• Section 1 - Purpose and Scope
• Section 2 - Process and Key Controls
• Section 3 - Key Requirements
• Supervision of in-water activities
• Competency
• Recreational Snorkelling and/or Swimming
• Section 4 - Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities
• Boating and Diving Officer (BDO) and/or Research Station Operations Senior Officer (RSOSO)
• Group Manager
• Primary Snorkel Supervisor
• Snorkellers
• Section 5 - Monitoring, Review and Assurance
• Section 6 - Recording and Reporting
• Section 7 - Appendix
• Definitions, Terms, Acronyms

Section 1 - Purpose and Scope

(1) This Procedure outlines The University of Queensland’s (UQ’s) requirements for snorkelling activities for small groups and supports the UQ Health, Safety and Wellness Policy.

(2) For the purposes of this Procedure, a small group is defined as a group of up to 10 snorkellers and at least one Snorkel Supervisor.

(3) The purpose of this Procedure is to provide for, as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and well-being of snorkellers, and compliance with relevant legislative requirements.

(4) This Procedure applies to all persons participating in snorkelling activities at UQ.

(5) The scope of this Procedure includes:

1. documentation required by UQ prior to approval of planned activities;
2. supervisory requirements for snorkelling activities including the minimum number of appropriately qualified persons required for supervising any given snorkel activity;
3. competency requirements and responsibilities of the various participants;
4. information on the risk management process for snorkelling activities;
5. responsibilities of personnel managing and supervising snorkelling activities;
6. documentation required during and after the planned activities;
7. guidance for persons planning to undertake non-work-related (i.e. recreational) snorkelling activities whilst staying at a UQ research station;
8. guidance for persons planning to undertake work-related snorkelling activities that incorporate freediving* techniques;
   1. where a person aims to undertake freediving activities, these activities must be discussed with a relevant UQ/Research Station Operations Senior Officer (RSOSO).

Section 2 - Process and Key Controls

(6) Supervisors of UQ personnel undertaking snorkelling activities at any location, and senior officers of non-UQ organisations undertaking snorkelling activities at a UQ facility must ensure the following processes be completed before snorkelling activities are permitted to proceed:

1. A Group Manager is appointed to oversee all aspects of the group’s administrative procedures;
2. Where the snorkelling activity will be undertaken from a UQ research station, the Group Manager will be the primary point of contact between the research station and the visiting group;
3. The Group Manager must appoint a Primary Snorkel Supervisor. The Primary Snorkel Supervisor must liaise with the relevant UQ Boating and Diving Officer (BDO)/Research Station Operations Senior Officer (RSOSO) to outline the proposed in-water activities;
4. The Group Manager may also be the Primary Snorkel Supervisor;
5. The Primary Snorkel Supervisor will ensure a Boating and Diving Plan – Snorkel Plan Snorkel Plan, including details of risk management and emergency procedures, is submitted to a relevant BDO/RSOSO for review at least four weeks prior to the planned activities date. Where this is not feasible, the Primary Snorkel Supervisor must liaise with the relevant BDO/RSOSO and agree upon a timeframe whereby the BDO/RSOSO can access the Snorkel Plan.
6. Prior to the commencement of any snorkelling activity, the Primary Snorkel Supervisor must receive affirmation from a BDO/RSOSO that the Snorkel Plan is approved.

(7) A Snorkel Plan must include:

1. date(s) and location of planned activities;
2. names of all persons undertaking snorkelling activities;
3. tasks and duties of supervisory personnel;
4. procedures to be used;
5. anticipated time(s) in the water; and
6. reference to relevant hazard management strategies including Risk Assessments and Emergency Response plans.

(8) Where the snorkelling group is a UQ group; In accordance with the UQ Work Off-Campus and Fieldwork Procedure, the Group Manager will ensure a completed Work Off-Campus (WOC) plan is submitted.

(9) The approved Snorkel Plan must be attached to the WOC plan.

