Diving and Snorkelling

Diving

Any workers wishing to undertake diving as part of their scientific work in the College will only be able to do so if able to satisfy the Diving Safety Adviser (Dr John Turner) that they have the appropriate qualifications and competence for such work. Strict rules and Codes of Practice govern scientific diving, and they are mandatory.

The University Policy on Diving at work should be consulted and can be found here.

The Regulations do not cover recreational divers who are not at work, but please note that data or samples intentionally collected by staff and students during recreational sport dives cannot be used in university work, i.e. recreational and work diving is strictly separate.

All requests for authorisation to conduct diving field work must be made to the Diving Safety Adviser to ensure that activities meet The Diving at Work Regulations 1997 (HSE Statutory Instrument 2776).

The Regulations are accompanied by five Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance (ACoPs) and the Scientific and Archealogical Diding ACoP provides guidance for most of the College's diving activities.

Advice notes for the Scientific and Archaeological Approved Code of Practice have been published by the Scientific Diving Supervisory Committee, and must be followed when planning a diving operation. The main points to address are covered the Bangor University Diving Rules and all of these documents should be used to prepare the mandatory Risk Assessment. Note that there is a legal requirement for the Vice Chancellor to nominate in writing Diving Supervisors for each diving operation, and Risk Assessments and Dive Operation Logs must be checked by the Diving Safety Adviser and lodged with the Health and Safety Unit, and hence early planning is recommended. You are advised to contact the diving safety adviser at least 2 months before you plan to undertake any diving activities and before making any financial or other commitment to a diving a project since  you may not be able to satisfy all the safety requirements and if this is the case you will not be allowed to dive.

The forms you need can be found below.

Snorkelling

Although snorkelling is not covered by the same legislation as diving the hazards involved are potentially just as great and thus strict risk control measures are in place to control the risks involved with snorkelling.You must consult the Diving Safety Adviser about all snorkelling activities and follow the CoESE guidance on Snorkelling.

The decision of the Diving Safety Adviser on all matters pertaining to diving and snorkelling is final.