Diving Safety Officer

Summary

Responsible for ensuring that all UF sponsored academic or scientific (research) underwater diving activities are carried out in an effective and safe manner and in accordance with UF policy, state and federal regulations, as well as with the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) standards for scientific diving.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description.  These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

• Plans, implements and administers a University-wide diving safety program and maintains a general surveillance over all University-sponsored academic or scientific diving activity, both on or off the campus.
• Serves as a member of the University Dive Board.
• Conducts training in safe diving practices, and develops and gives tests for the certification of scientific and other divers, review and approval of diving plans, maintenance of diving records of individuals who are carrying out scientific diving to ensure compliance with UF and AAUS standards for training and certification of divers and all applicable federal and state regulations.
• Provides consulting services in all aspects of diving techniques, equipment, practices and procedures as well as interprets system wide policies and federal and state regulations related to diving.
• Ensures that breathing air appropriate for scuba is used in compliance with UF and AAUS standards and federal and state regulations; may test and/or inspect all diving equipment used by divers participating in University-sponsored diving activities and applies judgment as to its suitability and safety for the planned dive(s); tests, evaluates and recommends the purchase of diving equipment by the University and supervises its use.
• Serves in an advisory capacity and assists in the orientation and instruction of faculty, students and staff with respect to the campus or consortium diving safety program.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in marine or related science and three years of experience as a certified diving instructor.

Licensure and Certification

Certification as a diving instructor by a nationally recognized diving agency (e.g., NAUI, PADI, SDI)

Supervision

This position does not typically have supervisory responsibility.

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