Page 247 - Manual for Activities directed at the Underwater Cultural Heritage
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addition, some projects might be organized in such a way as to include a timekeeper who oversees the dive schedule, records the entry and exit times of divers and their maximum depths, keeps an eye on basic dive operations and may assist the dive supervisor with the direction of boat traffic. These additional roles follow simple diving operations, which are based on the buddy system of diving. In all instances, clarity of communication, language, and agreement upon signals used is important.
The chain of command of the diving operations begins with the dive supervisor, who is the authority regarding safety and procedure. The dive supervisor confers with the project director on the tasks of the project and daily operations. The dive supervisor instructs the divers, safety/ standby diver, chamber operator, timekeeper and tender, and should not dive while fulfilling this role. If present, a tender will serve as the communication link between the dive supervisor (and perhaps project director) and the diver. A timekeeper, if present, will receive instruction from the dive supervisor and then communicate directly with the divers before and after they are in the water.
Documentation and record-
keeping
Every aspect of the diving operations needs to be documented as the diving operations record, and this paperwork should be kept separate from other documentation of the project.
Prior to the beginning of the diving operations, the equipment to be used and its status, including last service and approval, need to be recorded. The qualifications of the divers and other relevant personnel also need to be on record (see qualification of personnel, below), as well as the divers’ medical paperwork indicating that they are approved for diving and have obtained the necessary first-aid training. The risk assessment, safety procedures and emergency contact information also need to be formulated at this time (see risk assessment and
246 emergency procedures and contacts, below).
Safety