(10) The Primary Snorkel Supervisor will ensure:

1. duties are assigned to personnel responsible for supervising snorkelling activities who are competent to undertake the role assigned in accordance with the ‘Competency’ provisions of this Procedure;
2. the competency of all snorkelling personnel has been assessed in accordance with the ‘Competency’ provisions of this Procedure;
3. the following controls have been considered in the planning and preparation of snorkelling activities:
   1. completion of a risk assessment relevant to the planned activities;
   2. development of effective emergency procedures for the planned activities;
   3. screening of all persons for adequate fitness and medical conditions;
   4. verification of competency levels of persons undertaking the activity;
   5. ensuring minimum supervision levels for the proposed activity;
   6. assessment of feasibility of planned work tasks;
   7. access to first aid personnel and equipment, including oxygen resuscitation equipment; and
   8. a means of verification that all snorkellers have returned at the conclusion of the activity is implemented.
4. records relating to the snorkelling activities are complete, accurate and submitted to the relevant BDO/RSOSO as soon as practicable after the snorkelling activity has concluded.

(11) UQ BDO/RSOSO’s and Managers hold the authority to stop any snorkelling activity from proceeding where the requirements of this Procedure have not been satisfied.

(12) The UQ BDO/RSOSO’s will maintain snorkelling records in accordance with the Records Management Procedure.

Section 3 - Key Requirements

Supervision of in-water activities

(13) All snorkelling activities must involve the following personnel, who undertake the processes detailed in this section:

1. Primary Snorkel Supervisor
   1. Proxy Snorkel Supervisor
2. Snorkel Guide(s)
3. Snorkel Lookout(s)

Primary Snorkel Supervisor

(14) The Primary Snorkel Supervisor is a person appointed per the relevant Snorkel Plan and must have appropriate experience for the overall supervision of the planned activities and within the proposed operational areas. It is advisable that a Proxy Snorkel Supervisor is also named on the Snorkel Plan. The Primary Snorkel Supervisor is responsible for all aspects of snorkelling safety.

(15) The Primary Snorkel Supervisor may appoint a snorkel guide to act as Proxy Snorkel Supervisor. A Proxy Snorkel Supervisor must possess the same certifications and competencies required of a Primary Snorkel Supervisor, but the Primary Snorkel Supervisor will always retain the overall responsibility for managing snorkelling operations.

(16) All Snorkel Supervisors must:

1. Meet the following requirements:
   1. Hold a current qualification in the delivery of oxygen for first aid treatment;
   2. Meet the competency requirements described in the section Snorkel Guide;
   3. Have appropriate experience relevant to the specific activity and location.
2. Be familiar with the contents of the approved Snorkel Plan, Emergency Response Plan and risk assessment;
3. Be familiar with the characteristics of the proposed snorkel location and be able to:
   1. Assess weather conditions and obtain accurate information on tides, currents, depths and other expected water conditions prior to undertaking the activity.
   2. Recognise hazards and risks associated with the specific activity and location.
4. Determine the equipment necessary for the safe conduct of the planned activity.
   1. A Snorkel Supervisor should liaise with the UQ BDO/RSOSO to confirm which equipment items will be provided by the Snorkel group and what equipment is provided by the research station (including Guide/Lookout equipment).
5. Have overall responsibility for managing snorkelling operations while underway and be able to:
   1. Hold the authority to suspend or cancel any snorkelling operation if necessary;
   2. Recognise changes to risks because of snorkeller abilities and behaviour and/or environmental conditions;
   3. Ensure an effective emergency response can be initiated at all times during the conduct of snorkelling activities;
   4. Ensure the provision of clear and effective instruction to snorkellers and other personnel to ensure understanding and compliance with safety directions;
   5. Ensure all snorkellers receive relevant help and advice as they enter and exit the water.
6. Ensure maintenance of a log/snorkel manifest of all snorkellers who enter the water, and when they return from the water, including activities managed by Proxy Snorkel Supervisors under the authority of the Primary Snorkel Supervisor.
   1. At the conclusion of EACH snorkelling activity, the Primary Snorkel Supervisor must confirm that a ‘Count of all persons’ is completed as soon as practicable.
   2. At the conclusion of ALL snorkelling activities, the Primary Snorkel Supervisor must confirm that a ‘Count of all persons’ is completed prior to leaving the snorkelling site.

(17) A Snorkel Supervisor may also perform the role of Snorkel Lookout or Snorkel Guide.

