2.8.3 Pre-departure Checks and Briefing

All dive boats should have their engine in neutral when deploying and recovering divers.

and equipment prior to departure. Dedicated bottle stowage racks should be fitted to dive boats.

▪Ensure all equipment carried on

2.8.3 Pre-departure Checks and Briefing

the craft is stowed correctly to ensure that the stability and safety of the craft is not compromised.

Dive boat users should observe the following additional precautions:

▪Correct flag and signals must be

displayed to indicate to other boat users that there are divers in the water.

▪Be aware of weather forecast,

tidal conditions and the bottom conditions for the dive site.

▪International

▪Ensure that there are at least

Code of signals Flag “A”. “I have a diver down, keep clear”. Preferably a solid replica of Flag “A”, e.g. painted plywood.

two appropriate means of raising the alarm such as a VHF radio, a Personal Locator Beacon or flares.

▪Ensure that the diving group is

briefed prior to departure.

▪When conducting night dives,

▪Contact the Irish Coast Guard

ensure that the craft displays the correct Navigation Lights in accordance with the IRPCS (Red over White over Red indicating a vessel with restricted ability to manoeuvre, i.e. diver down)

with the dive plan before leaving (Traffic Route).

▪Log a Dive Traffic Report message

– see section 2.8.4.

▪Complete Dive Log Sheet for all

divers (check in and out of the water).

▪Divers should deploy delayed

surface marker buoys (DSMB) while performing their ascent to the surface. This alerts others to your location in advance of your ascent.

▪Wear a suitable PFD/lifejacket

when travelling to and from dive site (S.I. No. 921 of 2005).

▪Ensure all diving equipment is

▪Dive boats should not obstruct

regularly tested and serviced as per manufacturers guidelines.

channels or approaches to harbours.

▪Ensure that an emergency plan

is carried on-board and all divers are familiar with its contents and location on board. Ensure that a copy of the emergency plan is also kept ashore with a designated person or shore marshal.

Before every dive, the completion of a buddy check will help to ensure that you have the dive equipment you need and everything is working properly. For diving activities, follow the standards of your diving organisation.

▪Firmly secure all diving bottles