is applicable. Thisrequirement applies to units based both within the UK and overseas and branches inHM Ships. For geographically recruited branches (e.g. Portsmouth East Sub-AquaClub) the CO of the host unit is responsible for the activities of that branch. Where thehost unit is not readily apparent or in dispute, this will be determined by SO2AT inconsultation with the appropriate Association Chairman.

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e. Equipment Assurance. Ensuring that all equipment is CE certified, subject tostatutory inspections and maintenance and is inspected as required to meet the relevantregulation. The safety management system must include an internal audit process toestablish that all diving related equipment is adequately maintained and fit for use.External audits of the safety management system by DST (AT) are to be scheduled atintervals not exceeding 3 years.

f. Incident Reporting. Ensuring all incidents involving the branch are reported inaccordance with Service incident reporting systems. In addition the DST(AT) are to beinformed of any diving incident as soon as reasonably practicable. Depending on thecircumstances incidents may also require reporting to the HSE under the requirementsof Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).

g. Annual Report. Directing branch Chairmen to produce an annual report on thestate of the branch, its activities, membership and any notable achievements during thereporting period. This activity report is to be copied to the appropriate AssociationChairman.

h. Service Inquiries. Initiating Service Inquiries in accordance with Reference D, inthe event of a Service Sub-Aqua Diving incident. DST(AT) will provide technical adviceand guidance as required and in the event of serious incidents and in consultation withthe HSE, will conduct a formal investigation in support of Service or civil policeinvestigations.

4. Supervision of Joint Service Sub Aqua DivingBecause sub-aqua AT diving is also conducted overseas where the usual support of UK

emergency services or its equivalent is absent, the MOD requires some additional safetymeasures to be in place in order to meet its Duty of Care as an employer. This BRd detailsthe additional measures required for adequate supervision depending on the location of the

activity. There are two level’s of Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisor (SADS), to ensure the higheststandards of supervision for Service personnel is available, commensurate with the nature ofthe diving project.

a. The Branch Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisor (BSADS) and the Expedition Sub-AquaDiving Supervisor (ESADS) which are a critical element in diving safety and, except forclearly mandated circumstances contained in this BRd; a SADS must directly superviseall diving activities from the surface. Their respective AOR and responsibilities aredefined in the BRd.

b. The OIC JSSADC is responsible for training and delegated authority for qualifyingSADS and is responsible for ensuring SADS remain in date and briefed on diving

regulations and practice.

5. Single Service Sub Aqua Diving AssociationsEach Service has its own Sub-Aqua Diving Association and it is mandatory for all

Service clubs and Branches to be members of the relevant Association. A number of Jointclubs do exist and these are allocated to a parent association by SO2PAT. Each Service Association will maintain a register of all branches, including those geographically recruitedand their designated host unit.

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6. Service Sub Aqua Authorised Activities Authorised activities are those approved by the appointed DO of the unit branch and in

accordance with each Service’s AT authorisation and approval procedure. Such activitiesinclude weekly branch dives as they form part of the training programme for each branch toensure members are trained for more demanding activities; authorised activities also allowqualified divers to maintain currency in skills and drills. With regard to sub-aqua divingconducted by members of the ship/unit/establishment:

a. If any constituent branch equipment is used on a dive (even by a single participant)then that dive is a branch dive and must be conducted in accordance with BRd 2806(5).

b. If a diving activity is conducted predominantly by members of the constituent branchand is organised through the auspices of the branch, then it is a branch dive and mustbe conducted in accordance with BRd 2806(5).

c. If no constituent branch equipment is used and the event is organised independentlyof the branch, then it is considered to be an independent activity and is not subject to

BRd 2806(5) but, in this case all Service divers would be regarded as being off duty andwould bear the consequences of any incident and should have personal insurancecover.

d. Diving Expeditions are subject to specific Single Service regulations under the JSATscheme. These must be conducted in compliance with BRd 2806(5).

e. Commanding Officers from deployed units such as RN ships, who do not have asub-aqua branch, but who wish to authorise unit members to dive at a MOD approvedCentre, must get permission from the relevant Single Service AT Authority prior to suchdiving taking place; the authorities can also provide guidance on what constitutes asuitable diving operation. Diving undertaken by suitably qualified personnel when

deployed overseas, unless authorised as described above, is considered off-duty. Thisrequirement must be clearly understood by COs and those who wish to dive.

