U.S. EPA Region 10
Safety Plan for Small Boat Operators
4 Mar 1997
Page 1 of 5

EPA REGION 10 SAFETY PLAN FOR SMALL BOAT OPERATORS
INTRODUCTION

This plan establishes general guidelines and procedures for the safe and efficient
use of small boats used to support dive operations. It covers both government and leased
private vessels, and small boats are defined for this plan as U.S. Coast Guard Class A or
Class 1 vessels (i.e., boats less than 26 ft in length). Depending on the type and size of
boat being used, the area of operation covered may include coastal waters out to 5 miles
offshore and all interior waters.

A small boat should support diving operations when, in the judgement of the
Regional Diving Officer or the Divemaster in charge of the dive operation, the diver's
safety may be compromised by weather or sea conditions, boat traffic, or any other
factor. Additional requirements and procedures may be required for dive operations in
extremely remote areas, such as parts of SE Alaska and the Aleutian Islands.

All divers, particularly the Divemasters, should become proficient at boat
operation.

BOAT OPERATIONS

1.	Prior to using a small boat, the operator will ensure it is seaworthy and in safe
operating condition. The operator will inspect the boat and use a use a checklist to
determine if the boat is fully operational and properly equipped.

2.	At least one other person involved with the dive operation must have complete
knowledge of operating the boat including the navigation and communication
equipment.

3.	If deteriorating weather conditions are of concern, the boat operator will monitor
weather forecasts on VHF channels WX1, WX2, or WX3.

4.	The boat should be positioned to provide immediate assistance to the divers in the
water, including protecting them from other water craft.

5.	If the dive tender loses visual contact with the dive team's bubbles, the boat operator
will ensure the divers on the bottom are notified via the diver recall unit that their
location has been lost. (The divers do not need to immediately surface, only to be
extremely careful on ascent.)


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U.S. EPA Region 10
Safety Plan for Small Boat Operators
4 Mar 1997
Page 2 of 5

6.	If the small boat is anchored on station, it must be moored in such a way as to be able
to slip moorage immediately, e.g., with a buoyed anchor line.

7.	During adverse sea or weather conditions, the dive boat should not be anchored if
there are divers in the water, except if there is an engine failure.

8.	If unsafe sea or weather conditions develop, dive operations can be canceled or
suspended by the Boat Operator or Divemaster.

BOAT EQUIPMENT

In addition to the equipment on the checklist specific for each boat, the boat operator

will ensure the following equipment is onboard:

1.	Emergency equipment per USCG regulations, including an EPA Region 10 field first
aid kit and drinking water;

2.	Depending on the type and size of the boat used, a compass, VHF radio, bottom
sounder, navigation lights, fog horn (hand held is OK), binoculars, and a hand held
megaphone;

3.	The VHF radio shall have working frequencies for monitoring commercial vessel
traffic (Ch. 5A - Northern Puget Sound, Ch. 14 - Southern Puget Sound), bridge to
bridge communication (Ch. 13), intership communication for US Government vessels
(Chs. 81, 82 & 83), and distress calls (Ch. 16);

4.	A working cellular telephone;

5.	An anchor with lines suitable for holding the boat in areas where anchoring is
reasonable;

6.	Appropriate dive flags (red & white diver down flag and a blue & white code flag
alpha);

7.	A diver recall unit, with both tone signals and a microphone for direct verbal
communication with the divers, shall be available to rapidly recall the divers;

8.	A diver's ladder for ease of boarding, if the boat can not easily and safely be
entered from the water by divers; and


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U.S. EPA Region 10
Safety Plan for Small Boat Operators
4 Mar 1997
Page 3 of 5

9. Basic tools and spare parts for working on the engine and the boat.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOAT PERSONNEL

Boat Operator is responsible for the vessel and all personnel on board, and shall:
(1) be involved with the early planning for the dive operation, or subsequently review the
dive plan with the Divemaster; (2) brief the boat crew, including the dive team, on the
location of the life preservers, first aid equipment, fire extinguishers, and, if necessary,
the operation of the navigation and communication equipment; (3) know the helicopter
Medevac instructions listed on the USCG Medevac/Medic Incident Checklist, and (4) file
a float plan.

A diver may be the boat operator, but must not be the designated dive tender.

Dive Team Members shall assist the boat operator during launching, mooring,
anchoring, or at any other time when the boat operator requests assistance.

NUMBER OF PERSONNEL REQUIRED FOR OPERATING SMALL BOATS

Except under emergency conditions, the minimum number of personnel required to
operate a small boat shall be as follows.

Boat	Distance	Boat	Boat Hand

Length	Offshore17	Operator	

<26 ft	< 1/2 mile	1

< 26 ft	1/2 to 5 miles	1	1-

Note: - None of the EPA Region 10 small boats should be used in waters of the

Pacific Ocean. Further, extreme caution should be taken when operating in
the St. of Juan de Fuca or Columbia River.

- A diver may assume this responsibility


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U.S. EPA Region 10
Safety Plan for Small Boat Operators
4 Mar 1997
Page 4 of 5

ACCIDENT PROCEDURES

In the event of a boat or diving accident, the boat operator will be the primary person
responsible for the vessel and crew, and shall:

1.	Maintain a position at the helm seat and navigate the boat,

2.	Be the primary person to contact the USCG on the VHF radio or cellular
telephone,

3.	Review the USCG Medevac/Medico Incident Checklist if helicopter Medevac
occurs, and

4.	Maintain radio or telephone contact with the USCG during helicopter evacuation.If
the accident involves the boat operator, the Divemaster will designate a person to
operate the boat.

The Divemaster or Alternate Divemaster, if the Divemaster is injured, will be the
primary person responsible for:

1.	Directing the administration of first aid for the accident victim, and

2.	Communicating with the boat operator.


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U.S. EPA Region 10
Safety Plan for Small Boat Operators
4 Mar 1997
Page 5 of 5

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

The following telephone numbers are appropriate for diving operations in the Puget
Sound area. The Dive Plan will list emergency telephone numbers for other medical
facilities (e.g., hospitals) in the area of operation.

Virginia Mason Hospital, Seattle, WA

Emergency Room		583-6433

Recompression Chamber		583-6543

U.S. Naval Torpedo Station, Keyport, WA

Recompression Chamber		360-396-2522 or

360-396-2563

After hours (ask for "Duty Desk Officer") 		360-396-2551

U.S. Coast Guard, Seattle, WA

Search and Rescue		206-220-7001

Cellular Telephone		*CG

VHF Radio		Channel 16

Divers Alert Network

Emergencies Only		919-684-8111

Medical Inquiries & Other Business		919-684-2948


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