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Diving

All you need to know about our diving safety procedures.

Scientific Diving at the University of Tasmania

Scientific diving is a vital capability supporting world-class marine research, education, and environmental stewardship at the University of Tasmania. Our diving operations are governed by a comprehensive safety management system that ensures legal compliance, alignment with national and international standards, and the wellbeing of our diving community.

This page outlines our approach to diving safety, training, governance, and operational support.

Diving includes

  • Activities using SCUBA, Surface Supplied equipment, Rebreathers, etc.
  • Breath-hold activities, such as snorkelling and freediving
  • Chamber diving (hyperbaric/recompression chamber)

The roles and responsibilities of our Officers, People Leaders, Dive Coordinators and Diver/Dive Support personnel can be found at Diving at the University of Tasmania (Staff intranet).

Updates

Dive Manual

The University of Tasmania Dive Manual (PDF 593.9 KB) is the central document guiding all compressed air diving operations conducted under the auspices of the University. It was developed in consultation with University divers, coordinators, operational staff, and external safety experts.

The manual outlines:

  • Roles and responsibilities for divers, coordinators, and leaders
  • Dive planning, hazard controls, and emergency response procedures
  • Equipment standards and maintenance requirements
  • Competency and training pathways for scientific diving

It is structured to follow the flow of a diving operation and includes summary pages, linked appendices, and practical tools to support safe and effective fieldwork.

Diving Safety Governance

Diving operations at the University of Tasmania are overseen by the Dive Safety Committee, which provides governance, assurance, and strategic oversight. The committee includes representatives from key research groups, operational staff, and the University Dive Officer.

The University of Tasmania is a member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS). The AAUS provides technical advice to the University of Tasmania in accordance with Scientific Diving industry standards. For the purposes of the AAUS procedures, this committee fulfils the same role as a Diving Control Board (DCB) and the University Dive Officer fulfils the same role as Dive Safety Officer (DSO).

Our safety framework is aligned with:

  • Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (Tasmania)
  • Work Health and Safety Regulations 2022 – Part 4.8 (Diving Work)
  • AS/NZS 2299.2 Occupational Diving Standards
  • University of Tasmania Safety and Wellbeing Procedures

The University is a member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS). The University Diving Safety Committee members are listed as a Diving Control Board member or DSO of University of Tasmania by the AAUS. The AAUS provides technical advice to the University of Tasmania in accordance with AS/NZS 2299.2:2002 Occupational Diving Operations-Scientific Diving.

For the purposes of the AAUS procedures, this sub-committee fulfils the same role as a Diving Control Board (DCB) and the members fulfil the same role as Dive Safety Officer (DSO).

Diving safety committee

The Diving Safety Committee (the Committee) is the advisory body responsible for supporting safe diving practices at the University of Tasmania, including in relation to relevant legislation, Australian Standards, Codes of Practice, industry requirements and the University’s Diving Minimum Standards and Procedures.

The Committee advises the University Dive Officer regarding development and implementation of relevant University policies, procedures and the  Diving Safety Manual.

The University of Tasmania is a member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS). The AAUS provides technical advice to the University of Tasmania in accordance with Scientific Diving industry standards. For the purposes of the AAUS procedures, this committee fulfils the same role as a Diving Control Board (DCB) and the University Dive Officer fulfils the same role as Dive Safety Officer (DSO).