SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This is a request for extension of an approved collection of information.

The NOAA Diving Program (NDP) is administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and is headquartered at the NOAA Western Regional Center (WRC) in Seattle, Washington. The NDP provides the guidelines, policy, and training for all NOAA Divers, which includes all NOAA employees who dive, as well as contractors and volunteers, among others, who conduct diving operations.

With more than 300 divers, NOAA has the largest complement of divers of any civilian federal agency. NOAA Divers conduct operations in our nation's waters and beyond in support of NOAA's scientific research and operations. They are called upon to work in various conditions ranging from the warm, clear waters of a marine sanctuary, to the cold, murky waters of a commercial harbor. The tasks NOAA Divers complete are as varied as the waters they dive in, with most divers supporting projects and research of the National Ocean Service (NOS), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO).

NOAA Divers are required to maintain a high level of proficiency, both in practice (in the water) and in theoretical understanding (academic learning) in order to continue to dive at NOAA. In addition, NOAA Divers must maintain medical fitness to dive and are required to send their diving equipment out for maintenance as scheduled. If requirements are not met, divers may become unauthorized to dive or suspended. In order to become NOAA Divers, candidates must first submit a diving physical to the NOAA Diving Medical Officers to determine if they are medically fit to dive. After that, divers must complete medical documentation annually to maintain authorization to dive. To maintain fitness to dive, it is imperative that divers recognize the need for a continual and aggressive exercise program that exceeds basic health maintenance standards.

II. Method of Collection

Information will be collected electronically via email.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0648-0822.

Form Number(s): None.

Type of Review: Regular submission [extension of an approved collection].

Affected Public: Individuals.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 141.

Estimated Time per Response: The time for response varies depending on the collection instrument. The response times range from one minute to two hours.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 336.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $ 11,700 This is an upper bound estimate that assumes that respondents providing a Report of Examination and Medical History—Diver do not have private insurance. If all respondents have private insurance, the estimated annual cost would be approximately $1,750 which assumes a $35 co-pay.

Respondent's Obligation: Required to Obtain or Retain Benefits.

Legal Authority: 29 CFR Subpart T, Commercial Diving Operations.

IV. Request for Comments

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal ( printed page 52047) identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.