7. Medicals

a. Medical standards for Joint Service sub-aqua AT divers are as promulgated in BRd1750A. The detail within this reference must be fully adhered to and no localexemptions allowed, and deploying units and expeditions should consider their medicalrequirements prior to deployment.

b. Civilian members of Joint Service sub-aqua branches require an annual HSE divingmedical.

8. Further Information and GuidanceCommanding Officers should seek to use their Service Association Chairmen as their

first point of call for advice. COs can get further advice from the Diving Standards Team(Adventure Training) at DSEA (+44 (0) 1752 553691/ (0) 2392 224137; Mil: 9375 53691/93832 4137 or MOB: 07795 012561/07867 390969 service e-mail; [email protected] or [email protected]) or from OIC JSSADC 01752405573 or DII JSSADC-OIC or from the single Service Sub-Aqua Diving AssociationChairmen.

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ANNEX 1D

BSAC EQUIVALENCE FOR DIVERS QUALIFIED WITH OTHER AGENCIES

Reference: BSAC Diving Information T17

BSAC accepts previous diver training delivered by recognised organisations, whetherrecreational, commercial or military. Joint Service sub-aqua diving recognises the followingequivalencies in accordance with the reference:

1. Ocean Diver

• CMAS One Star Diver

• NASDS Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver

• NAUI Scuba Diver and Advanced Scuba Diver

• PADI Open Water Diver

• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver/AOWD Plus Royal Navy Ships Diver

• SAA Open Water Diver• SSI Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver

Note. These are All ‘Entry Level’ qualifications and are not recognised as delivering arescue qualification.

2. Sports Diver

• CMAS Two Star Diver

• HSE Commercial Diver: HSE Scuba Diver/HSE Surface Supply Diver/HSE SurfaceSupply (Top Up) Diver/HSE Closed Bell Diver (formerly HSE Diver Part 4, 3, 1 and 2

respectively)• NASDS Rescue Diver

• NAUI Scuba Rescue Diver

• PADI Rescue Diver

• SAA Club Diver

• SSAC Third Class Diver/Sports Diver

• SSI Advanced Open Water Diver with ‘Stress and Rescue’ Speciality

• Army Compressed Air Diver

Note. These are classed as ‘Second Level’ qualifications and include rescue training.

3. Dive Leader

• NASDS Dive Supervisor

• NAUI Divemaster

• PADI Divemaster

• SAA Dive Leader

• SSI Dive Control Specialist

Note. These are classed as ‘Third Level’ qualifications and include dive leadershiptraining.

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4. Advanced Diver

• CMAS Three Star Diver

• SAA Dive Supervisor

• SSAC Second Class Diver/Master Diver

Note. Before participating in any Joint Service sub-aqua diving expedition the SADS isto identify gaps in knowledge and skills and organise any further training required toensure that comparable equivalency is achieved.

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CHAPTER 2

JOINT SERVICE SUB AQUA DIVING PRACTICES

CONTENTSPara 0201. Medical Fitness to Dive0202. Duties of SADS0203. Authorised Number of Divers Supervised by an ESADS, BSADS or AD0204. Diver Training0205. Sheltered Water Training Areas0206. Try Dives0207. Collective First Aid and Rescue Training0208. Breath Hold Diving/Snorkelling0209. Diving Safety Requirements0210. Dive Boat Safety Precautions0211. Emergency Medical Equipment/Dealing with Emergencies

0212. Deep Diving Planning0213. Safety Margins0214. Diving Depth Limits0215. Build up Dives0216. Decompression Regimes0217. Availability of Compression Chambers

0218 Ascension Island Compression Chamber Dispensation0219. Diving Gas Regulations and Assurance Procedure0220. Nitrox Diving0221. Trimix Diving0222. Mixed Gas Supervision0223. Rebreather Diving

0224. Exercise After Diving0225. Sub Aqua Diving Incidents0226. Diving Records0227. Adaptive Training Programme

ANNEXES

Annex 2A Try Dive Medical Health QuestionnaireAnnex 2B Collective First Aid Training (CFAT)

Appendix 2B-1 Branch/Expedition Collective First Aid Training (CFAT)Appendix 2B-2 Individual Collective First Aid Training (CFAT

Annex 2C Recompression Chamber Facilities

Annex 2D JSSADC Application to Dive to Depths Between 40 and 60 m.Annex 2E Expedition SADS Pre-Deployment Check ListAnnex 2F Expedition SADS on arrival check listAnnex 2G Commercial Diving Training Centre Ministry of Defence (UK) Quality Assurance

(QA) Assessment SheetAnnex 2H BSAC Incident/Accident Report FormAnnex 2I JSSADC Dive SlateAnnex 2J Adaptive Diving Medical Clearance

Appendix 2J-1 Process for Potential Adaptive Divers to be Declared “Fit to Dive”.Appendix 2J-2 Assessment of Functional Fitness to Undertake Sports Diving asPart of a Battle Back Expedition Under Joint Service Sub Aqua Diving Regulationsand British Sub Aqua Club Guidelines and Protocols.