Proxy Snorkel Supervisor

(18) A Snorkel Guide may be appointed, by the Primary Snorkel Supervisor, to act as a Proxy Snorkel Supervisor and to conduct snorkelling activities in the absence of direct supervision from the Primary Snorkel Supervisor if;

1. the Primary Snorkel Supervisor conducts a proper assessment of the risks involved in not providing direct supervision of the planned snorkelling activity;
2. the Primary Snorkel Supervisor decides, having regard to the risks, it is reasonable to permit the Proxy Snorkel Supervisor to conduct the planned snorkelling activities;
3. the Proxy Snorkel Supervisor supervises no more than 8 snorkellers who participate in the activity;
4. an adequate emergency response plan is prepared;
5. a BDO/RSOSO indicates the emergency response plan is feasible;
6. prior to departure for the snorkelling activity, the Proxy Snorkel Supervisor submits a Snorkelling Manifest;
7. at the end of the activity, the Proxy Snorkel Supervisor completes the Snorkelling Manifest;
8. the completed Snorkel Manifest must record a headcount of all persons named on the Snorkel Manifest; and
9. as soon as practicable, the Primary Snorkel Supervisor must endorse the completed Snorkel Manifest.

Snorkel Guide

(19) Under the direction of a Snorkel Supervisor, Snorkel Guides are responsible for the co-ordination and in-water supervision of an allocated group of snorkellers.

(20) Snorkel Guides must:

1. Be identified in the Snorkel Plan;
2. Wear highly visible attire;
3. Maintain currency in the following certifications;
   1. Provide First Aid;
   2. CPR; and
   3. Where the Snorkel Guide is appointed as Proxy Snorkel Supervisor: a current qualification in the delivery of oxygen for first aid treatment.
4. Hold a qualification that incorporates training in the recognition of snorkelling hazards and relevant emergency response techniques. Examples include:
   1. Snorkel Instructor;
   2. Surf LifeSaver Bronze medallion;
   3. Rescue SCUBA Diver;
   4. Dive Instructor;
   5. Dive Master.
5. Maintain currency in the following skills:
   1. be able to recognise relevant hazards;
   2. be able to recognise when a snorkeller is in difficulty; and
   3. be able to:
      1. rescue a snorkeller in difficulty and provide first aid; or
      2. direct a person who is immediately available and capable to rescue a snorkeller in difficulty and provide first aid.
6. Have a level of fitness so their own health and safety are not compromised if required to carry out or assist in a rescue.

(21) Where a Snorkel Guide is appointed to supervise At-Risk snorkellers, the Snorkel Guide must, through relevant training and experience, have the capacity to manage the specific needs of the snorkellers they have been assigned. Examples of qualifications that include training in management of at-risk snorkellers include:

1. Dive Instructor;
2. Dive Master; or
3. an equivalent SCUBA Diver supervisor qualification.

(22) A person with relevant industry experience may apply to the UQ Boating and Diving Manager for recognition of their credentials, in lieu of holding one the above qualifications.

(23) All Snorkelling Guides must receive a Snorkel Guide induction relevant to the specific activity and location. The Snorkel Guide induction will be provided by the relevant BDO or a delegate appointed by BDO/RSOSO.

Snorkel Lookout

(24) A Snorkel Lookout is a person appointed to visually monitor the activities of an allocated group of snorkellers. The Snorkel Lookout must be familiar with relevant emergency response procedures and must be named on the Snorkel Plan.

(25) Personnel performing the role of Snorkel Lookout must maintain currency in the following certifications:

1. Provide First Aid;
2. CPR; and
3. Advanced Resuscitation, or a similar certification for the provision of 100% oxygen.

(26) A person who acts as the Snorkel Lookout for the snorkelling activity must:

1. be solely engaged in being the lookout during the activity;
2. be positioned outside the water in a location that provides a clear view of the entire snorkelling area (with an exception provided as per clause 27);
3. be present for the entire duration of the snorkelling activity including during entry and exit from the water;
4. be part of a communication system which is appropriate to the site, and which allows for necessary communication with people snorkelling and any other appropriate personnel;
5. be able to recognise relevant hazards and look for changes which may lead to problems e.g. tides, currents, vessels, marine animals, people skylarking, fatigue;
6. continually monitor the positions of the snorkellers;
7. be able to keep people within the boundaries of the snorkelling site;
8. be aware of which people are ‘At-Risk’ snorkellers;
9. be aware of the risks of silent drowning and monitors snorkelling participants for movement that indicate they are actively snorkelling, be able to recognise when a snorkeller is in difficulty;
10. be able to:
    1. rescue a snorkeller in difficulty and provide first aid; or
    2. direct a person who is immediately available and capable to rescue a snorkeller in difficulty and provide first aid.
11. Have a level of fitness so their own health and safety are not compromised if required to carry out or assist in a rescue;
12. Take a break from lookout duties periodically and not conduct the duty for extended periods of time:
    1. The Snorkel Lookout must take a break of no less than ten minutes, after performing 60 minutes of continuous Lookout duties.
13. Wear identifying clothing or equipment so the lookout can be recognised easily by snorkellers; and
14. Have access to binoculars and polarised sunglasses so that visibility across and into the water can be improved (with an exception provided as per clause 18).

