RULES for DIVING “Gorgazzo Spring” 1 . This Regulation Shall
COMUNE DI POLCENIGO – PROVINCIA DI PORDENONE Piazza Plebiscito, 1 - 33070 Polcenigo - PN – Tel. +39 0434/74001 FAX +39 0434/748977 C.F. 00194820932 Sito Web www.comune.polcenigo.pn.it/ Email - [email protected]
RULES FOR DIVING “Gorgazzo Spring”
1 . This Regulation shall supplement and not substitute, the State Laws, Safeguard Constraints and prohibitions imposed by institutions of the State.
2 . The Regulation’s are oriented to the preservation of human life and protection of the underwater ecosystem when diving in the Gorgazzo Spring. Permission is available only for: • Scientific purposes • Search-Rescue-Recovery of person(s) promoted by the Police, Fire Brigade and CNSAS (Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico) • Persons who make an explicit, written request and possess current certifications and qualifications
3 . This Regulation has been prepared based on the guidelines for safe cave diving promulgated by CNSAS (Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico) :
• Must be a current member of the authorized clubs, and possess the certifications for deep cave diving. • Know your limits, being aware of the risk assessment for underwater cave diving. • Be aware that there are no "minor enclosed spaces " or "channels" that you can safely dive with poor attention or poorly maintained, or incorrect equipment. • Know your equipment perfectly, its operation, and location on the body. • Always set a detailed dive protocol, and inform a neutral party. • Always use the line guide - marked at least every 10 meters with the distance and direction of progressive output. Never trust old lines, which can be very dangerous. The line guide is the only way that leads out. Do Not progress even one meter without the aid of the line. If movement away from the established main line is needed, always attach an auxiliary security line. Never leave the main line without the attachment of an auxiliary security line. • The diver who lays out the security reel line must be sure it is secured, so contact is not lost, and ensure it does not become tangled, ensnared, caught, or is in danger of being cut. A line guided incorrectly can cause accidents! • Always use at least 2 independent tanks, with valve protection cages. Do not use a single tank. Do Not use a double tank set-up with a common valve that connects the two tanks. • Always use reliable regulators with DIN fittings. Each tank system shall be equipped with its own pressure gauge, i.e. the main-secondary-pony. This ensures redundancy. • Use no more than one-third of the starting air pressure available for initial dive progress. Breathe alternately from all tanks, switching the breathe tank used every 10-20 bar air consumption. One-third of the air pressure will be used for the return, and one-third will remain as a safety reserve, to be used in case of emergency. • Always use at least three independent light sources. Two of the light sources must have a longer burn time than the dive profile duration. • Place the three light sources on the helmet to ensure hands-free mobility during the dive. • Use the buoyancy control to stay neutral. • Use a diving watch, depth gauge, and table or computer. • Replace the diving knife with wire cutters which allows you to cut cordage or steel cable quickly and cleanly. The cutter must be worn on the arm. Nothing should be fastened to the legs, as the permanent line could become caught and be difficult to escape. • Never breathe from air pockets along the cave or channel ceiling. • Pre-dive equipment checks are mandatory. Regulators and pressure gauges should be attached on the body, easily visible and within reach. • Cave diving is inherently dangerous and is not like open water diving. Cave diving activities exclude the buddy system. The cave divers must be independent and competent to dive alone, relying only on themselves and his/her dive experience with absolute certainty. • Use of fin savers (fin retainers) is recommended.
4 . The Mayor of Polcenigo authorizes the permissions to dive. Divers must seek the additional advice and consent of organizations and associations that have specific expertise diving, cave diving, caving paleontological.
5 . The diver must request the permission to dive from the Mayor of Polcenigo. The request must be received at least 7 working days before the date requested for the dive. The requested dive should not affect the seasonal tourist activity. There is to be no harm to the above water environment/structures or submerged environment/structures.
6 . The dive application must be signed by the leader of the group, and must provide the contact details and details of diving credentials (certification cards).
7 . The request must contain the date and day of the dive, the time block and purpose of the dive, indicate the number of participants, their dive society/group, current club membership, and the program with detailed information on the equipment that will be used.
8 . Suiting up and assemblage of gear before and after the dive should be observed with modesty and courtesy to potential onlookers. Undressing in the open is not permitted.
9 . Attention: Diving / Cave Diving is inherently dangerous. The leader or coordinator shall declare to have reviewed, understand, and to be apprised of the rules listed in this Regulation.
10 . It is absolutely forbidden to remove any specimen of rock, animal or plant, without specific permissions in the application.
