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RAF Waddington
Nov 09
WAD/4082/5/Ped
ADMINISTRATION ORDER 141/09 – WSAC SUB-AQUA EXPEDITION TO JOINT
SERVICES SUB-AQUA DIVE CENTRE, FORT BOVISAND, PLYMOUTH, 13-15 NOV 09
References:
A.
AP3342
B.
JSTAFA dated 9 Nov 09
C.
AP3415
D.
JSSADR dated 1 Apr 09
E.
JSSADC/360 dated 2 Oct 06 - JSSADC, Fort Bovisand, Expedition Approval and
Instructions
F.
F658 MT request form (submitted electronically)
Time Zone Used Throughout the Order:
LOCAL.
SITUATION
1.
Reference A encourages and gives guidelines for personnel to undertake
adventurous training. Personnel from RAF Waddington, Digby and Scampton Sub-Aqua
Club (WSAC), RAF Halton Sub-Aqua Club (HSAC) and RAF High Wycombe will take part
in a minor sub-aqua diving expedition to the Joint Services Sub-Aqua Dive Centre
(JSSADC), Fort Bovisand, Plymouth during the period 13 - 15 Nov 09 in accordance with
References A-F. RAF Waddington is the lead unit for this expedition and this AO details the
administrative and logistics arrangements for the event.
MISSION
2.
The aims of the Expedition are:
a.
To develop and practice the sub-aqua skills of members of WSAC, HSAC
and RAF High Wycombe Sub-Aqua Clubs on a variety of interesting and challenging
wreck, scenic and drift dive sites in UK waters around the Plymouth area.
b.
To gain small boat diving experience and carry out boat handling skills and
diver Coxswain training.
c.
To progressively gain experience of using drysuits.
d.
To complete work-up dive training in advance of the pre-Sub-Aqua Dive
Supervisor (SADs) course.
e.
The personal development of individuals through the adventurous activity of
sub-aqua diving.
MATERIALS AND SERVICES
3.
Transport and Movements. RAF Waddington MTO is requested to provide one
large minibus to convey up to 8 passengers and personal equipment as detailed on the MT
Request at Reference F. The vehicle will be required from 1700hrs on 12 Nov to 2359hrs
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on 15 Nov 09. The Transport Manager is also requested to provide an Agency Fuel Card.
All expedition personnel are to meet at RAF Waddington Officers’ Mess car park at 1730hrs
to load the vehicle. The vehicle will depart for Plymouth no latter than 1800 on 12 Nov.
b.
Catering. HMS Drake messes will provide duty meals for all expedition personnel
for the duration of the expedition. Packed meals will be provided for lunches.
c.
Equipment. The equipment required for the activities is detailed at Annex A.
Individuals are to ensure that their privately owned diving equipment has been properly
maintained and is fully serviceable. The activity leader is to ensure that other equipment is
available and serviceable.
d.
Administration. OC PSF is to take all necessary administrative action concerning
the detachment of the personnel detailed at Annex B for the duration of the activity.
PERSONNEL
4.
Personnel listed at Annex B will take part in the expedition. Individuals are to seek
authority from respective Line Managers to ensure timely release from primary duties from
cease work 12 Nov 09.
ACCOMMODATION
5.
Service accommodation has been arranged for all expedition members at HMS
Drake, Devonport.
SUPERVISION, INSTRUCTION AND ITINERARY
6.
All diving will be conducted iaw Reference D and BSAC Safe Diving Practices.
Supervision and instruction will be undertaken by personnel qualified iaw References B to
D. All personnel are to comply with safety requirements detailed at Reference B to D. A