(27) At the discretion of the BDO/RSOSO, a Snorkel Lookout may also act as the master of a vessel providing that those duties do not interfere with the provision of adequate supervision or adversely affect the capacity to respond to an emergency.

Activities with only an In-Water Snorkel Lookout

(28) The Primary Snorkel Supervisor may permit an activity to proceed using only an In-Water Snorkel Lookout if:

1. the Primary Snorkel Supervisor conducts a proper assessment of the risks involved in not having an out-of-water person act as lookout during the activity;
2. the Primary Snorkel Supervisor decides, having regard to the risks, it is reasonable not to have an out-of-water person act as lookout;
3. the In-Water Lookout will also act as a Snorkel Guide;
4. In addition to the requirements listed under Snorkel Guide, the snorkel guide holds a current certification in Advanced Resuscitation, or a similar certification for the provision of 100% oxygen;
5. the Snorkel Guide supervises no more than 10* snorkellers who participate in the activity;
6. an adequate emergency response plan is prepared; and
7. a BDO/RSOSO indicates the emergency response plan is feasible.

Ratio of supervisory personnel

(29) Where a snorkelling group consist of more than 10 snorkellers and a Snorkel Supervisor, the snorkelling activities shall comply with the requirements described in the Snorkelling with Large Groups Procedure.

(30) Minimum ratios of Snorkel Guides to Snorkellers must be reduced where snorkellers are mostly at-risk/inexperienced, at night, or according to the environmental conditions.

Competency

(31) Prior to the commencement of snorkel activities, the Primary Snorkel Supervisor must verify the competency of all persons undertaking snorkelling activities.

(32) The Primary Snorkel Supervisor must provide the UQ BDO/RSOSO documented evidence of competency for all snorkelling personnel.

Minimum competency requirements for all snorkellers

(33) All personnel undertaking snorkelling activities must be competent in all the following:

1. Swim 50m non-stop, without swimming aids and using any stroke or combination of strokes;
2. Fitting and clearing a mask;
3. Fitting and clearing a snorkel;
4. Breathing effectively via a snorkel;
5. Effective fin technique;
6. Swimming 200m effectively using a mask, snorkel and fins;
7. With no fins, the ability to stay on one location (tread water) for at least 2 minutes; and
8. Removal of a cramp.

(34) In addition to the Minimum Competency requirements for all Snorkellers, all personnel planning to undertake duck-diving snorkelling activities must also be competent in the following:

1. Clearing a snorkel while or after surfacing from a breath-hold dive; and
2. Equalising the middle ear and sinus gas spaces.

Physical fitness for snorkelling

(35) The Group Manager must ensure that all snorkellers are advised that snorkelling can be a strenuous activity and may increase health and safety risks to persons with the following conditions:

1. With a medical condition that may be made worse by physical exertion. (For example, asthma, heart disease and some lung complaints;
2. With a medical condition that can result in a loss of consciousness. (For example, some forms of epilepsy or diabetes.);
3. With asthma that can be triggered by cold water or saltwater mist; or
4. Who are unable to meet the requirements of the Minimum Competency for all Snorkellers section.

(36) Where the snorkel group is a UQ group: Each snorkeller must complete both a Snorkelling Participant Health Questionnaire and a UQ Snorkeller Competency Questionnaire. The Snorkeller Questionnaires must be provided to the Primary Snorkel Supervisor, so they can determine the appropriate snorkelling requirements for the group.

1. Where the Snorkelling Participant Health Questionnaire instructs the snorkeler to undergo a medical evaluation, that snorkeller must provide the Primary Snorkel Supervisor with the completed Evaluation prior to the commencement of any snorkel activities.

(37) Where the snorkel group does not have capacity to undertake their own snorkeller assessments, they must liaise with the relevant BDO/RSOSO to manage this.

(38) Prior to arrival on-site, a Snorkel Supervisor is required to instruct all persons planning to undertake snorkelling to notify a Snorkel Supervisor of any concerns they may have with respect to their fitness to undertake the activity. Concerns may include a medical condition that was not included in the snorkeller questionnaire but has arisen since its submission (for example, recent development of cold/flu symptoms, a recent injury, development of nervousness/anxiety of the pending tasks).

(39) The Primary Snorkel Supervisor must determine whether any newly declared concerns warrant the snorkeller to be declared as an at-risk snorkeller, or if any other appropriate management strategy is required.

At-Risk snorkellers

(40) An At-Risk Snorkeller is a person who has either;

1. indicated that they possess minimal, or no experience in any of the snorkeller competencies listed; or
2. indicated they have a physical or medical condition that may impact their ability to undertake snorkelling activities safely.

(41) Where a snorkeller has received a written endorsement from a suitably trained medical professional, indicating the snorkeller may undertake snorkelling activities safely, despite a physical or medical condition, the snorkeller will not be considered an at-risk snorkeller on the grounds of that physical or medical condition.

(42) The Group Manager and Primary Snorkel Supervisor must ensure that all At-Risk snorkellers have:

1. Adequate supervision by reducing the guide-to-snorkeller ratio according to the needs of the At-Risk snorkeller(s);
2. Any additional snorkelling equipment deemed necessary to ensure their safe participation in the activity (for example, Personal Floatation Devices (vests), Life Rings, Carley Floats, Mermaid lines from the vessel, etc.); and
3. Direct in-water supervision provided by a Snorkel Guide, who holds current skills in accordance with Clause 21.

Risk Assessments

(43) For all snorkelling activities, a suitable Risk Assessment must be appended to the Snorkel Plan, or (for UQ Snorkel Groups), referenced in the Snorkel plan if it is hosted in UQSafe and endorsed by a BDO/RSOSO.

(44) As part of the risk assessment, the Primary Snorkel Supervisor must ensure that:

1. All snorkelling personnel are appropriately briefed on their allocated roles for the duration of the snorkelling activity;
2. All snorkellers are allocated a buddy/group;
3. All snorkeller buddy-pairs are allocated to a guide;
4. All snorkellers are briefed on standard snorkelling procedures including:
   1. to remain with their allocated buddy/group;
   2. to remain within the specified area;
   3. to remain with their allocated guide;
   4. standard communication methods including hand signals;
   5. where breath-hold snorkel diving is permitted, to only engage in one-up, one-down diving; and
   6. how to attract the attention of the guide and/or lookout.
5. all personnel are consulted regarding the risk assessment prior to activities commencing; and
6. all the controls nominated in the risk assessment have been implemented.

Emergency Response Plan

(45) For all snorkelling activities, the Primary Snorkel Supervisor must ensure a feasible Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is submitted with the Snorkel Plan.

1. A Primary Snorkel Supervisor must liaise with the relevant BDO/RSOSO to develop the ERP.

(46) Emergency Response Plans must be in writing and provide procedures for:

1. the recall of all snorkellers;
2. lost or overdue snorkeller/s;
3. recovery of a snorkeller to the vessel or shore or another place where first aid can be effectively provided;
4. the minimum number of persons with first aid training and the minimum level of first aid training of those persons; and
5. transfer of an injured snorkeller to:
   1. the emergency services; or
   2. a facility that administers medical aid.

First Aid capabilities

(47) During every snorkelling activity, an adequate number of suitably qualified persons (as determined by a risk assessment), with training in first aid relevant to the proposed activity considering any known hazards, must be present.

(48) All Snorkel Supervisors and every Snorkel Guide must hold current qualifications in First Aid and CPR.

(49) Every designated Snorkel Lookout must hold current qualifications in First Aid, CPR and Oxygen Delivery.

(50) Where a Snorkel Lookout is performing the dual role of Lookout and Vessel Master, the responsibility of Oxygen Delivery must be delegated to another suitably qualified person.

(51) Any Snorkel Supervisor or Guide that is supervising at-risk snorkellers must hold a current qualification in Oxygen Delivery.

Snorkelling at night

(52) Prior to the commencement of any night snorkelling activities, the Primary Snorkel Supervisor must discuss the planned activities with the BDO/RSOSO to determine the viability of the proposed activity.

(53) Snorkel Guide: Snorkeller ratios should be reduced.

(54) A detailed pre-snorkel brief must be delivered to all participants of the night snorkel activity. The pre-snorkel brief must, in addition to standard snorkelling procedures, include information pertaining to snorkelling procedures that are specific to snorkelling at night, including:

1. How to identify other in-water personnel, including their buddy and their Supervisor/Guide;
2. Night-time methods of communication between:
   1. members of the group itself (e.g. Guides & snorkel buddy/other snorkellers);
   2. the group and the vessel crew (if any); and
   3. the group and the surface watch/lookout.
3. Procedures used to indicate the end, or abort, the activity.

(55) All snorkellers undertaking snorkelling at night must carry a minimum of two light sources. One of these light sources should be a continuously lit device (e.g. cyalume stick) attached to a highly visible part of the snorkeller (e.g. their snorkel).

(56) During night snorkelling activities, Snorkel Supervisors/Guides must utilise a highly visible device to distinguish themselves from other snorkellers, and to indicate their location in the water.

(57) The Primary Snorkel Supervisor must develop an emergency plan that accommodates the additional challenges of managing an emergency scenario at night prior to commencement of night activities.

(58) All snorkel Supervisors/Guides must carry a diver’s PLB/AIS device.

Drift snorkelling

(59) The Primary Snorkel Supervisor must discuss the planned drift snorkelling activities with the BDO/RSOSO to determine the viability of the proposed activity prior to the commencement of any drift snorkelling activities.

(60) A detailed pre-snorkel brief must be delivered to all participants of the drift snorkel activity. The pre-snorkel brief must, in addition to standard snorkelling procedures, include information pertaining to snorkelling procedures that are specific to drift snorkelling, including:

1. Entry and exit procedures;
2. Recall procedures; and
3. Boundaries to the snorkelling areas.

(61) During drift snorkelling activities, Snorkel Supervisors/Guides must carry highly visible floatation devices to indicate their location in the water.

(62) Snorkel Supervisor/Guide to Snorkeller ratios should be reviewed according to the prevailing conditions and reduced if required.

(63) The Primary Snorkel Supervisor must develop an emergency plan that accommodates the additional challenges of managing an emergency scenario in a current prior to commencement of drift snorkelling activities.

Management of risk from non-associated vessel traffic

(64) At all times a snorkeller is in-water, a dive flag in compliance with local regulation must be flown in a way to maximise visibility. In most waters, this is the Internation Code of Signals Code A flag.

(65) Where snorkelling is conducted from a vessel at night, the vessel must display restricted in ability to manoeuvre lights in accordance with Rule 27 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGs).

Breath-hold snorkel diving following compressed gas diving

(66) Breath-hold snorkel diving must not be undertaken following compressed gas diving until the diver has off-gassed the residual inert gas. Using DCIEM tables, the diver should have a repetitive factor of 1.0 before undertaking any breath-hold snorkel dive.

Conditions under which snorkelling activities should not be undertaken

(67) Snorkel diving must not be conducted where:

1. moderate or higher residual risk of entanglement exists;
2. emergency response procedures are not viable;
3. low visibility exists (<3m).

(68) At the discretion of the BDO/RSOSO snorkelling activities in areas of low visibility may be permitted if the planned tasks are low risk and can be conducted safely.

Recreational Snorkelling and/or Swimming

(69) For the purpose of this Procedure, Recreational Snorkelling and/or Swimming is defined as Snorkelling and/or Swimming activities undertaken by persons visiting a UQ Research Station which are beyond the scope of formally described work-related activities, and therefore, beyond the scope of this Procedure.

Duty of Care

(70) All persons vising a UQ Research Station must receive a Research Station induction. By way of this Induction UQ will provide reasonable advice to all Research Station visitors regarding standard safe recreational snorkelling and swimming practices.

(71) Recreational snorkelling activities are not managed by UQ. Any person engaging in recreational snorkelling activities while they are visiting a UQ research station will do so at their own risk.

(72) No person shall be allocated UQ snorkelling equipment for the sole purpose of undertaking recreational snorkelling activities.

(73) It is incumbent on all research station visitors to always conduct themselves in a safe manner, including during off-work time and to not put themself, or others, at risk of harm.

(74) Where a research station visitor has responsibility for a minor, or any other person, their responsibility extends to that person(s) at all times during their visit to a UQ research station.

Section 4 - Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities

(75) All persons managing and undertaking snorkelling activities have duties relating to workers under Queensland Work Health and Safety legislation to take reasonable care for their own health and safety, and for the health and safety of other persons. The responsibilities below list the activities done to ensure reasonable care is taken and complement the requirements in Section 3.

Boating and Diving Officer (BDO) and/or Research Station Operations Senior Officer (RSOSO)

(76) The Boating and Diving Officer (BDO) and/or Research Station Operations Senior Officer (RSOSO) is responsible for:

1. providing advice for compliance and safety for snorkelling operations;
2. assisting Snorkel Supervisors to complete Snorkel Plans, Emergency Response Plans and Risk Assessments;
3. act as the UQ point of contact with external organisations planning activities to be undertaken at a UQ facility;
4. provision of advice on the scheduling of snorkelling activities to be undertaken at a UQ facility;
5. Provide an on-site induction to all snorkel supervisory personnel;
6. verifying the required records for snorkelling operations are complete;
7. act as the UQ point of contact with relevant regulators, including the report of notifiable incidents; and
8. undertake timely audit activities and where appropriate undertake incident investigations.

Group Manager

(77) The Group Manager is responsible for the management of all personnel that are part of their group and will ensure all activities undertaken by their personnel comply with this Procedure.

(78) For Groups visiting a UQ Research Station, the Group Manager’s responsibilities remain in effect at all-hours during their booking with the research station.

Primary Snorkel Supervisor

(79) Primary Snorkel Supervisors are responsible for all aspects of snorkelling safety.

(80) Primary Snorkel Supervisors are responsible for ensuring compliance with the processes detailed in the Snorkel Supervisors section of the Key Controls of this Procedure.

(81) It is the responsibility of the Primary Snorkel Supervisor to ensure:

1. the competency of all snorkelling personnel has been assessed in accordance with the ‘Competency’ provisions of this Procedure;
2. a Snorkel Plan, including details of risk management and emergency procedures, is submitted to a relevant BDO/RSOSO;
3. Prior to the commencement of any snorkelling activity, the Primary Snorkel Supervisor must receive affirmation from a BDO/RSOSO that the Snorkel Plan, risk management and emergency procedures are approved; and
4. maintenance of a log/snorkel manifest of all snorkellers who enter the water, and when they return from the water, including activities managed by Proxy Snorkel Supervisors under the authority of the Primary Snorkel Supervisor.

Snorkellers

(82) Snorkellers must:

1. provide both a Snorkelling Participant Health Questionnaire and a UQ snorkeller Competency questionnaire to the Primary Snorkel Supervisor;
2. participate in snorkelling induction and training programs, as directed by the Group Manager or Snorkel Supervisors;
3. confirm they are fit to snorkel prior to each activity;
4. limit snorkelling to the approved, specified activities detailed in the Snorkel Plan;
5. comply with control measures indicated in the risk assessment and in this Procedure;
6. consult with the Primary Snorkel Supervisor if the nature of the work changes and new risks are identified or a Snorkel Plan proves inappropriate;
7. report any injury, illness or near-miss event to a Snorkel Supervisor; and
8. comply with legislative requirements and the University's policies and procedures.

Section 5 - Monitoring, Review and Assurance

(83) Where a snorkel plan is in development, the relevant BDO should be invited to conduct a peer review of the snorkel plan and associated risk assessments prior to their final approval.

(84) At suitable intervals, the Boating and Diving Manager will review compliance practices, health and safety management performance, and the ongoing effectiveness of the described controls associated with snorkelling activities undertaken by UQ personnel, or at a UQ facility by non-UQ personnel.

Section 6 - Recording and Reporting

(85) The records created and collected as part of snorkelling activities (Snorkel Plans, Emergency Response Plans, Risk Assessments, snorkeller questionnaires, records of persons entering and returning from the water, etc.) are kept in accordance with the Record Management Procedure.

(86) If an incident occurs, relevant Snorkel Plans, snorkeller questionnaire forms and snorkel records must be attached to the incident report.

Section 7 - Appendix

Definitions, Terms, Acronyms