TAMU-CC Dive Control Board

Purpose or Function: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Diving Control Board (DCB) is responsible for policies and procedures related to dive activities and governs training and dive operations of all personnel participating in the TAMU-CC diving program. 

TAMU-CC follows safety and training standards set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and is an organizational member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS).

The DCB responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the safety of all divers participating in the TAMU-CC diving program by complying with standards of safety established by nationally recognized agencies. 
• Implementing standards set forth by AAUS scientific diving standards, OSHA standards for Commercial Diving Operations (29 CFR 1910 Subpart T), and best practices in the scientific diving program. 
• Maintaining membership and good standing with AAUS. 
• Providing training and certifications needed for divers to perform all aspects of required underwater tasks.
• Taking disciplinary action for unsafe practices and acts as a board of appeal to consider diver-related problems. Acting as a board of investigation to inquire into the nature and cause of diving accidents or violations of TAMU-CC diving standards. 
• Establishing criteria for dive equipment selection and use.
• Meeting no less than quarterly to review standards and operations.

Membership:

• The DCB is composed of elected members from TAMU-CC’s colleges, research institutes, and departments.
• The DCB is composed of voting members and non-voting advisors.
• Voting members of the DCB are composed of a majority of active Scientific Divers.
• Voting members must include the Responsible Administrative Officer or designee, and the Dive Safety Officer.
• A voting member must be designated as the Chair, preferably the Dive Safety Officer.
• A secretary must be appointed by the Chari to assist with administrative duties.
• Members and seats on the DCB are elected by majority vote by the current voting members of the DCB.
• Voting and non-voting members may have alternate members that can conduct official business in the absence of the primary member. Alternates are elected by majority vote by current voting members of the DCB.
• Members may serve a maximum of five consecutive years. The DCB may vote to extend membership if the representative has no viable replacement.

Chair: Dive Safety Officer

Responsible University Official: Institutional Official; Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation