This month’s TOPSIDE contains the fourth installment of the Monitor Expedition, phase one operations with the U.S. Navy on the RV Kellie Chouest.

Please complete the Annual Unit Operations Report Form (sent to you last month) as soon as possible. Send the original to your LODO and a copy to NDC. Your input is critical and is needed for the NDP annual report. We also need photographs of operations conducted at your unit. Please send any photographs, (slides or prints) to NDC for review and possible inclusion into the annual report.

The new UDS handbook is almost complete. Procedures, policy and in house forms have been updated and provided on CD ROM. Also included are a workbook and CD ROM with refresher materials for the divers at your unit. UDS meetings are scheduled to begin in December and will review the new manual. We will keep you informed of future dates and locations of upcoming meetings.

-LCDR  Frank Wood -
 

Please review the enclosed roster which reflects the records at NDC for the date of print. Inactive/terminated divers are to return SEP equipment or resolve their status to active as soon as possible. Units will be assessed SEP charges for inactive divers who are in possession of gear. Please annotate and return a copy of the roster indicating any changes to personnel or diver status. Diver certifications will be suspended when a physical has expired or when diving activity has lapsed for six months.

Initial Sep assessment letters were sent to all units on October 16th. All authorized divers in active status during any part of the past fiscal year or that possess SEP dive equipment, are included in the assessment. Once you received your assessment, please review it carefully and contact NDC by November 6th, 1998, to discuss and resolve any discrepancies. SEP cost for FY 99 are $325.00 per diver. Final rosters will be submitted to appropriate financial offices for payment on November 20, 1998. Please direct all questions to LCDR Frank Wood at (206) 526-6460.

The January Working Diver class is almost full. Please contact NDC ASAP if you have any candidates for this training. Individuals who are returning to active diving status and have not dove for more than one year, must attend a refresher class. The following training classes are scheduled through May 1999:

Please contact Laurie Barber at (206) 526-6695 for course information and scheduling.