Workshop report: Shipboard diving safety aboard UNOLS vessels.

Abstract

Two workshops were funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and convened under the auspices of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society in order to address issues relating to the safety of scientists diving at sea. The workshops' objectives included establishing research diving-related guidelines for marine operators and Masters and reviewing existing shipboard research diving safety documentation (especially as they relate to distant scientific programs). These meetings specifically examined issues such as responsibility and authority of ships personnel and cruise participants, multi-institutional cruises, recompression chambers, small boats, diver evaluation and training, emergency plans and procedures, new technologies and cruise personnel requirements. The workshop participants were tasked to look to the future as in situ technologies evolve for both hyperbaric and one-atmosphere applications. A final report detailing a series of recommendations for changes in procedures and regulations and shipboard training materials was issued.