Thanks for the replies. I was aware of the limitations of recreational diving standards onto governmental entities, but as I had never heard of this claim, became concerned.
The ANDI instructor also told him we weren't allowed to fill our own tanks as we're not trained and certified to do so. We have a $50,000 Bauer Unicus III compressor, which does constant air monitering, and we do air quality testing with every three months with a professional contractor.
We fill not only SCUBA, but all our firefighting packs. Of course, we don't do visuals or hydros ourselves, but have them done as needed.
Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel we're competent to do air filling ourselves.
I appreciate the advice from you all, and also sent this link to my DRI instructor. I'm sure she'll be pleased!
Thanks
it sounds as if you are only hearing or getting part of the rules..
OSHA requires that all persons filling pressure vessels be trained to do so.. Many scuba shops don't meet these requirements either.. (there are several agencies that have formal fill station training... ANDI is one of them)
There may be additional local requirements as well...
For example here in NYC you would need a compressor permit and the persons whose name is on is is responsible..
alot of times Divemaster, "master Diver" and "Person in charge" are used interchangibly.. Again there might be specific reqirements by the locality as to who is qualified to do such.. In many places there is the requirement to have a specific person running the scene with spefic amount of standby divers for each diver in the water.. There is no one standard, just a recommendation.. Even if you meet these requirements you could still be in violation of OSHA.. if your getting paid in any form then it most likely falls under OSHA commercial diving rules (osha has specific exemptions for diver training) , if not then there is alot more variability..