qualified and registered SADS will supervise all diving activity iaw Reference D. A detailed
itinerary for the activity is at Annex C.
7.
Documentation. All expedition members are to ensure that their following
documentation is valid and available for inspection at JSSADC:
a.
Valid diving medical certificate, signed by a doctor.
b.
BSAC Membership.
c.
Diving qualification and log books.
d.
Driving licence (for drivers of MT vehicle).
Anyone unable to produce the items detailed in sub-paras 7a-c will not be permitted to dive.
In addition, all coxswains must hold an appropriate certification available for inspection in
order to operate JSSADC boats.
9.
Dive Records. The DO is to ensure that the dive slate is completed fully and
accurately for each planned dive. A copy of both sides of the dive slate is to be made and
held on club files for 2-yrs.
10.
Incidents. All diving-related incidents are to be reported iaw Reference E.
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COMMAND AND CONTROL
11.
Home stations retain command of all their respective activity personnel. Local
command and control is to be exercised as follows:
a.
OIC Expedition. Flt Lt Harvey is appointed OIC Expedition.
b.
Activity Leader. Gp Capt Powell is the Diving Officer (DO) and therefore
the Activity Leader. He is responsible for the safe conduct of all diving related
activities and his decision is absolute.
SIGNAL
12.
Communication Instructions. The expedition can be contacted during working
hours at Fort Bovisand on 01752 405573. The Bovisnd duty instructor can be contacted on
07966443979. Alternatively, the OIC Expedition can be contacted by mobile phone on
07595990779.
INSURANCE
13.
All personnel involved in the activities are encouraged to arrange private insurance
cover against accidents and loss of personal equipment whilst taking part in the activities.
Reference D requires that all civilian divers are members of the British Sub-Aqua Club
(BSAC). The insurance cover given as a result of BSAC membership meets the
requirements of Full Crown Indemnity. All Service personnel are ‘on duty’ whilst
undertaking activities directly related to diving. However, Service personnel are to note that
the MOD may not assume responsibility or liability for incidents or accidents that arise
during periods of ‘off duty’ activity.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
14.
All personnel are to be aware of the necessity for exemplary conduct and turn-out to
maintain the good image of the RAF. Furthermore, they are to actively foster good relations
on behalf of the Service.
Acknowledgement Instructions:
Nil.
G T HARVEY
Flt Lt
OIC RAF Waddington SAC
Authentication:
T AFFLECK
Flt Lt
PEdO
Annexes:
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A.
B.
C.
D.
Equipment to be Used and Source.
Nominal Roll.
Itinerary
RAF Health and Safety Risk Assessment.
Distribution:
OC RAF Waddington
PedO
MTO
OC PSF
OIC Sub-Aqua Club
All Expedition Personnel
Copy to:
OC RAF Halton
OC RAF Digby
OC RAF High Wycombe
OC RAF Scampton
OIC Sub-Aqua Club RAF Halton
OIC Sub-Aqua Club RAF Digby
OIC Sub-Aqua Club RAF High Wycombe
OIC Sub-Aqua Club RAF Scampton
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ANNEX A TO
ADMIN ORDER 141/09
DATED 4 NOV 09
EQUIPMENT TO BE USED AND SOURCE
Individual Equipment. Personnel may provide their own dive equipment provided it has
been properly maintained and is fully serviceable. Other items may be borrowed through
respective SAC Equipment officers. Personal will require the following:













Diving suit (dry suit recommended)
Fins
Mask
Snorkel
Regulators
Dive knife
Dive gloves
Dive computer
Reel
Delayed surface marker buoy
Buddy line
12/15 ltr cylinder (available at Fort Bovisand if required)
Warm, water/wind proof clothing – hat, gloves, jacket
Optional

3 ltr pony cylinder and regulator

Torch (and spare)

Flask

Sea sickness tablets
Participating clubs should co-ordinate the following equipment:

O2 kits (Fort Bovisand does have one kit available)

Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Deco rig & spare cylinders

Charts, tide tables, BSAC 88 tables, site guides, slate, dive logs, incident report
sheets (DO to arrange)

Hand-held GPS

Handheld VHF (if available)

Agency fuel card (RAF Waddington MT)
JSSADC, Fort Bovisand, Provided Sub-Aqua Equipment.
In accordance with Reference E, JSSADC shall provide the following equipment:

8-person, 4-stroke, 6.5m Delta RIB fitted with life raft, GPS/echo sounder, VHF
radio, shot lines, boat boxes containing medical kits, safety flares, tools

Air charging panel & facilities

Life jackets

Boat engine oil

Accommodation - expedition casemate / briefing / kit room

Toilets, showers, tumble dryer
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ANNEX B TO
ADMIN ORDER 141/09
DATED 4 NOV 09
NOMINAL ROLL AND DUTIES
Place
No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Name
Rank
Number
Quals
P Colley
R J C Powell
S P Russell
J Radley
G T Harvey
M Crowle
P Walton
Ray Holliman
Air Cdr
Gp Capt
Wg Cdr
Sqn Ldr
Flt Lt
SAC
Mr
Mr
N/K
8028043C
8027652L
2644245G
2644142B
30001838
N/A
SD
SADS, AI
SD
DL
AD
OD
DL
AD
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Expedition
Responsibilities
Diving Officer
Diary & slates
OIC & Project Officer
Remarks
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ANNEX C TO
ADMIN ORDER 141/09
DATED 4 NOV 09
ITINERARY
Date
Time
Activity
0830-1600
1600-1630
2 dives – one am; one pm after appropriate surface interval
Handover expedition accommodation and JSSADC
equipment
RTU return MT at RAF Waddington
1630-2130
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ANNEX B TO
ADMIN ORDER 141/09
DATED 4 NOV 09
RAF HIGH WYCOMBE/HALTON MINOR EXPED 9-13 NOV 06 RISK ASSESSMENT
Unit/Formation: RAF Waddington Minor Exped 12-15 Nov 09
Assessor: Flt Lt G T Harvey
Note: Risks and hazards minimized by strict adherence to Jt Services Sub-Aqua Diving Regulations dated & BSAC Safe Diving Practices.
All divers will be qualified as at least BSAC Advanced Divers, current members of BSAC, have a current certificate to dive & be in possession of a
properly certified Qualification Record Book and Diving Log Book, and in current diving practice
Ser
Activity/Element
Step 1
Hazard Identified
Step 2
(a)
1
(b)
Lifting heavy
equipment and
loading/unloading
dive boats
Fire
(c)
Back injury, dropping
equipment resulting in
injury
(d)
All personnel given basic
instruction in handling
heavy equipment.
Fire fighting equipment
location and fire exits
briefed on arrival.
Location of RIB fire
extinguisher & use also
briefed on arrival.
Heat stress/stroke and
dehydration, especially
from prolonged wearing of
Fire awareness. Service
personnel in date for fire
element of GDT
Low
Arrival briefings on the
need to remain hydrated,
clean and hygienic.
Low
2
3
High temp, high
humidity
environment
Existing Controls
Step 3
8
Residual
Risk
Acceptable
Step 4
(e)
Low
Additional Controls
Step 5
(f)
Residual
Risk
Acceptable
Step 6
(g)
dry suits; group health
management
Illness during course,
injury during course. Note
not diving related.
Particular stress on heat
and diving medical issues
First aid equipment
available at JSSADC.
RIBs have on-board first
aid kits. Suitable
medical/emergency
facilities at Plymouth
hospitals/HMS Drake sick
bay – all located close by.
Education! Ensure all
briefed on need to
increase daily water
intake, restrict exposure to
sun, use high factor
creams and be aware of
reflective nature of water.
4
Medical illness or
injury
5
Heat related illness
Heat stroke, dehydration
6
Shore Diving:
Environment
Sunburn, heat related
illness
Education! Time in the
direct sunlight will be
limited. Water available
on-site for all. All briefed
on the need to use hats,
high protection factor sun
creams.
Low
7
Shore Diving:
Entry/Exit
Bovisand
