Diving Safety Program

Overview

The Diving Safety Program (DSP) provides oversight of compressed gas diving activities conducted by the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG). The DSP reviews Department diving activities, supports ongoing projects, and provides training for DFG divers. The DSP is administered by the Marine Region with support from staff throughout the Department and is an Organizational Member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS).

Program Divers

DFG's diving program has approximately 80 active divers. These Scientific Aides, Biologists, Fish and Game Wardens, Environmental Scientists, Engineers, and Habitat Supervisors log nearly 2000 dives annually for biological, ecological and hydrological research and monitoring; as well as for enforcement and public safety along the coast and in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Standards and Policies

Only divers that meet Department criteria and have successfully completed Department training are eligible to dive using scuba in support of Department projects and programs.  Department diving policies and procedures are based on the standards set forth by AAUS and are vetted by the Department's Diving Safety Board. These policies and procedures may be found in the Department's Diving Safety Manual (File size 1.0 MB)

Reciprocity

DFG is an organizational member of AAUS and recognizes dive certifications from other AAUS institutions. Researchers may dive on DFG-hosted projects by first providing the DSO (at least 2 weeks in advance) with:

• Letter of Reciprocity/Verification of Diver Training from your home institution
• Evidence of Liability Coverage (DFG form coming soon)

Downloads

• Diving Safety Manual (File size 1.0 MB)
• Forms (Coming soon)
• Dive Planning (Coming soon)

Online Dive Log

Coming soon

Training Courses - 2011 Schedule and Overview

The Diving Safety Program administers a Department Diver Certification Course, annual Recertification Workshops, and Specialty Courses for certified Department divers. Training offered by the DSP is limited to Department employees and is not open to the public.

Current Department Divers

Annual Recertification: Department divers must re-qualify annually. Recertification Workshops include swim testing, emergency responder training and certification renewal, scuba proficiency and qualification dives, and workshops in specialty diving modes. Attendance at one meeting is mandatory to maintain Department certification. RSVP required.

2011 Recertification Workshops:

• Lake Tahoe, May 24-26 (Tentative). Recertification and Altitude Workshop
• Ft. Bragg, August 23-25. Recertification and field work
• Los Alamitos, September 20-22. Recertification and Skills Workshop
• Monterey, October 25-27. Recertification and Skills Workshop

Specialized Diving Modes: Training in the following specialized diving modes is available by request:

2011 Specialized Modes Training (check with DSO for additional offerings):

• Dry Suit- Monterey, March 9
• Nitrox Review- Monterey, March 16
• Altitude Diving- Lake Tahoe, May 24-26 (Tentative)

Diving Support Roles: Training is available to divers or those performing diver support function.

• Cylinder Handler Safety
• Fill Station Operator

Prospective Department Divers

DFG Diver Certification:You must be a Department employee to enroll in this course. Supervisor, Regional Manager, and DSO permission is required for enrollment. Upon successful completion, divers are certified to the Scientific Diving Standards of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences, and are qualified to dive under the auspices of DFG. Topics covered in the course include diving physics, physiology, decompression, night diving, dive planning, and research techniques. There is extensive in-water evaluation of skills. This course is not basic scuba training and candidates must have demonstrated course prerequisites and in-water aptitude prior to enrolling. Please contact the DSO for more information.

• Catalina Island, May 8-13, 2011 (Sun-Fri)

Dive Locker

Coming soon

Program History

Coming soon

Program Administration

Operations of the Diving Safety Program are overseen by the Diving Safety Officer (DSO). The DSO is responsible for training current divers and diver candidates, and overseeing compliance with AAUS and OSHA standards for scientific and workplace diving. For more information, please contact:

David Osorio
Associate Biologist, Diving Safety Officer
California Department of Fish & Game
20 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Suite 100
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: 831-649-7195
Fax: 831-649-2917
Email: dosorio@dfg.ca.gov

Diving Safety Board

The Diving Safety Board (DSB) provides consultation and guidance to the Diving Safety Officer to ensure a safe and efficient diving operation. DSB members serve as the Department's technical and policy advisors and assist the DSO when conducting diver training and safety programs.