Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, step-by-step framework for safely conducting diving operations using closed circuit rebreathers (CCR) in Australian workplaces. It helps organisations manage the unique risks of CCR technology, from oxygen toxicity and hypoxia to equipment failure, while supporting compliance with WHS and diving-specific regulatory requirements.

Closed circuit rebreathers offer extended bottom time, reduced gas consumption and minimal bubble interference, making them highly attractive for commercial, scientific and public safety diving in Australian waters. However, CCR systems also introduce complex, high-consequence risks such as hypoxia, hyperoxia, carbon dioxide buildup, scrubber failure and electronic control malfunctions. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, defensible method for planning and executing CCR dives in a way that is consistent, auditable and aligned with Australian WHS obligations.

The document walks your team through every stage of a CCR dive: from diver selection and fitness to dive, equipment configuration and pre-dive checks, through to in-water procedures, ascent protocols, bailout strategies and post-dive maintenance. It clarifies roles and responsibilities between the diving supervisor, CCR divers, surface attendants and emergency support, and embeds risk management into routine operations via checklists, communication protocols and emergency drills. By implementing this SOP, organisations can significantly reduce the likelihood of catastrophic incidents, demonstrate due diligence to regulators and clients, and create a robust training platform for current and future CCR divers.

Whether your operations involve scientific surveys, infrastructure inspections, aquaculture tasks or public safety search and recovery, this SOP helps you integrate CCR technology into your dive management system in a controlled, professional and legally defensible manner. It supports alignment with relevant Australian Standards and state/territory diving regulations, giving you confidence that your CCR diving practices are both safe and fit-for-purpose.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of life-threatening CCR incidents such as hypoxia, hyperoxia and CO₂ toxicity through structured checks and controls.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and diving regulatory requirements for occupational diving operations.
• Standardise CCR dive planning, execution and post-dive processes across teams, improving consistency and operational discipline.
• Strengthen emergency preparedness with clear bailout, rescue and incident response procedures specific to CCR diving.
• Support training, competency assessment and refresher programs for CCR divers and supervisors with clear, documented expectations.

Who is this for?

• Commercial Diving Supervisors
• Dive Operations Managers
• Scientific Divers and Dive Coordinators
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Occupational Divers
• Public Safety and Emergency Service Divers
• Defence and Police Dive Team Leaders
• Aquaculture and Marine Construction Supervisors
• Hyperbaric and Dive Medical Support Staff
• Training and Competency Managers in Diving Operations

Hazards Addressed

• Hypoxia due to inadequate oxygen addition or system malfunction
• Hyperoxia and central nervous system oxygen toxicity
• Carbon dioxide buildup from scrubber failure, breakthrough or incorrect assembly
• Gas management failures, including inadequate bailout gas supply
• Electronic control unit (ECU) or sensor malfunction leading to incorrect setpoint control
• Drowning and near-drowning from loop flooding, loss of mouthpiece or buoyancy issues
• Barotrauma and decompression sickness from incorrect depth profiles or ascent rates
• Thermal stress and hypothermia during prolonged CCR dives
• Entanglement or entrapment exacerbated by CCR hose and loop configuration
• Manual handling injuries related to transporting and donning heavy CCR units and cylinders

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Application
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations (CCR, PPO₂, setpoint, bailout, scrubber, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Organisational Policies
• 5.0 CCR Equipment Requirements and Configuration Standards
• 6.0 Diver Selection, Medical Fitness and Competency Verification
• 7.0 Planning CCR Dives (Risk Assessment, Dive Plans and Permits)
• 8.0 Pre-Dive Checks and Pre-Breathe Procedures
• 9.0 Surface Support, Communications and Monitoring Requirements
• 10.0 In-Water Operating Procedures for CCR Divers
• 11.0 Gas Management, Setpoint Control and Depth Limitations
• 12.0 Bailout Strategies and Lost-Loop Procedures
• 13.0 Decompression Management and Ascent Protocols
• 14.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Response (including oxygen toxicity, hypoxia, CO₂ hit, equipment failure and lost diver)
• 15.0 Post-Dive Procedures, Equipment Cleaning and Maintenance
• 16.0 Scrubber Packing, Duration Limits and Change-Out Protocols
• 17.0 Cylinder Handling, Filling, Labelling and Storage
• 18.0 Training, Induction and Refresher Requirements
• 19.0 Inspection, Testing, Calibration and Recordkeeping
• 20.0 Audit, Review and Continuous Improvement of CCR Diving Operations

Legislation & References

• AS/NZS 2299.1: Occupational diving operations – Standard operational practice
• AS/NZS 2299.2: Occupational diving operations – Scientific diving
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Regulations – Diving work provisions
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace (for CCR equipment as plant)
• Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) guidance for occupational diving operations
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment (as guidance on breathing systems management)