Large personnel requirements and the increased complexities of mixed-gas diving
operations make comprehensive briefings of all personnel extremely important.
For mixed-gas surface-supplied operations, briefings of each day’s schedule are
appropriate. In addition, during saturation diving operations, a dive protocol is
required to be read and signed in accordance with the unit’s instructions. The
briefing should cover all aspects of the operation including communications,
equipment, gas supply, and emergencies such as fouling and entrapment. Each
diving member should understand his own role as well as that of his diving
companions and the support crew (Figure 13-3).
While the operation is in progress, divers returning to the surface or to the PTC
should be promptly debriefed. This ensures that topside personnel are kept advised
of the progress of the dive and have the information necessary to modify the dive
plan or protocol as appropriate.
