The NOAA diving regulations, section 5.15m., state that: "NOAA certified divers may be given periodic refresher training." Several UDS's have requested specific guidelines for refresher training so in December, the Safety Board and the DNDP developed the following core subject list:

• Oxygen Administration & Delivery Systems
• Recognition & Treatment of Diving Accidents & injuries
• Dive Rescue & Accident Management
• Decompression Tables
• CPR & First Aid
• Watermanship Skills

Additional subjects may be added by a UDS or LODO as needed. We are planning on developing a refresher package that will include the core subjects for your use. NDC also has course material on several other topics that can be added to customize your training program. We are also evaluating commercial products on CD-ROM and video tape for individual use at the units.

Basic watermanship skills are listed on the "Report of NOAA Check-Out Dive" form issued to you last month. Additional skills pertaining to diver rescue techniques should be included during the watermanship evaluations.

Refresher training shall be conducted annually, or more frequently as determined by the UDS or LODO. CPR and First Aid refresher courses shall be completed per certification agency guidelines.

Refresher training is intended for active NOAA divers and is not a means to reactivate or establish new divers at your unit. These new guidelines are included in the draft regulations and should resolve your questions on refresher training.

The next Working Diver class is scheduled for May of 1998. Please contact NDC if you have any candidates for this training. Individuals who are returning to active diving status and have not dove for more than one year, must attend a refresher class. If you would like a refresher class in your area, contact NDC for avalibility. The following training classes are scheduled through September 1998:

If you are interested in any of the above listed training, contact Laurie Barber at (206) 526-6695.
 

The technical diver training program for the MONITOR project was conducted in Key Largo March 16-23. Participants included personnel from NOAA, NURP and the Cambrian Foundation. Although the weather was uncooperative, several dives were completed using the technical equipment and techniques. The project is scheduled for June 3-26, with workup dives conducted in late May.
 

Please review the enclosed roster which reflects the records at NDC for the date of print. Inactive/terminated divers are to return SEP equipment or resolve their status to active as soon as possible. Units will be assessed SEP charges for inactive divers who are in possession of gear. Please annotate and return a copy of the roster indicating any changes to personnel or diver status. Diver certifications will be suspended when a physical has expired or when diving activity has lapsed for six months.