SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2031

BYHouse Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Nelson, R. King, S. Wilson, Spanel, Haugen and Belcher)

Setting gear requirements for shellfish divers.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Environmental & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 27, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Kreidler, Owen.

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  March 27, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, MARCH 27, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Commercial shellfish divers are regulated for resource conservation reasons by the Department of Fisheries.  However, commercial shellfish diver safety is not currently monitored or regulated to comply with state mandated safety standards.

Commercial shellfish diving is a potentially dangerous occupation that may result in injury to the divers.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Fisheries shall enforce minimum diving gear standards for the commercial shellfish diving industry.

Diving at depths that require decompression is not allowed without a decompression chamber on the dive site.  Divers must use gear approved by the department, including a pneumofathometer and a two-way diver to surface communication system.  Dive boats must be equipped with a two-way ship to shore communication system.  Divers must have approved safety harness, there must be a minimum of one tender per diver, and all tenders must be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Restrictions which limit diving equipment to surface supplied air are removed.  The section listing the specific gear necessary for commercial divers is removed.  The Department of Fisheries shall establish minimum gear standards by regulation.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Senate Committee - Testified: Jim Ransom, commercial diver (con); Bill Dewey, commercial diver (con); Evan Jacoby, Department of Fisheries (pro); Paul Berger, Department of Fisheries (pro)