UHEXSO DIVING RULES, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The goal of UHEXSO's diving rules, policies and procedures is to ensure diver, surface crew and spectator safety at all times during UHEXSO diving events. However, no standard will ever exist which can substitute for common sense, sound judgment and a continuing concern and vigilance for maximum safety. At UHEXSO, safety is everyone's business.
Diving is a potentially hazardous practice that, if practiced incorrectly or with incomplete or insufficient training, planning or knowledge can expose a person to considerable risk, injury or death. See UHEXSO FAQ Page and Membership Application Page for full Disclaimer details.
The rules, procedures and policies as outlined below constitute only a framework and may from time to time be amended or changed.
Basic UHEXSO Definitions
Antique or Historical Equipment: Any and all diving equipment manufactured before1960.
Surface-Supplied Diving: Diving in either a helmet or band mask which requires air to be supplied from the surface to the diver.
Dive Station: The area where the equipment required to safely run a diving operation is located.
Diving Supervisor: The UHEXSO Diving Supervisor is responsible for the safe operation of all aspects of the diving operation, safety of all individuals on site, dive planning, and diver rotation.
Master Diver: A UHEXSO Master Diver rating indicates that this individual has achieved a high level of skill and knowledge in all aspects and methods of diving used by UHEXSO.
Dive Tender: This person is responsible for helping the diver get dressed in and ready to dive, handling the diver's umbilical while the diver is in the water, and assisting the diver when he or she returns to the surface.
Deck Boss: This individual is responsible for the safe operation, maintenance and overall safety of all equipment used outside of the immediate dive station area.
Safety Diver: The Safety Diver is ready at all times to assist the primary diver underwater in any situation that may pose a threat to the safety of the diver or to equipment.
UHEXSO Dive Rules
1. To dive at a UHEXSO event, a diver must have at minimum a basic open water certification from an internationally recognized certification agency, such as BSAC, CMAS, PADI, NAUI or SSI. Military and commercial certifications can be substituted provided proof of certification level can be shown.
2. Divers new to antique, historical or surface-supplied diving equipment must be checked out and familiarized with the equipment by a UHEXSO Master Diver or Diving Supervisor. The diver must show a minimum level of understanding and proficiency in the use of a piece of equipment before being allowed to dive it.
3. As much of the equipment used by UHEXSO is private property, the owner of the equipment has the right to refuse use of said equipment to any other member or guest. Damage to private property by individuals using the equipment shall be the responsibility of the individual in question.
4. UHEXSO excepts no liability for damage, theft or loss of privately owned equipment or personal belongings.
5. The Diving Supervisor has the authority to cancel or cease diving operations at any time and can remove from the site or dive rotation individuals who may pose a threat to themselves or others.
6. Divers who are unfamiliar with or have not been trained in the use of water-jetting, air-lifting, dredging, heavy lift and rigging or cutting equipment will not be allowed to use such equipment without direct supervision and instruction.
7. Any diver may remove him- or herself from the diving rotation at any time for any reason.
8. Illicit drugs are forbidden at any UHEXSO event. The use of alcohol and medications which can cause impairment is forbidden during dive operations.
9. Divers will follow the United States Navy Standard Air Tables at all times. The use of NITROX, Enriched Air or Mixed Gas is forbidden unless approval is given by the UHEXSO Diving Supervisor prior to the event. All divers using NITROX, Mixed Gas or Enriched Air must be certified in its use.
10. All air cylinders and scuba tanks brought to a UHEXSO event must have a current V.I.P. and hydro test.
11. All diving equipment used at a UHEXSO event is subject to inspection by the Diving Supervisor. Equipment deemed unsafe will be tagged and removed from the dive station until repaired.
12. All divers are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their own dive equipment.
13. All divers who participate in a UHEXSO sponsored event must have a UHEXSO Release of Liability, Hold Harmless, and Model Release on file prior to participation.
14. Any diver who is injured or becomes ill during a dive is required to report that injury or illness, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to the Diving Supervisor immediately after completing the dive.
UHEXSO Diving Procedures
1. Divers using double-hose regulators in over 20 feet of water must have a safety diver and/or carry a spare air back-up cylinder. Maximum tank pressure on all pre1965 double-house regulators is 2,200-2,500 psi.
2. Maximum depth for the Mark V, Widolf and Jack Browne diving equipment is 50 feet.
3. Maximum depth for the underwater oxy-acetylene cutting torch is 20 feet.
4. All fittings to the manifold box are to be leak-tested prior to air-on to the diver.
5. Minimum Personnel Requirements. Light surface-supplied rigs: Diver, Safety Diver, Tender and Supervisor. Heavy or Deep Sea Rig: Diver, Safety Diver, 2 Tenders, and Supervisor.
6. Entry and exit points must be examined and tested to ensure they can support the full weight of the diver, provide ease of entry and exit, and are not slippery, off-camber, or otherwise dangerous.
7. Should communications break down on a surface supplied dive, the dive will be terminated.
8. Minimum of 80 cubic feet of air as back-up per surface-supplied diver is to be on-line at all times.
9. Hard-hat rigs are to be free-flowed by the diver with air-on to the hat before diver enters the water.
10. No divers are to enter the water with out permission of the Dive Supervisor. Any and all personnel leaving the dive site area before the end of diving operations must check in with the Dive Supervisor.
UHEXSO Diving Policies
1. All UHEXSO members are at all times to treat spectators and guests with courtesy and respect.
2. Ensure that spectators and guests are kept clear of high-pressure lines, control panels and machinery which is in operation.
3. While on private or commercial boats, the Captain has the final word.
4. Respect the property and dive equipment of others.
5. Do not "air" problems or negative comments to the public. Take your problems to the UHEXSO Diving Supervisor or any other UHEXSO officer or director for resolution.
6. Discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated from any UHEXSO member toward any other member, spectator or guest.
7. Try to control or limit the use of profane or vulgar language in public areas.
8. Always use common sense and good judgment and if you don't know, ask!
9. Always be ready to teach, show or explain equipment. However, do not let it interfere with the safety of the dive operation.
10. UHEXSO members will respect the rules and regulations governing the dive venue.