The French National Committee on Scientific Diving (CNPS): a key actor for developing scientific diving in France

The French National Committee for Scientific Diving (CNPS) is an inter-agency committee on scientific diving activities. French marine universities, research institutes (CNRS-INEE/INSU/INSHS, DRASSM, EPHE, IFREMER, INRA, INSERM, IPEV, IRD, IRSTEA) and the National Museum (MNHN) are involved or represented. The CNPS, created in 1999, is the scientific diving representative of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research to the Ministry of Labor. It includes personalities chosen for their expertise in the field of professional use of diving (scientific and technical diving, training), the law of the sea, the hyperbaric medicine and the European scientific diving panel (ESDP). The aims of this group of experts are: a) to observe the evolution of the professional scientific diving practices worldwide, b) to define common frameworks and promote the best practices, c) to provide high-level expertise and advices to Ministries of Labor and Research, d) to monitor the innovations in scientific diving, technology, field practices and hyperbaric medicine, e) to share informations and feedback with the French scientific divers community, f) to participate in the training of scientific divers, and g) to represent France at the ESDP. The CNPS has been fully involved since 2009 in the formulation of new laws and regulations dedicated to professional diving with the Ministry of Labor. The French scientific diving community is very diversified, for historical reasons, due to its 18 000 km long coastline and a strong presence overseas, through the involvement of researchers in global science issues and international collaborations. This poster presents the aims, activities and key results obtained by the CNPS. It also sets out some perspectives, especially actions in favour of a convergence of European practice patterns and standards.