Jetty/Harbour
Injury caused by tripping
or falling
Med
8
Shore Diving:
Lost diver/strong current
All shore entry points
assessed by dive marshal
All pairs/groups assist
each other during
entry/exit.. Dry suits to be
sealed/zipped up before
entering Bovisand jetty.
Non divers to wear life
jackets
Dive Marshal to assess
9
Low
Low
Low
Further encourage the use
of the buddy system of
companion monitoring to
apply above the water at all
times. Restrict time spent
away from shade until all
exped personnel
acclimatised
Extend buddy system to all
tasks. Suitable rest breaks
(in shade) for those
performing physically
demanding tasks (cylinder
collect/return). Diving
surface intervals spent
under shade not in direct
sunlight.
SADS to assess current
and sea conditions prior to
each entry.
Low
Dive centre has rescue
Low
Low
Low
9
Boat operations:
Injury from propeller
10
Diving operations:
Diver training
DCI/Drowning
11
Diving operations:
Exploratory dives
DCI / Drowning
12
Diving operations:
DCI
current and conditions
prior to every dive. SADS
to confirm conditions
acceptable. Each pair to
deploy SMB and carry
DSMB as dictated by
SADS. Down current exit
points to be assessed
during site recce on arrival
day.
Boat handlers will be
qualified cox provided by
contractor. All divers
briefed on boat safety on
arrival by Diving Officer /
Captain.
On boat/shore O2 supply;
all wear life jackets &/or
drysuit/wetsuits when on
the water. Thorough &
accurate dive planning by
SADS, briefed to &
overseen by JSSADC
supervising staff to ensure
the plan is safe & the safe
conduct of diving. All
divers to use computers or
BSAC 88 Tables for dive
profile planning/execution
As serial 10. Sites
selected to give conditions
within the capabilities of all
divers and within the
experience base of at
least one diver from each
group/pair.
Adopt BSAC safe diving
10
launch on standby (in water
but unmanned) whenever
diving takes place. Time to
site from launch request
less than 5 min.
Low
Dive Marshall briefs to
ensue boat exit/entry and
safety procedures briefed
prior to every dive
Low
Med
Dive site chosen to suit
diver’s recent diving
experience and prevailing
conditions. Progressive
work down to deeper
depths
Low
Low
All dives to include a
minimum safety stop of 1
min at 6m. Deeper dives
incurring mandatory
decompression penalties to
be followed strictly iaw dive
planning.
Deepest dives first. No
Low
Low
Low
Cumulative
nitrogen build up
13
Diving operations:
Injury
Cut, break, bite, stab,
sting or graze
14
Diving operations:
Weather/sea state
Weather or sea state
inappropriate for diving
operations
15
Diving operations:
Equipment
Failure or misuse
16
Diving operations:
Divers lost /
overdue /
Failure to return to boat
practises. No post diving
vigorous exercise.
Minimal alcohol intake.
High water intake. All
diving to be undertaken on
computers or tables
Education and adoption of
look don’t touch principle.
Where divers plan to
settle on the bottom area
to be clear of rock and
carefully examined for
camouflaged sea life.
Divers briefed on the
actions to be taken on
encountering potentially
harmful marine organisms
All dive planning to include
alternative location. If
weather or sea state
affects totally unfit then
diving to be cancelled for
4 hours and weather or
sea state reviewed.
All divers to be trained in
the use of personal kit
before deployment. All
individuals are to have had
their equipment serviced
by a manufacturers
approved agent within the
recommended service
interval for the equipment
concerned
Pre-dive briefings to limit
area and time for dive as
well as to include
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decompression diving. O2
on boat/shore site. Table
plans to back-up dive
computers in case of
battery failure.
Low
Divers briefed on arrival of
the theatre specific dangers
including: harmful marine
life, corals and areas of
known gathering of these
creatures.
Low
Low
Shakedown dive in benign
environment to prove kit
after transit. Key items
(BCD Reg) to be protected
from contamination from
sand/debris when shore
diving by placing items on
mats/towels.
Low
Med/Low
At least one delayed
surface marker carried in
each pair. Surface markers
Low
Low
entangled
minimum reserve air on
surface. SADS/AD on
