Underwater Search And Recovery Units

Policy No:
06/04
Effective Date:

Legislative/Regulatory Requirements

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), sets out the responsibilities of employers and workers relating to workplace safety. 

The OHSA Diving Operations Regulation 629/94 provides further specific definitions, and responsibilities that relate to all occupational diving operations. 

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) provides a Competency Standard for Diving Operations CAN/CSA-Z275.4-02 and an Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations CAN/CSA-Z275.2-92.

Board Policy     

It is the policy of the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board with respect to the services of an underwater search and recovery unit that:

  1. York Regional Police will provide the services of an underwater search and recovery unit using its own members; 

  2. the services will be available 24 hours a day and within a reasonable response time;  

  3. the Chief of Police will:

    1. establish procedures that set out the circumstances in which the service will be deployed, including the process for obtaining the service and reporting relationships;

    2. establish procedures for the deployment of other emergency response services, including receiving assistance from other agencies;

    3. ensure that underwater search and recovery unit members comply with the OHSA, and Diving Operations Regulation or where amended;

    4. ensure that underwater search and recovery unit members are qualified to perform their specific tasks in accordance with Competency Standard for Diving Operations CAN/CSA-Z275.4-02 or where amended;

    5. ensure that the underwater search and recovery unit members perform their tasks according to the Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations CAN/CSA-Z275.2-92 or where amended;

    6. develop and maintain a reference file on all diving hazards that is available to each member providing this service;

    7. establish a selection process for the unit, including ensuring that members who provide this service meet the requirements of local policies and procedures;

    8. ensure the ongoing training of members who provide this service; 

    9. ensure that the police service’s major incident commanders receive training in their responsibilities and the capabilities of the underwater search and recovery unit; and

    10. ensure that appropriate equipment, in accordance with the Ministry’s designated equipment and facilities list, is used/available to the members who provide this service.