PITCH-IN
CANADA
Resource Centre
PITCH-IN
CANADA
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SAFETY GUIDELINES
FOR
UNDERWATER CLEAN-UPS
As on any dive, safety and preparation should be your primary concern.
A few basic points to keep in mind:
| ORIENTATION | You may want to participate in an orientation session before going out in order to become familiar with the area and proper technique |
| EQUIPMENT | Wear all equipment required for safe SCUBA diving, including buoyancy control device (BCD) and alternate air source |
| DIVE WITH A BUDDY | In addition, inspect each other's equipment, review communications and agree on time and depth limits prior to the dive |
| TOOLS | Carry appropriate tools, such as mesh bags and clippers or side cutters, to cut away old line, rope or netting that might get caught on your own or your buddy's equipment |
| DANGEROUS AND HEAVY OBJECTS | Do not attempt to salvage these objects. Use lift bags when necessary and never use your BCD as a lifting device |
| 55 GALLON DRUMS | Don't approach them! They may contain hazardous or toxic materials. Report their location to a marine enforcement agency |
| SLOW ASCENTS | Never faster than 60 feet per minute |
| FLAGS | Respect flag laws. Don't forget yours! |
| HAZARDOUS AREAS | Avoid areas such as contaminated water and heavy boating traffic. |
| WEAR GLOVES | Also long sleeves to protect your hands and arms from debris |
| ORIENTATION/SURVEY | Conduct a site survey and orientation dive prior to the clean up |
| SKIN DIVING/SNORKELLING | Use caution while cleaning debris |
| NON DIVER HELPERS | Recruit several non-divers to come along, stay on shore or on the boat to fill out Coastal Clean Up Data Cards (available from PITCH-IN CANADA when you register your clean up). |
| BRING TRASH OUT OF WATER | So that it can be catalogued on the Data Cards and securely removed from the marine environment! Remember that the object is not only to clean up but also to collect data. |
To find out about the Coastal Clean Up Program click here.
To register your underwater clean up for the Coastal Clean Up click here.
For information about marine debris click here.
For Dive Tips for your Underwater Clean Ups please click here.
For more information about what Scuba Divers can do to help please click here.