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CHAPTER 2

JOINT SERVICE SUB AQUA DIVING PRACTICES

0201. Medical Fitness to DiveDifferent medical fitness assessment procedures exist for separate groups of divers

because of different legislative requirements and variations in the provision of medicalservices. The following regulations apply:

a. Service personnel must have a valid certificate of medical fitness to dive iawBRd 1750A. All Service Medical Authorities are to apply these standards.

b. Service personnel undertaking Try Dives are to complete the Try Dive MedicalHealth Questionnaire at Annex 2A. Service personnel, who cannot sign Declaration1 or in whom there is any other reason to doubt medical fitness to dive, must obtaina valid certificate of medical fitness to dive iaw BRD 1750A.

c. Civilian personnel who participate in Joint Service sub-aqua diving must have avalid HSE Diving Medical certificate of medical fitness to dive issued by an HSE Approved Medical Examiner of Divers. A copy of the covering sheet is to be retainedwithin Branch records for a period of 6 years and will be checked as part of theRDSC.

d. Certificates of medical fitness to dive become invalid if a diver develops a newmedical condition that may affect his or her safety. The taking of certain medicationssuch as certain anti-malaria tablets will also invalidate a diving medical. It is theresponsibility of the diver to seek medical advice on the effects of any medicationthat they are taking; specifically their fitness to dive. Divers have a legalresponsibility to care for the health and safety of themselves and others. This

includes declaring when their fitness may have fallen into doubt.

0202. Duties of SADSThe duty of a SADS is to supervise all open water AT sub-aqua diving. An

authorised in date Expedition SADS is qualified to supervise AT sub-aqua diving at any siteworld wide. An authorised in date Branch SADS is limited to supervising AT sub-aqua divingat registered branch sites for the branch(es) with whom they are registered. Those sites areonly to be within the bounds of that club’s home unit AOR, normally defined by nationalboundaries. Thus for branches based on mainland UK, the registered branch sites can onlybe on mainland UK. . The SADS is to:

a. Keep up to date with BSAC Safe Diving, in order to conduct diving in accordance

with those recommendations and this BRd.

b. Ensure that the proposed dive site and weather conditions are suitable.

c. Assess potential risks, prepare a dive plan, and brief participating divers on allaspects of the dive, including the boat transit and emergency actions. Whereanother Dive Manager is nominated to plan and conduct a dive the SADS is to checkthe plan and attend the brief to ensure the dive complies with the necessaryregulations and BSAC Safe Diving.

d. Ensure that divers are capable of undertaking the planned dive and that groupsare appropriately formed, with a nominated leader.

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e. Establish the whereabouts of the nearest recompression chamber (RCC) andother rescue services, confirming their availability before diving takes place (SeePara 0217).

f. All essential components of the life support system are to meet the British SafetyStandard and are to be CE marked and approved. The SADS is to ensure that allessential components of the life support system (see note 1) and dive computers areeither physically marked or have documentary proof of meeting the requisiteapproval, have been properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’sguidelines and are fully serviceable (see note 2). This must be recorded on the ‘DiveProject Plan’. Essential components of the life support system and dive computersthat cannot be shown to meet the required standards of approval are not to be used.

Notes:

1. At the basic level this is to include: cylinders, buoyancy compensator, regulatorequipped with main demand valve, alternative air source (octopus) demand valve

and cylinder contents gauge. More advanced equipment configurations for deep andtechnical diving will include additional life support systems that the SADS will need tocheck.

