Page 44 - AlertDiver_Spring2013

In the world of recreational diving, common safety
hazards include temperature, depth, environmental
conditions and decompression stress. In the world
of aquatic animal husbandry, the hazards divers face
are somewhat different and include marine mammals,
sharks and other fish, nets, heavy equipment and other
aspects of the enclosed diving environment. In aquariums
and marine-mammal facilities around the world, divers
are employed to help maintain the premises daily.
A variety of jobs exist in these establishments:
Aquarists feed fish, marine-mammal trainers conduct
shows and training sessions, and water-quality and
life-support technicians perform routine inspections
and clean the exhibits and pools. All these people are
trained as open-water divers, but when they enter this
unique world they get additional training. Not only
do they learn new underwater and surface skills, these
divers also learn how to apply old skills in new ways.
Additionally, they must become familiar with new rules
and procedures.
These facilities are regulated by governing
agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) in the U.S., and often elect to
comply with standards or protocols recommended by
other organizations, such as the Association of Zoos
and Aquariums (AZA) or the American Academy
of Underwater Sciences (AAUS). The intent of the
regulations and suggested practices is, of course, to
promote the safety of all involved — employees, animals,
volunteers and guests.
42 | SPRING 2013
RESEARCH, EDUCATION & MEDICINE // A D V A N C E D D I V I N G
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Aquarium Diving
B y S e b a s t i a n S p r a i n , E M T - I , D S O
STEPHEN FRINK
STEPHEN FRINK
STEPHEN FRINK