Parks Victoria Standard Operating Procedure

Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 9Subtidal Reef Monitoring SOPEach diver must be deemed suitably fit to dive by a doctor trained in underwater medicinefollowing a medical examination (in accordance with the relevant Federal and Stateregulations and Parks Victoria policy). The dive medical must be updated annually and it isthe responsibility of the diver to ensure its currency.Prior to any dive, the diver must advise the dive coordinator of any medical condition thatmay preclude them from diving. This includes: giving blood 48 hours prior to a dive; coldsand influenza, sinus or middle ear blockages; feeling of malaise; and physical injuries. Thefinal decision to dive rests with the diver, however a diver cannot enter the water withoutapproval from the dive coordinator.3.1.5 Training and CalibrationUnderwater observers must be properly inducted and trained in the standard operatingprocedure. Once trained and capable, all observers collecting survey data must participate inon-going review and calibration exercises.3.2 MOBILISATION AND FIELD CONDITIONSTasks to be completed prior to each field operation are:1. Review and revise the dive plan;2. Check, service and maintain diving, boating and navigation equipment;3. Ensure the appropriate collection permits have been obtained and are readilyaccessible.;4. Prepare underwater forms – photocopy forms onto underwater paper (e.g. CelcastPermanent Paper, PP4);5. Ensure an adequate supply of expendables, including pencils, rubber bands, plasticcalipers, string, electrical tape and GPS batteries;6. Assess the timing of good weather windows and favourable tides, place staff and serviceproviders on stand-by;7. Organise transport, subsistence and other logistics associated with the excursion;8. Pack equipment and recheck all items are present (listed in Section 4);9. Revise the species at that location;10. Notify the relevant Fisheries and Parks Victoria authorities, or the authorites pertinent tothe region; and11. Monitor the Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts and mobilise team as soon asfavourable.11