INFO SHEETS > LEAD, SUPERVISE
The dive leader
The diving directoris in charge of defining the dives for the “autonomous” dives as well as for the “supervised” ones.
Missions and responsibilities of the guide
Source: article A322-74of the Sport Code
“Supervised” dives are carried out under the responsibility of a dive supervisor (dive guide or teacher).
The dive guide (GP) or level 4 diver (P4) is limited to supervising only exploration dives between 0 and 40 m.
General case
The team leader is:
- responsible for the conduct of the dive;
- and ensures that its characteristics are adapted to thecircumstances[these are the conditions actually encountered underwater such as current, cold, turbidity] and todiver skills[these are the aptitudes/competences actually demonstrated underwater, beyond patents or qualifications].
Dives with mixtures other than air
When at least one of the supervised divers or the person supervising the dive team uses a mixture other than air, the latter also justifies skills corresponding to the mixtures used.
Qualifications
- Minimum qualifications of the dive supervisor for air dives (Annex III-15b);
- Minimum qualifications of the dive supervisor for nitrox dives, Annex III-17b (teaching) and Annex III-17c(crawling);
- Minimum qualifications of the dive supervisor for trimix or heliox dives, Annex III-18b (teaching) and Annex III-18c (exploration).
Prerogatives (level 4 dive guide)
1. Exploration supervision
- Guide 1 to 4 beginners between 0 to 6 m*.
- Guide 1 to 4 PE-12 divers between 0 to 12 m*.
- Guide 1 to 4 level 1 divers (PE-20) between 0 to 20 m*.
- Guide 1 to 4 level 2 divers (PE-40) between 0 to 40 m*.
* For supervised dives between 0 and 40 m, possibility of adding an additional diver to the dive, with at least a dive guide qualification (GP) or level 4 diver (P4).
2. Help for teachers
A dive guide (P4) can accompany a teacher (initiator, instructor) during training in the natural environment, from introduction (0-6 m) to training at 40 m.
3. The special case of baptisms in an artificial environment
By way of derogation from the general principle limiting its prerogatives to exploration dives only, a level 4 can be authorized by the dive director to carry out baptisms in a pool or pit not exceeding 6 m in depth (art. A322-98). Although the regulations do not specify this, this assumes that the level 4 concerned has been trained specifically.
4. Autonomy
Prerogatives identical to those of a P3 (PA-60) diver.
General case
By decision of the dive director, 2 or 3 PA-60 divers may be authorized to dive independently between 0 and 60 m.
Derogatory case (exceptional)
A dive group can evolve in the absence of a dive director under the following conditions (art. A322-99):
- Each of the members of the team must be of legal age and hold a certificate issued by the FFESSM, the FSGT, the UCPA, the ANMP, the SNMP or the CMAS justifying PA-60 skills;
- The depth must be limited to a maximum of 40 m;
- The decision must come from the operator of the physical or sporting activity establishment;
- Divers must inform the operator, before the dive, of the choice of the site of the activityunderwater;
- The operator must endorse the organization implemented to ensure the safety of diversand the triggering of emergency services.
© Extract fromPleasure Diving booksby Alain Foret at Editions GAP.
Any reproduction prohibited on any medium whatsoever without the written consent of the publisher and the author.