What are Dive Orders?

In order for a NOAA Corps Officer to become authorized to dive, the officer must first receive Officer Diving Authorization or "Dive Orders." The authorization is official when the NOAA Form 56-30 Officer Diving Authorization Request is completed and signed by the officer, the officer's supervisor, and the Diving Program Manager. An Officer Diving Authorization Request form must be completed at the beginning of each fiscal year (October 1) or whenever the officer is assigned to a new diving unit.