DEVELOPMENT OF A DIVING TRAINING PROGRAM FOR ENGINEER-DIVERS CONDUCTING UNDERWATER INSPECTIONS

In 2001, The American Society of Civil Engineers Ports and Harbors Committee released the "Underwater Investigations: Standard Practice Manual." In development for over 3 years, the manual provides guidelines and methods for conducting underwater engineering assessments of underwater components of existing waterfront facilities. Since the manual is limited in scope to the engineering and technical requirements for conducting assessments, diving and safety related issues are not covered. This paper discusses the development of a diving training certification program for Engineer-Divers specifically conducting the types of underwater investigations presented in this Manual.