2. When diving overseas, gas cylinders are to be in date for test to local host nationstandards.

3. HSE Information Sheet No 11 ‘Diving Cylinders: Guidance on their manufacture,inspection and carriage’ refers.

g. Before each dive the SADS must check that each diver has a valid medicalcertificate (see Para 0201) and confirm that divers feel fit and well and capable of

conducting the planned dive(s).

h. Be present on the surface when open-water diving takes place. On expeditionsin the absence of a second ESADS, when the dive is to a maximum of 40 m andwhen diving on air / Nitrox, the SADS may dive provided a suitable qualified BSADSor BSAC Advanced Diver remains on the surface in charge of operations. TheBSADS or Advanced Diver nominated must be a member of the authorisedexpedition or Service branch (see also Para 0203).

i. Keep a record of the dive, including the type of dive, the names of participants,qualifications, date, time, location, max depth, dive times, decompression schedulesand gas mixes used. The current Dive Plan (the JSSADC Dive Slate) must be used

to record dives – this slate forms part of the safety system approved with the HSE. Acopy of the current slate is at Annex 2I.

j. Submit an incident report to DST (AT) via the Duty Diving Standards Officer(DDSO) following any incident (see Para 0225).

k. In order to grow a corporate memory and enable the community to learn fromLessons Identified, the ESADS is to submit a PXR to OIC JSSADC, info DST(AT)and the respective Association Expedition Officer within one calendar month ofcompletion of any Type 3 expedition.

l. Ensure no diving is conducted on or under any vessel. This includesunderwater inspections, experience dives or any other work to the hull or fixtures ofany vessel.

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m. Supervision of ‘Adaptive Training’ rehabilitation programme divers is only to beconducted by a SADS who has completed a recognised course approved by SofD(see Para 0227).

n. Identify a suitably qualified person (Collective First Aid Trained (CFAT)) to act aseach dive’s First Aider, noting that the HSE Recreational Diving Projects ACoPstipulates that this individual should not hold ‘other important duties which couldconflict with the need to administer first aid in an emergency’. In the event of anydiving related injury SADS must contact the Duty Diving Medical Officer (DDMO) assoon as possible. (See Para 0225).

o. To ensure that contact can be made with DDMO no matter where in the worlddiving is taking place. Where diving is being conducted in remote and isolatedlocations (e.g. Ascension), a satellite telephone is to be used and thecommunications plan is to be proved with DDMO before diving commences.

0203. Authorised Number of Divers Supervised by an ESADS, BSADS or AD

The following table is to be used to determine the maximum number of divers in thewater at any one time, subject to the prevailing conditions on site and subsequent dynamicrisk assessment.

ESADS BSADS (AD) BSADS (DL) AD *

Up to 30 m 8 6 4 4

30 to 40 m 6 4 2 2

40 to 50 m 4

50 to 60 m 2

* Advanced Divers (AD) can only act as supervisor when deputy to ESADS orBSADS. Only one Advanced Diver may be nominated to deputise for a SADS with

only a single wave of divers (in accordance with the above numbers) permitted toenter the water.

a. When conducting a BSAC Ocean Diver course an ESADS may supervise up to12 divers, or a BSADS may supervise up to 8 divers, to a maximum depth of 20 m.This authority only applies to open water training dives (OO 1-5)

b. Exceptionally, an ESADS serving at a Level 4 sub aqua centre as listed in JSP419 (see note) may in the course of their duties at those Centres supervise up to 16divers in 4 groups of 4.. In all cases the maximum depth is 20 m and the instructorstudent ratio is not to exceed 1:2.

Note. JSSADC, CJSATC.

c. When planning, the SADS must ensure that he is not overstretched, and mustreduce the number of divers in accordance with adverse factors such as weather,sea state, current, boat limitations, nature of the dive, experience of the divers etc.

0204. Diver Training

a. Joint Service sub-aqua diving training is only to be conducted in accordance withthe standards laid down by the BSAC. Diver qualification courses conducted underthe Joint Services sub-aqua diving scheme may only be undertaken at an HSE

compliant civilian diving school in the UK or a MOD approved Centre authorised andcleared by DST(AT).

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b. A minimum of a BSAC Sports Diver is to act as an ‘in-water’ Rescue Diver forthe instructor during the open water dives of Ocean Diver training whenever thattraining is conducted within the auspices of Joint Service sub-aqua diving.

c. BSAC instructors are only insured when training BSAC members. Other agencyqualified divers (under equivalency regulations) who wish to train in Joint Servicessub-aqua diving must become BSAC members and undertake the requisite trainingto achieve BSAC equivalency either through their branch or a MOD approved centre(see Paras 0116 - 0118)

0205. Sheltered Water Training Areas

a. A sheltered water training area is a well maintained swimming pool or waterwhich provides similar conditions, is not more than 4m deep, with a stepped or gentlyshelving open bottom of firm composition, has adequate visibility (minimum 5m), andis free from significant water movement from either waves or currents. It is to beclear of surface traffic and is to be immediately accessible from the shore. Within

Sheltered Water, depths are defined as follows:

(1) Standing Depth. Water that is between waist and chest deep allowingstudents to either stand comfortably, or to kneel and be fully submerged.

(2) Deeper Water. Water that is from approximately 2 m to 4 m in depth.

b. Applications by Branch OIC/Chairman to register Sheltered Water Training Areas (SWTA) for diver pool training should be made to the appropriate Service Sub- Aqua Association Chairman. SSA Chairmen are to copy the approveddocumentation to DST (AT) who will hold a central register of approved SWTA and

will inspect the sites as part of the RDSC. As for swimming pools, approved areaswill not require a SADS, provided the training is designated as a pool session and isundertaken under the supervision of a BSAC NQI. A minimum of a BSAC SportsDiver is to act as the surface safety cover as detailed in the BSAC Information SheetT1. The safety cover does not require diving equipment but is to be equipped with amask, fins and snorkel should the safety cover be required to enter the water toassist. An on site ‘Risk Assessment’ (RA) must be conducted prior to the divingproject commencing. If the environmental conditions do not meet ‘swimming pool’conditions, e.g. wave action created by strong winds, then the dive must not beconducted.

0206. Try Dives

Try Dives may only be carried out at either a MOD Approved Centre or within a JointService AT diving branch. They are to be conducted either in a swimming pool or anapproved SWTA to a maximum depth of 4m. Try Dives conducted in service MAC or in JointService AT diving branches are to be conducted in accordance with the directions containedin BSAC Information Sheet T12. Before undertaking a Try Dive, candidates mustsuccessfully complete a basic swimming assessment (JSP 419 para 42) and are to be givena full safety brief by the BSAC Qualified Instructor in charge. When operating under theumbrella of an overseas commercial MAC, try dives may exceptionally be conducted inaccordance with the PADI Discover Scuba course.

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0207. Collective First Aid and Rescue Training

a. Branches are to have a pool of qualified and current First Aiders to ensure thatone can be nominated in this role on the dive site or in the dive boat when diving istaking place. Collective First Aid Training (CFAT) and Rescue Training (RT)programmes are to be run annually and are to include the relevant Dive Leader (DL)lectures (DL DT2 – DT7) from the BSAC DL programme. This includesDecompression Illness (DCI) recognition and management, and Oxygenadministration. This training is to be recorded using Annex 2B for inspection by DST(AT) as part of the RDSC.

b. A Practical Rescue Management (PRM) scenario is to be conducted pre-seasonfor as many members as possible or completed either before deployment or onarrival at the expedition location before diving commences, to practice Basic LifeSupport (BLS), DCI recognition and management and Oxygen Administration. Whencompleted this is to be recorded by the TO.

c. The SADS is to ensure that while supervising a dive, at least one member of theBranch or support team (AT Centres) who has conducted the annual CFAT isdesignated on the ‘Dive Slate’ (see Annex 2I). The individual is to understand theirresponsibilities if required to assist with an emergency and that nominated personmust not be given another duty which prevents them from carrying out BLS orOxygen Administration.

0208 Breath Hold Diving/Snorkelling

a. There are potentially fatal risks in combining breath hold and sub-aqua diving.The following restrictions are to be observed:

(1) Maximum depth 3 m.

(2) Treat as a 3 m dive (no decompression penalty if conducted before diving).

(3) One breath before dive - No hyperventilating (reduces risk of shallow waterblackout).

(4) Duration – maximum one minute per dive.

(5) Breath holding diving is to be conducted in pairs; one diver must remain onthe surface acting as in water surface S/By whilst the second carries out abreath hold dive. The in water surface S/By is to maintain visual contact with the

breath hold diver throughout. The dive pair can reverse rolls throughout the dive. A lookout, co-located with the supervisor, is to maintain visual contact with thesurface S/By throughout.

(6) Clear surface (i.e. not under ships, structures or overhangs).

(7) Diver to be medically in date.

(8) Food/Alcohol/Medication as per diving regulations.

(9) Divers must have undertaken a formal training course (Ocean Diver).

b. Surface snorkelling can be undertaken at any time however, divers are not toleave the surface.