surface to monitor divers
down and to take overdue
action if dive time exceeds
5 mins of planned time.
Additional cylinders to be
carried should rescue
operations be needed.
Inform Coastguard
immediately
17
Diving operations:
Injury, drowning,
DCI surface
actions
Injured, partially drowned
or DCI suffering diver on
surface
18
Diving operations:
Surface Cover
Boat/shore
19
Diving operations:
Panic
Diver panics
All divers trained to tow.
BSAC rescue trained diver
in every pair. Supervisor
on boat/shore O2 and
PRM trained. O2 kit
prepared and rescue
scenarios discussed on
arrival.
Boat to be positioned in
vicinity of divers at all
times pairs observed by
SADS/AD. Shore site to
be such that SDAS/AD is
able to watch all diving
activity.
Training! Dive conditions
tailored to experience.
Dive max depth to be
balanced with sea bed if
possible. Dive buddy to
assume lead and focus on
gradual return to surface
with emphasis on avoiding
DCI
12
Low
Low
Low
deployed when conditions
dictate/DM requires them.
For wreck diving delayed
SMB carried and deployed
when off wreck or
ascending not up the shot
line. Current in area to be
assessed before first divers
enter water. All divers to
carry appropriate
equipment for dive such as
knife, buddy and distance
lines
All divers briefed on recall
plan and procedures,
including the need to follow
their own safe diving
schedule if recalled.
Low
20
Diving operations:
Night
Lights
Weather / sea state
Navigation
21
Diving operations:
Fatigue
Cumulative fatigue
22
Sea Sickness
Dehydration and illness
caused by seasickness.
23
Diving operations:
Wreck diving
Cut/injury;
24
Diving operations:
Wreck diving,
intact
compartments
Disorientation caused by:
Low viz/angle of
deck/compartment leading
to getting lost;
entrapment.
All divers to carry min of 3
torches per pair. Divers to
abort dive if torches fail
and there is no back up.
Divers briefed on
underwater navigation and
thorough site briefing prior
to entry.
Buddy system of
monitoring to be applied to
all personnel at all times.
SADS to foster
atmosphere where divers
may opt out of diving
without undue peer
pressure. DO to be aware
of the effects of
cumulative fatigue and
schedule a full day of rest
if required.
Transit in prolonged heavy
seas to be avoided.
Sickness vulnerable
individuals to be
encouraged to take
suitable seasickness
tablets.
Appropriate protection,
including gloves, to be
worn
Follow BSAC wreck diving
practises. No wreck
penetration unless clear
exit and air checked
immediately prior to
penetration. A ‘no
penetration below’ air
13
Med
Low
Low
Suitable underwater
method of illuminating boat/
shore exit. Suitable above
water illumination of boat.
SMBs to be illuminated by
cylume or similar device.
Initial night dive limited to
sheltered shore site
OiC exped to actively
encourage exped personnel
to limit alcohol consumption
and to assess alcohol
intake and stop potentially
hung over and dehydrated
divers from diving.
Reduced diving programme
on day 5.
Low
Prior to taking seasickness
tablets individuals are to
have tested them when not
diving and when diving
under controlled conditions
to ensure they do not suffer
side effects.
Low
Experienced divers only.
Areas entered to be large
enough for 2 divers to swim
side by side.
Low
Low
Low
Med
25
Deep Dives
Increased risk of Nitrogen
Narcosis. Rapid use of
air/air low contents, air
use for decompression.
Mandatory decompression
penalties
pressure to be briefed by
SADs. Use of distance
line required for all
penetrations.
Careful and thorough dive Med
planning including air
requirements for dive &
decompression, time
@depth. Work up dives to
progressive depth.
Continuous cross-buddy
checks of air depth, time
and deco penalties.
Written application &
approval required from OC
JSSADC
Shot line for reference
during descent/ascent. All
divers to carry independent
pony cylinder/regulator
system. Deco rig to be
prepared and set at
appropriate deco depths.
Low air & emergency
procedures/signals to be
briefed during dive brief.
Low
Existing and Additional
Controls Agreed
Additional Controls
Implemented
Ref:
Safety in Military Training Exercises – Military Training Risk assessment Proforma, JSP 375, Vol 2, Leaflet 11, Annex B, Appendix 1.
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