Safety
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What should I send to the SEP for service?
The following equipment must be sent back to the Standardized Equipment Program (SEP) office for annual service:
- Primary regulator first stage and second stages with pressure gauge, UWATEC, and LP inflator hose
- Reserve Air Supply System (RASS) regulator first and second stages with pressure gauge
- Alternate Air Source with Buoyancy Compensator connector (remove from BCD at shoulder)
The most convenient way to safely pack the items for shipping is to put them in your regulator bag.
The shipping address is:
Standardized Equipment Program
NOAA Diving Center
7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 8
Seattle, WA 98115
If you have any questions, please send an e-mail message to SEP.ndc@noaa.gov.
How can I test my compressor relief valves and pressure gauges?
Considering the need for extra equipment to do this and the potential complications, the NOAA Diving Program recommends having a service technician for your particular brand of compressor test the relief valves and calibrate the gauges during routine compressor servicing. Some pressure relief valves, most likely very high pressure ones, may need to be sent to the manufacturer for testing.
Interestingly, not all valves can be tested. Some spring activated valves will reset upon release; these valves may be tested. Other valves are one-use only and when activated will not reset; these valves cannot be tested. The manufacturer will know which valves are installed on the compressor.
How often are DUSA inspections conducted?
Diving Unit Safety Assessments (DUSA) are conducted by DUSA inspectors at each diving unit site once every three years. Diving units conduct their own inspections every year and submit the results to their Unit Diving Supervisor.
What is over bottom diving?
Over bottom diving occurs when a diver is able to see the sea floor or bottom but it is too deep to be accessed.
What is blue water diving?
Blue water diving occurs when divers cannot see the sea floor or other bottom landmarks during their dive.
What kind of diver recall system should I get?
At this time, the NOAA Diving Program does not have a specific brand requirement. Feel free to buy one that you like.
Where can I get more RASS bottles (13 cu ft)?
NOAA diving units can:
- purchase Reserve Air Supply System (RASS) bottles at a local dive store
- contact the NOAA Diving Program and we will send you as many as you need
- email: support.ndc@noaa.gov
- phone (NDC XO): 206-526-6460
How do I wear a RASS?
The Reserve Air Supply System (RASS) is worn by NOAA Divers on their right side, as shown in the illustration below.
If a NOAA Diver wishes to use the RASS in a different configuration, a waiver request must be submitted through the diver's Unit Diving Supervisor to the Line or Staff Office Diving Officer.
NOTE:
- RASS cylinder valves are never to have a cap. The cap and string may interfere with opening the valve and/or removing the second stage from the bag.
- Don’t forget to remove RASS cylinders from the pouch to minimize cylinder oxidation. The bottom of the cylinders are especially prone to damage.
Appendix 7-1 drawing from the July 14, 2011 NOAA Working Diving Standards and Safety Manual (NWDSSM) illustrating a NOAA diver wetsuit configuration. Mask: eyes. Snorkel: left side of head. Regulator: mouth, hose over right shoulder. Buoyancy Compensator Device (BCD) inflator hose: left shoulder. Inline alternate air source: left shoulder. BCD: right side. Reserve Air Supply System (RASS): right side. Whistle: left shoulder. Weight belt: waist, right hand release. Gauge console: under left arm. Fins: carried in hand. Knife: right ankle.