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c. Intention to conduct breath hold diving and surface snorkelling must be riskassessed and listed as an additional activity in the JSATFA.

d. The SADS is responsible for the supervision of breath hold diving and surfacesnorkelling.

0209. Diving Safety Requirements

a. A suitable risk assessment and plan is to be prepared. This is to include:

(1) Location and contact number of the nearest operational 2 compartmentrecompression chamber.

(2) Contact procedure for emergency services/coastguard/specialist medicaladvice.

(3) An emergency action plan (EAP) including recovery to medical aid.

(4) Environmental conditions including wave motion, current, temperature,depth, visibility, bottom type and weather forecast.

(5) Access to and from the platform/water/boat.

(6) Equipment type and breathing gas used.

(7) Depth and planned duration.

(8) Tasks/drills to be performed, and the level and currency of experience ofpersonnel.

Note. This is not a complete list of all likely hazards. A full, site specific riskassessment should be used to identify and control risks. Risks are to be activelymonitored and reviewed in order to identify new hazards. These should bedynamically assessed, recorded, and briefed as they occur.

b. The SADS is to know the position of his divers at all times. Surface MarkerBuoys (SMB) are to be used at all times except when deemed to be hazardous bythe SADS. When SMBs are not used then a plan for the marking of divers during theascent phase of the dive is to be in place, such as the use of a Delayed SMB(DSMB) (if the diver is qualified to use one). A SADS may order the use of buddylines at any time.

0210. Dive Boat Safety Precautions

a. Lifejackets are to be worn by all personnel when in RHIBs and small boats whenin transit to the dive site. Once at the dive site, the Coxswain can relax thisrequirement for passengers wearing diving suits provided that conditions are suchthat this is reasonable. The Coxswain and any other passengers not wearing divingsuits are to wear lifejackets at all times. Dry suits are to be sealed when on or nearthe water.

b. Boats used for diving operations must be operated by, or under directsupervision of, a qualified boat handler/coxswain/skipper.

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c. MOD procured dive boats are, in some cases, fitted with propeller guards inaccordance with MOD Policy. Where propeller guards are not available, this hazardis to be addressed in the Dive Risk Assessment and precautionary measuresincluded in the Dive Brief. Dive boats sourced from non-public funds such as‘Nuffield Trust’ should, where possible, be procured with prop guards.

0211. Emergency Medical Equipment/Dealing with Emergencies

a. For each diving project the risk assessment shall include a suitable casualtyevacuation plan. This shall include the emergency recovery of a casualty from thewater and their transportation to a compression chamber or specialist treatmentcentre. The details of the emergency arrangements shall be recorded in the divingproject plan. The initial stages of these arrangements shall be tested periodically inorder to ensure that they are effective.

b. A suitable first-aid kit and oxygen administration set shall be provided at the siteof the dive. Oxygen shall be immediately available at all locations, including those

where there is a compression chamber. Sufficient gas shall be provided for theduration of a transfer of a diver to a compression chamber, hospital or other place. Itshall be provided by a tight-fitting mask or by a mouthpiece with a nose clip.

0212. Deep Dive Planning

a. Depth Limits for Joint Service sub-aqua diving activities are limited to 60 m

b. When diving deeper than 30 m, special care with planning is vital, andrecommended deep diving practices are to be adhered to.

c. Following submission of an application to dive to depth (Appendix 2D-1), dives

beyond 40 m up to the BSAC’s recommended maximum dept limit of 50 m may, afterscrutiny, be undertaken with written permission from OIC JSSADC who is to informDST(AT) of location and dates of planned dives. OIC JSSADC may also authorisedives up to 50 m for SADS courses and for staff training in preparation for theconduct of SADS course (see note).

d. Following submission of an application to dive to depth (Appendix 2D-1), divesdeeper than 50 m will only be authorised by SofD following a High Risk Presentationwhich is to be attended by DST(AT), OIC JSSADC, the SADS responsible forleading the diving activity and any other relevant stakeholders deemed appropriateby DST(AT) and or OIC JSSADC. Dives deeper than 50 m will only be authorised bySofD following agreement by all stakeholders that the risk is acceptable.

Note. JSSADC will be cleared to dive to 50 m on an annual basis as part of theirannual certification; to include a deep dive brief covering all planned JSSADCactivities for the following year.

