This notice is being issued to reinforce the ADCI guidelines and requirements for commercial SCUBA. The ADCI International Consensus Standards for Commercial Diving and Underwater Operations (ed. 6.4), Section 4.2 SELF-CONTAINED DIVING (SCUBA) outlines the minimum personnel requirements, operational guidelines, and equipment requirements for commercial SCUBA.
It has been noted and reported that several firms are not meeting the stated requirements for:
• Two-way audio communications between the diver and topside;
• Full face mask with through water communication to the surface (supervisor), with diver-to-diver communications a desirable option;
• SCUBA divers shall be line-tended from the surface, or accompanied by another diver in the water in continuous visual contact during the diving operations;
• During all SCUBA dives, a standby diver shall be available while a diver is in the water.
Please note that documented failures to abide by the guidelines prescribed in Section 4.2 will be addressed through the membership review process, which could result in suspension or termination of General or Associate School membership.
Members who utilize commercial SCUBA should take an opportunity to review the conduct of their operations to ensure that they are in full compliance with the ADCI Consensus Standards.