11 . For the purposes of safeguarding the environment, it is absolutely forbidden to tamper with and/or alter and/or manipulate any biological species present or structures within Gorgazzo Spring.
12 . The City (Polcenigo) reserves the right, through it’s representatives, to request a copy of video and/or photos taken during dive excursions.
13 . At the completion of the dive, data relating to air consumption and maximum depth must be recorded.
14 . Diving activities may be banned or suspended at any time, without prior notice, during any weather condition that could in any way impair visibility or access to the interior of the cave, including any increase or decrease in the water level of the feeder basin.
15 . Always use the provided protocols.
16 . Diving is permissible only during times, and in ways, that do not interfere with the normal activities of a visit to the Gorgazzo Spring.
17 . Exceptions to this regulation may be granted only for Instructional and Rescue purposes, Law Enforcement Agencies, Fire Department, CNSAS , Civil Defense Divers, as well as, scientific and exploratory purposes.
The administration of Polcenigo, ensure that this Regulation is complied with and applied, with the collaboration of the Centro Pordenonese Sommozzatori (CPS). CPS will provide, on the days and at the times permitted, its specific expertise and the presence of staff responsible for reasonable inspections, security and equipment checks before each dive. Polcenigo administration is represented by a delegate who is empowered to prohibit the activity of diving to an individual and/or group that, in its sole technical discretion, it is not suitable to continue a program.
Note of Warning
Within Gorgazzo Spring, the diving sector has many difficult passages that are technical to traverse. The narrow channels and tunnels can become difficult to negotiate and return to the surface. Some problems that can make a safe return more difficult are landslides and unstable rock that can block the return passage. Unexpected currents can create poor visibility in the tunnels/bottlenecks/rooms. These may be natural or created by suspended sediments originating from the presence of other divers. The divers must always be able to realistically assess the danger of the overall situation and whether to continue on the dive profile.
The use of DPVS (diver propulsion vehicle) is NOT allowed.
The Application for Authorization to dive for Associations and Clubs must contain (Annex "A"):
- The Dive Card registration number/ Cave Diving certification/ Apnea certification/ Apnea level, and the association or company that trained the diver.
- The statement that the individual understands the text of this Regulation and the basic equipment required for each dive component and their use.
-An accountability release covering any action towards the City Council, the Mayor or the reference company.
- Acknowledgment the necessary data checks will be completed and recorded for each profile.
Safety devices on the surface and underwater:
• The spring is bordered by a floating rope and buoys • the main path direction of the dive, from the surface to a depth of 42 meters, is equipped with a primary safety line (permanent line) with directional arrows, at regular intervals, pointing towards the exit and indicating the distance from the surface. The City relies on the collaboration with the Centro Pordenonese Sommozzatori (Divers Unit of Civil Protection), for the settlement of diving requests, to periodically check the primary line use status and perform necessary maintenance. • At a depth of 6 meters, the following safety gear is needed: a tank with a minimum of 2,000 (two thousand) liters of compressed air. The tank is equipped with two regulators and a pressure gauge. Prior to use, it will be necessary to open the valve, and at the end of use, close the valve. • The use area adjacent to the dive site is clearly defined. • The dive site is equipped with a dedicated area, within which all pre and post dive preparations must be carried out.
• The leaders or coordinators of the groups are in charge of the following: first aid kit, oxygen unit, and Automated External Defibrillator if available. The group must have at least one person who is qualified in first aid. In the case of unavailability of equipment and/or qualified personnel, the authorization request shall reflect these specific needs. The burden to provide the equipment and/or staff, required by the application, is the sole responsibility of the group.
ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES
Each period of activity Recreation/Sports and Education is established as 60 minutes. Entrance ticket to the site is 6 EUR per person/per period of use. The municipal administration is to be paid by postal order or bank draft payable to “City of Polcenigo”. A dive site maintenance fee of 4 EUR per person/per period of use, will be paid by bank transfer to the Centro Pordenonese Sommozzatori.
ACTIVITY OF THE SITE
Opening the site (January to April): • Saturdays and holidays, from 09.00 to 16.00
Opening the site (May to September): • Saturdays and holidays, from 09.00 to 18.00
Opening the site (October to December): • Saturdays and holidays, from 09.00 to 16.00
Requests for use of the dive site on weekdays may be granted subject to advance arrangements and availability, with the Centro Pordenonese Sommozzatori. The requests must be during the opening hours of the site established for each season.
It should be noted that the Centro Pordenonese Sommozzatori disclaims any and all liability for the activities of individual groups, cave divers, and divers in general. These individual groups, cave divers and divers in general are responsible for review, understanding and enacting of the strictly observed "RULES FOR DIVING" approved by the City Council of Polcenigo
1 . The Diving Site (diving didactics/recreational):
The Gorgazzo Spring Cave. Given the particular morphology of the underground cavity, it is divided by zones of immersion. Each area requires a specific qualification, in addition to basic equipment required:
• Apnea Zone A (Zone light day) Annex "B" • Zone 1 (Zone light day) Annex "B" • Zone 2 (Zone total darkness ) Annex "C" • Zone 3 (Zone total darkness ) Annex "D" In addition to an area currently prohibited, Annex "E"
2 . Zone A (Apnea in light zone)
2.1 Profile / Capacity / Equipment • Patent apnea minimum of level 1 or equated • Medical certificate and valid Insurance • Maximum depth of 12 meters, it is absolutely forbidden to enter the cave • Adequate thermal protection • Equipment specific for apnea • Ability to safely dive in Zone A (apnea), with a companion who is at the same level or higher
3 . Zone 1 (Zone light day)
3.1 Profile / Capacity • Patent underwater minimum of level 1 or equated • Medical certificate and valid Insurance • 25 or more logged dives • Ability to safely dive in Zone 1, with a companion who is at the same level or higher. Both divers have the necessary knowledge of equipment and its proper use, and be able to apply the Rules of Conduct.
3.2 Limitations • Eye contact with, and access to the surface in order to always have sufficient natural light • Maximum depth of 18 meters (Annex "B") • The first leg is limited by the rule of maximum consumption of one-third of the total air available
3.3 Basic Equipment Required (minimum requirements) • Fins, mask, proper thermal protection • Jackets/Jacket • Tank with a minimum capacity of 2,000 (two thousand) liters, single tanks are permitted • Valves with cage protection, exclusively with DIN connection. Single tanks with 2 outputs Y or H-2 regulators complete with a minimum of a pressure gauge, or alternatively a valve (K) with a single output and a regulator with 2/2 stages (Octopus) with pressure gauge • dive computer or decompression table (combined with clock and depth) • Equipment to effectively cut lanyards/cord • Underwater slate and pencil for writing • Underwater light, the burn time must be greater than the planned duration of the dive • Each diver has at least one spool (Gap Reel) with 20 meters of line • helmet
4 . Zone 2 (Zone of complete darkness )
4.1 Profile / Capacity / Equipment • Patent cave divers Level 2 or equated (Cave Diver) • Medical certificate and valid Insurance • 50 or more logged dives • Enriched O2 or Mixed Gas Certification if using different mixtures from standard compressed air • The skills needed to plan and organize a safe dive in Zone 2 with a companion who is at the same level or higher, and cave diving experience with the knowledge of the material and its use.
4.2 Limitations • Maximum depth of 30 meters (Annex "C") • The first leg is limited by the rule of maximum consumption of one-third of the total air available • permanently installed main line.
4.3 Basic Equipment required Zone 2 (Minimum Requirements) • Fins, mask, proper thermal protection • Second mask • Jackets/Jacket • 2 tanks independent of each other and of the same capacity, or a double tank with a valve system that separates them and allows you to isolate any defective regulator. Minimum capacity of 3200 liters (three thousand two hundred). In case of mixtures different from standard air, it is necessary that the tank is marked in an appropriate manner and that identifies exactly the type of gas content and their percentage • Valves with valve cages, exclusively with DIN • One of the regulators should have a second stage whip of about 2 meters in length • Each tank must always have an independent pressure gauge with digital or analog display. This applies to tanks stored or carried by the diver, in use or reserved, separate tank systems or bridged separable • Computer with decompression mode. If using enriched air or mixtures, the computer must be adaptable to accurately present data. • Compass • At least 3 independent light systems, of which at least one without rechargeable batteries. One of the lights with reduced capacity is to be used as the emergency lamp. The main lights burn time must be at least the planned time duration of the dive, but in no case less than 1 hour use time. Their power must be between 15-50W halogen or 8-18W HID. The duration of the emergency light (3- 5W Xenon) must be at least 3 hours minimum. The lights must be positioned so that you remain hands free • Underwater slate and pencil for writing • 2 tools for cutting (knife, scissors, nippers), secured by a tether • For each diver at least one emergency spool (Safety Reel) with a minimum of 20 meters of rope • For each diver at least a 50 meter coil of rope • helmet
4.4 Restrictions • Within the source Gorgazzo the dive travel path may have pitfalls constituted by passages that are difficult to traverse. These include narrowing channels to tunnels that funnel and become more difficult to return through, unstable landslides that can obstruct the passage, unexpected currents, and/or poor visibility in the tunnels/bottlenecks caused naturally or by suspended sediments originating from the presence of other cave divers. The cave divers must always be able to assess the danger of the situation overall and reasonable progression.
• The penetration in zone 2 is only allowed to cave divers Level 2 or higher, capable of running the route as a solo diver. Must be accompanied by divers of the same level or higher, and have the necessary knowledge of the material and its use. • Have knowledge of the techniques to safely navigate and find the exit without visibility due to sediment buildup or otherwise in the total absence of light.
5 . Zone 3 (Zone complete darkness- highest competence level In Zone 3 strictly prohibits diving with standard air
5.1 Profile / Capacity • Patent cave divers 3rd level or equated (Full Cave Diver) • Medical Certificate and valid Insurance • 100 or more logged dives • Certified for Enriched O2, Nitrox, HeliOx, or Trimix • Cave divers with the skills needed to plan and organize dive safely in Zone 3 with a companion who is at least the same level cave divers and with the knowledge of the material and its use • Cave diver has the technical expertise to plan and execute a dive over long distances, overcome bottlenecks, negotiate siphons, donning and use of tanks and other staged additional tanks (reserve tanks) in addition to expertise in the use of Nitrox and oxygen for decompression. • Knows the essential factors of decompression, the techniques used, with emphasis on decompression with 100% oxygen • Cave diver has all the technical knowledge required to lay the thread of main line in a professional manner even in branches or jumps from the main line, repairing breaks of the same, and know how to navigate safely to the exit in total darkness
5.2 Limitations • Maximum depth of 42 meters (Annex "D") • The first leg is limited by the rule of maximum consumption of one-third of the total air available • permanently installed main line.
5.3 Basic Equipment required Zone 3 ( Minimum Requirements ) • Fins, mask, proper thermal protection • Second mask • Jackets / Jacket • 2 tanks independent of each other and of the same capacity or a double tank with a valve that separates them and allows you to isolate any defective regulator. Minimum capacity of 4000 liters (four thousand). Each tank is marked in an appropriate manner and shall record the exact type of gas content and their percentages • Valves with valve cages, exclusively with DIN • One of the regulators should have a second stage whip of about 2 meters in length • Each tank must always have an independent pressure gauge with digital or analog display, this is also true for tanks stored or carried with the diver; in use or in reserve, divided among themselves or with a bridge separable • Computer with decompression mode adaptable to the use of mixtures • Compass • At least 3 independent systems of lights, of which at least one without rechargeable batteries. One of the systems with reduced capacity is to be used as the emergency light. The duration of the main lights must be at least the planned time duration of the dive, and strictly at least 1 hour of use. Their power must be between 15-50W halogen or 8-18W HID. The duration of the emergency light (3-5W Xenon) must be at least 3 hours minimum. The lights must be positioned so that your hands remain free • Underwater slate and pencil for writing • 2 tools for cutting (knife, scissors, nippers) secured by a tether • For each diver at least one emergency spool (Safety Reel) with a minimum of 30 meters of rope • For each diver at least 50 meters rope coil • For each group, at least one spool with minimum 200 meters of rope • helmet
5.4 Restrictions • Within the source Gorgazzo the dive travel path may have pitfalls constituted by passages that are difficult to traverse. These include narrowing channels to tunnels that funnel and become more difficult to return through, unstable landslides that can obstruct the passage, unexpected currents, and/or poor visibility in the tunnels/bottlenecks caused naturally or by suspended sediments originating from the presence of other cave divers. The cave divers must always be able to assess the danger of the situation overall and reasonable progression.
• The penetration in zone 3 is only allowed to cave divers of 3rd level or higher, capable of running the route as a solo diver. Must be accompanied by divers of the same level or higher, and have the necessary knowledge of the material and its use. • Have knowledge of the techniques to safely navigate and find the exit without visibility due to sediment buildup or otherwise in the total absence of light
6 . Educational and Recreational Activities/ Sports
6.1 Didactics ( Apnea ) • It is permitted to carry out dives for educational purposes (apnea), with adequate thermal protection, only in Zone 1 Apnea (Annex B). The instructor of the course assumes liability of all operations within the basin. The instructor and any accompanying persons or students must be in possession of a certificate or document stating the actual enrollment issued by the diving school of reference. • Number of participants (minimum 2 people) with the size of the group in proportion to the educational activities planned.
