2.8.4 Traffic Report Message for Divers – Let the Coast Guard know

2.8.4 Traffic Report Message for Divers – Let the Coast Guard know

Divers should carefully plan their dive, considering sea conditions, forecasted weather conditions, tidal streams, and state of the tide at the start of each dive. It is recommended that every diver carries a Surface Marker Buoy to identify their location.

Sail and Motor Boats – Coastal Operation

Before starting a dive, recreational Scuba and Technical Divers are encouraged to log a Dive Traffic Report message (TR) with a Coast Guard Radio Station on VHF Channel 16 or by calling direct on a working channel. Marine Notice No. 61 of 2020 provides information regarding Irish Coast Guard VHF working channels. There is no charge for this service.

A Dive TR should be closed out via VHF radio or phone when all divers are returned to the surface and the dive operation is completed. The Irish Coast Guard will not initiate overdue procedures based on Dive TRs which are not closed out at the end of a dive. It is still the responsibility of the Dive Boat Cox or your designated contact person ashore to report any concerns if divers or the dive boat are overdue in returning from a voyage.

The Dive TR provides the Coast Guard with an awareness of the diving activities and location information in the event of an emergency. The Dive TR will also help rescue authorities know where to start looking and how many people are aboard the vessel or in the water during the planned dive. It is recommended that every dive vessel is fitted with a VHF radio and carries a secondary means of communication such as a mobile phone in a waterproof case.

A TR can be created by VHF radio (Channel 16 or IRCG VHF working channels) or by phoning the relevant Coast Guard Rescue Co-ordination Centre on:

+353 (0)1 662 0922 for MRCC Dublin,

Vessels engaged in recreational diving operations should ensure a designated person ashore is aware of the dive plans and intended return times of the dive group and knows what to do to raise the alarm if the need arises. See section 2.2.2 of this Code for a Shore-based Contact Person Template setting out the information to be provided.

+353 (0)74 937 0103 for MRSC Malin Head, or

+353 (0)66 947 6109 for MRSC Valentia.

Information to create a Dive TR should include the following:

Traffic Report Message for Divers (Dive TR)

Date:

Vessel Name (and Call Sign):

Dive Club/Organisation:

Dive Location (Latitude and Longitude):

Dive Location (Geographic Area):

How many Divers:

Maximum Depth of Dive:

Dive Duration:

Air or Mixed Gas: