Diving safety officer (DSO) is the title held by the person who administers an Institutions or University's research diving safety program. He or she serves as a member of the institution's diving control board (DCB) and needs broad technical and scientific expertise in research related diving. Typical qualification include training and experience as a scientific diver, regular membership in the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), and qualification as a diving instructor from an internationally recognised certifying agency. The diving safety officer typically reports to a senior administrative officer (president, vice president, dean or director) and is responsible for the conduct of the scientific diving program of the institution. He or she has routine operational authority for this program, including the conduct of training and certification, approval of dive plans, maintenance of diving records, and ensuring compliance with this standard and all relevant regulations of the membership organisation.
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