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503 EM 385-1-1 Sections 27-34
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Pre-Dive Conference

30.A.19 Prior to the initial work on each dive operation, a Pre-Dive Conference must be held with key personnel designated by the DDC to discuss the Dive Operations plan, AHA, and Emergency Management Plan and any modifications needed.

The dive team will be fully brief IAW the Dive Operations Plan, AHA, and Emergency Management Plan.

For contractor operations, the pre-dive conference will also be attended by the USACE dive inspector or DDC and a representative of the Contractor with sufficient authority to implement any changes required by the USACE diving inspector or coordinator.

30.A.20 Prior to each dive, the entire dive team will be briefed in detail on the following (as a minimum):

  1. Description of mission and location, including drawings and/or photographs pertinent to the mission and equipment and materials that are to be installed as part of the mission;
  2. Description of diving apparatus/equipment and craft to be used;
  3. Maximum working depth with estimated bottom times and water temperatures;
  4. Names and duties of personnel on the team (when possible, incorporate at least one person on the dive that has previously performed the same or similar mission);
  5. Discussion of AHA; and
  6. Emergency procedures.

Post-Dive Debriefing

30.A.21 Upon completion of each diving operation or at the conclusion of each day, a dive team debriefing must be conducted by the dive supervisor. At the debriefing divers are advised of the location of the nearest recompression chamber (if not located on site), the phone number for DAN or local dive medical facility, and cautioned on the limitations of their post dive activities including repetitive dives, traveling to higher altitude, and flying.

Revision of diving Plan

30.A.22 If for any reason the dive mission is altered:

  1. Minor to moderate revisions to the accepted dive plan will be reviewed and accepted by the DDC or ADC prior to continuing the operation. These revisions may include differences in time, date, dive team members, work methods/tools used, and other changes that do not affect overall risk. This review may be conducted electronically or verbally and confirmed in writing after completion of the dive operation.
  2. Major changes or those which modify high-risk activities, such as modifying pressure differential and hazardous energy controls, adding penetration diving, changing dive equipment modes (i.e. from SCUBA to SSA), discovery of unexpected contaminated diving conditions, etc. require a two-person review as outlined in Section 30.A.13.
  3. For contract operations, the project superintendent or the dive supervisor must submit/request the revised plan through the GDA for DDC acceptance.

30.A.23 All diving activities must be conducted with full knowledge and close coordination with the GDA and on-site authorities such as the dive inspector, lockmaster/project manager, etc.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

30-8. Prior to each dive, who must be briefed in detail during the pre-dive conference?