Other Support Personnel

6-36 Change A U.S. Navy Diving Manual—Volume 2 6-9.11 Recorder. The recorder shall be a qualified diver. The recorder maintains work- sheets, fills out the diving log for the operation, and records the diver’s descent time, depth of dive, and bottom time. The recorder reports to the Diving Super- visor the ascent time, first stop, and time required at the decompression stop. In scuba operations, the Diving Supervisor may assume the duties of the recorder. The recorder is required to have on hand a copy of the U.S. Navy Standard Decompression Tables being used. When decompression begins, the schedule selected by the Diving Supervisor is recorded on the chart and log. The recorder keeps all members of the team advised of the decompression requirements of the divers. 6-9.12 Medical Personnel. Diving Medical Officers and Diving Medical Technicians are given special training in hyperbaric medicine and in diving. They provide medical advice and treatment to diving personnel. They also instruct members of the diving team in first aid procedures and participate in diving operations when the presence of diving medical personnel is indicated, as when particularly hazardous operations are being conducted. Diving medical personnel evaluate the fitness of divers before operations begin and are prepared to handle any emergencies which might arise. They also observe the condition of other support personnel and are alert for signs of fatigue, overex- posure, and heat exhaustion. 6-9.13 Other Support Personnel. Other support personnel may include almost any member of the command when assigned to duties that support diving operations. Some personnel need specific indoctrination. Small-Boat operators shall under- stand general diving procedures, know the meanings of signals, and be aware of the mission objectives. Other personnel, such as winch operators or deck crew, might interact with the operation directly, but only when under the control of the Diving Supervisor. Engineering personnel may be directed to secure overboard discharges and lock the shafts; a sonar operator might be required to secure equip- ment and put a Do Not Energize tag on the power switch (see Figure 6-20a for a detailed Ship Repair Safety Checklist). The Officer of the Deck (OOD) or Command Duty Officer (CDO) is responsible to the Commanding Officer for the operation and safety of the ship and crew during the watch. He shall be concerned with the activities of the diving team. The OOD/CDO shall stay informed of the progress of the operation, of any changes to the original plan and shall be notified as far in advance as possible of any special requirements. The Officer of the Deck or Command Duty Officer shall be alert for any shifting of the moor or changing weather/sea conditions. He shall inform the Diving Officer and/or Diving Supervisor of any changes in these conditions. 6-9.14 Cross-Training and Substitution. Each member of the diving team should be qualified to act in any position on the team. Because it is probable that substitu- tions will be made at some point during a lengthy mission, dive plans and diving schedules should organize personnel and work objectives so that experienced personnel will always be available on site. All personnel who participate in the operation should be included in initial briefings.