Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)

18.18 Every employer shall ensure that the following flags are conspicuously displayed at or in close proximity to the dive site whenever diving operations are conducted in areas of marine traffic:

• (a) the International Code Flag A, hoisted from any vessel, boat or platform used in support of a dive in such a manner as to ensure all-round visibility of the dive site; and

• (b) one or more diver’s flags from a white buoy which may be equipped with

  • (i) a light, in which case the light shall be yellow and flashing, and

  • (ii) reflecting material, in which case the reflecting material shall be yellow.

18.19 Every diving operation shall be conducted under the supervision of a dive supervisor.

18.20 The primary duties of the dive supervisor shall include

• (a) ensuring that every member of the dive team is familiar with the dive plan;

• (b) ensuring that every member of the dive team understands the member’s duties, including the emergency procedures to be followed;

• (c) ensuring, before each dive, that all necessary equipment is available and in good operating condition; and

• (d) supervising the entire diving operation.

18.21 Immediately before each dive, the dive supervisor shall review the nature of any hazards at the dive site and ensure that all divers are fully aware of the hazards likely to be encountered in the diving operation.

18.22 Every employer shall, for the purposes of paragraph 18.9(1)(h), ensure that all means of communication used at the dive site are

• (a) appropriate for the operation; and

• (b) understood by all members of the dive team.

• 18.23 (1) Every employer shall ensure that a reserve breathing supply sufficient to allow the safe termination of a dive is immediately available to the diver.

• (2) Where required by the dive plan, the reserve breathing supply referred to in subsection (1) shall be carried by the diver.

18.24 Every employer shall ensure that air compressors and filter systems are tested annually and produce breathing mixtures that meet the requirements of clause 3.8 of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z275.2-92, Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations, published in English in April 1992 and in French in February 1994, as amended from time to time.