Diver certifications will be suspended when a physical has expired or when diving activity has lapsed for a period greater than six months. Units are assessed SEP charges for inactive divers who remain in possession of gear. If divers are no longer listed or have recently transitioned to inactive or terminated status, all gear must be returned to NDC, along with a thorough inventory comparison. Policy, procedures and forms are available at the UDS website. To remain active, regulations require maintenance of diving proficiency of a minimum of two dives every six weeks.
Minimum proficiency is a requirement designed to maintain program diving safety.
Review of the roster indicates that a number of divers diving activity has lapsed. Dive logs are to be submitted for each month, whether or not dives were performed. Divers who have not dove since October 1999 will be reviewed for certification suspension. Suspended divers may be required to attend formal Refresher Training. Working Diver Training will be held in May. NOAA Units and vessels must have already enrolled candidates, for the May training, prior to March 17th.