6.2 Recreational Sports (Apnea) • Free Diving is allowed with proper thermal protection and only in Zone 1 Apnea (Annex B) • Number of participants (minimum 2 people) with the size of the group in proportion to the planned activities • For added security, although Italian law does not require it, the Freediver should have on person a regular apnea certification or equivalent qualification
6.3 Didactics (Diving with tank)
• It is permitted to carry out dives for educational purposes (with group ARA) exclusively in the area of training related to teaching students. The instructor of the course assumes liability of all operations within the basin. The instructor and any accompanying persons or students must be in possession of a certificate or document stating the actual enrollment issued by the diving school of reference. • Number of participants (for activities in Zone 1, groups of minimum 2, maximum 6 persons, for activities in Zone 2 and Zone 3 groups with a minimum of at least 2 people, maximum 4 people) with the size of the group in proportion to educational activities planned.
NOTES
The diver must be able to dive safely in each respective area, and must have the necessary knowledge of the material and its use and be able to apply the relevant Rules of Conduct.
The conduct of the diver must be such that the cave remains in its original state and its flora and fauna is not seriously damaged and remains as undisturbed as reasonable.
The entry into any diving Zone requires special training for cave divers, specific equipment use, and proper application of techniques and equipment.
Appendix “A” (Reservation Request for Associations/Sport Diving Clubs) (recreational and instructional activities) Underwriter: ___ located at: ______Born: dd/mm/yy______at______State______Country______Home address______Province______City______Zip ______Tel.______Cell ______email______Emergency Contact______address relationship Group Leader ______
Cordially Mister Mayor
Please consider a request for the day/date: ______From______To______, with the intent to perform a recreational/instructional dive program including (*) at Gorgazzo Spring, in Zone, | A | | 1 | |2| | 3| The program is specific to Zone _____and requests the listed persons gain permission to dive the allotted time. This serves as a request for equipment usage in Zone ____ during the permitted date/time.
We have First Aid equipment |YES| |NO|
We have qualified First Responders (minimum 2) |YES| |NO| (if NO, highlight the lead divers listed)
Listing of the dive participants :
Last / First Name Address Dive Cert/ level Association/Dive Club ______
Declaration
The requested consent and permissions to perform a diving program at the Sorgente del Gorgazzo (Gorgazzo Spring) must be considered and approved by the Consiglio Comunale di Polcenigo.
I declare to assume all and direct responsibility for the diving program requested, and hold harmless and exempt from any responsibility or liability the Administration of the Comune di Polcenigo, the Administration of the Centro Pordenonese Sommozzatori, the legal representative(s) or delgate(s) for the Comune di Polcenigo and/or the Centro Pordenonese Sommozzatori. Place and Date______Signature
______
Consent for use of personal data – D. Lgs. N.196/2003
In relation to this request, and noted under the current information for articles recognized by D.Lgs. 196/2003, I agree and permit the use of personal information, which is necessary for the purposes of granting the requested services, including the communication and dissemination of my personal data to the responsible parties, for the purpose of, and within the limits indicated, whether made by the aid of electronic means or otherwise, copied or communicated by agency staff or appropriate delegate. I also agree to the verbal information exchange, between responsible parties, limited to the reservation and consent process.
I the undersigned (print)______Signature Place and Date______
A copy of the original permission must be on site, the day of the dive program, with the filing person.
(*) person(s) of interest
Appendix “B”
Zone A (recreational/sport and instructional activities) APNEA
Zone 1 (recreational/sport and instructional activities)
Appendix “C”
Zone 2 (recreational/sport, Cave Diving activities)
Appendix “D”
Zone 3 (recreational/sport, Cave Diving activities)
Appendix “E”
ZONE Closed, currently prohibited
TELEPHONE and INTERNET CONTACTS The authorization request must be sent by fax, after the reservation confirmation. Comune di Polcenigo Telephone 0434/74001 Fax 0434/748977 www.comune.polcenigo.pn.it E-mail [email protected] E-mail [email protected]
Date reservations are bookable directly from the website: www.centrosommozzatori.it Centro Pordenonese Sommozzatori E-mail direct [email protected] Cell direct 339 65 20 978 Cell direct 339 65 20 987 Fax direct 0434 169 1282
ADMINISTRATIVE NOTE Activity periods for Recreational/Sport/Instructional usage are established as 60 minutes in duration. The fee is necessary for the continued access and maintenance of the dive site. 10 EUR per person/per activity period reserved, payable to the Comunale Administration by Postal Ticket or Bank Transfer to the Comune di Polcenigo. The work performed by the volunteer association, Centro Pordenonese Sommozzatori, is provided with the mutual agreement between the parties, art. 7 Law 11 August 1991 N. 266 and subsequent amendments, art. 10 Regional Law 20 February 1995 N.12 and subsequent amendments.