SCUBA Diving from the Urraca
Scientific diving is accommodated onboard the R/V Urraca provided that all applicable SI diving safety regulations are observed.
All SCUBA diving from the R/V Urraca will be for scientific purposes; recreational SCUBA diving is not permitted.
All SCUBA divers who will dive on an Urraca cruise must have DAN Diving Accident Insurance. Apply for DAN diving insurance here
Diving Control
The Smithsonian Institution Scientific Diving Program normally controls diving activities from the Urraca or its small boats.
However, for certain cruises made under the auspices of non-SI organizations, control of diving operations may be delegated to the Diving Officer and/or Dive Control Board of the Principal Investigator's Institution, although the STRI Diving Officer has final authority.
The Master has responsibility for, and ultimate authority over, diving operations conducted from the Urraca and its small boats.
Dive Plans and Diving Certification
At least two months before a cruise, the Chief Scientist will supply a Cruise Dive Plan and verification of the diving credentials of all participating divers to the STRI Diving Officer (contact details).
The STRI Diving Office—who must also authorize diving by all divers—must approve the Cruise Dive Plan prior to the cruise.
The process of Dive Plan and Diving Certification approval should be started well in advance so that the STRI Dive Officer has ample time to verify certification and conduct checkout dives if required.
You must complete the on-line form at DECOSTOP.
Diving Supervisor
The Chief Scientist will propose a Diving Supervisor from among the Scientific Party that must be approved by both the chartering institution's Diving Control Board and the STRI Dive Officer. The Diving Supervisor will be the point of contact between the scientists and the STRI Dive Officer for all diving-related issues.
The Diving Supervisor has the authority to restrict or suspend diving operations and alter the cruise dive plan in consultation with the Master and the Chief Scientist.
The Diving Supervisor has the following responsibilities:
- To meet with the Master and Chief Scientist prior to diving to review the Cruise Dive Plan and emergency procedures.
- To maintain regular communication with the Master on the progress of research diving.
- To ensure the safe execution of the research diving in accordance with the cruise dive plan.
- To ensure that both the lead and operating institution's Diving Safety Manuals are available to the scientists and crew aboard the vessel.
Diving Equipment for Urraca Cruises
The Urraca provides only Scuba tanks (80 cft aluminum) and dive weights for use by SCUBA divers during a cruise. Divers must bring all other SCUBA equipment. No SCUBA equipment is available for rent or purchase from the STRI Dive Office.
Minimum SCUBA equipment requirements are listed in the SI Scientific Diving Safety Manual.
The STRI Diving Program provides the ship with Oxygen Kits and First Aid Kits for diving emergencies.
Dive-boat tenders
If the passengers of a ship’s dinghy will be SCUBA diving, a boat tender, who will remain on the dinghy, is necessary except when diving is done within sight of the R/V Urraca and another small boat is available at the ship to come to the rescue. If the dinghy passengers will be snorkeling in the vicinity of the anchored dinghy, no tender is necessary, except in areas of high wave action or current flow. The Captain will determine whether the local conditions require a tender or not.