0213 Safety MarginsThe body accumulates a nitrogen load over a series of dives. The following safety

margins are to be observed:

a. Deepest dives are to be conducted first in order to maximise repetitive dive timesand minimise decompression requirements for subsequent dives.

b. Divers are not to conduct more than 3 dives in any 24 hour period.

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c. Total dive time in any 24 hour period is not to exceed 240 minutes.

d. When dive planning, decompression stops are to be limited to a total of 20minutes within any 24 hour period.

e. Any dive series involving consecutive days diving in excess of 30 m is to belimited to three days, after which a 24 hour no diving break is to be taken.

0214 Diving Depth Limits

a. A depth of 50 m is not to be exceeded for normal recreational air diving.

b. For Nitrox gas mixes, a maximum depth the lesser of 50 m or the depth at whichthe partial pressure of oxygen (PPO²) in the mixture reaches 1.4 bar during the divephase. In the decompression phase a maximum PPO² of 1.6 bar is permitted.

c. For Trimix or Heliox gas mixes a maximum diving depth of 60 m.

d. Within their limitations, different gas mixtures offer safety advantages over airand their use should be considered as part of any risk assessment when planningdiving IAW BSAC Safe Diving.

e. All divers using mixed gas are to be suitably qualified in it use.

f. Diving equipment is not to be operated in excess of manufacturers CE Approval.

0215. Build up Dives

a. When a diver has had a lay-off from diving for a period of time, or, when planning

a dive to a depth significantly deeper than that which they have recently dived, aplanned programme of dives, progressively building up to the target depth is to beundertaken. See also safety margins para 0213.

b. As long as a diver is in date and appropriately qualified there is no limitation ondiving up to 25 m.

c. To dive to depths greater than 25 m the diver must have exercised to within 10m of the maximum depth of the dive within the last two months.

d. If a diver has not exercised to within 10 m of the maximum depth of the divewithin the last two months he must undertake a series of build up dives from the

deepest depth / 25 m achieved in the previous 2 months, whichever is the greatest.The depth of build up dives can be increased by up to 10 m each day (see note).

e. Example. If a diver has conducted a dive to 30 m in the last 2 months andwished to undertake a dive to 45 m he would have to conduct build up dive to 40 mbefore diving to 45 m

f. Depending on the aims of an expedition, divers wishing to undertake deeperdiving must factor build up dives either into their pre-deployment work up or theexpedition itself.

Note. The SADS risk assessment is to take note of all safety factors surrounding thedive. If the circumstances dictate they are to reduce the incremental steps to lessthan 10 m as required.

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0216. Decompression Regimes

a. Joint Service sub aqua divers are to adhere to the decompression requirementsof the national governing body (BSAC). Provided such requirements are met, it isrecognised that on balance the risk of suffering a decompression related illness willbe reasonably controlled and enough safety measures will be provided for thoseparticipating in AT diving.

b. For air diving the national governing body uses the BSAC 88 DecompressionTables Level 1 to 4.

c. For Nitrox diving the national governing body uses the BSAC NitroxDecompression Tables.

d. For mixed gas diving AT Divers should use one of the proprietarydecompression programmes recommended by BSAC in their course documentation.

e. For commercial reasons manufacturers of dive computers will not publish theiralgorithms; it is therefore impossible to know exactly what regime is being used. Inorder to provide some level of assurance only CE approved dive computers are to beused.

f. For authorised ELC courses at non-BSAC MOD approved centres (Para 0113 c),decompression tables produced by the agency involved in delivering the trainingmay be used. (For Trimix and Rebreather diving, see Para 0221 to Para 0223).

Note. Unlike military diving decompression tables, which are rigorously tested andunderwritten by the MOD in case of injury, commercial tables and those used byBSAC and PADI are not verifiable by the MOD and are employed at the risk of the

diver.

g. Appropriately qualified divers may use gas with a PO² of 1.6 bar for thedecompression phase of the dive.

Note. Care must be taken during a re-descent following an ascent from deeperdepths when using a CCR system that employs a decompression PO² of 1.6 bar.Such a system will ultimately enrich the O² percentage to approximately 80%. If thediver then re-descends, a high PPO² condition may occur. In such an event thePPO² may be lowered by the manual addition of diluent gas (i.e. diluent flush)

h. Unless each diver in a group is wearing an individual dive computer then BSAC

decompression tables, or a run slate produced by a proprietary algorithm, must beused. If all divers have an individual

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Manual de Buceo Ingles