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Adequacy Standards
Underwater Search And Recovery Units

Policy No: 06/04
Effective Date: March 24, 2004


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.

Back to Adequacy Standards

Regular Meeting of the Board

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.

Meetings
  • What's New

    Deputy Chief Alvaro Almeida Announces Retirement

  • What's New

    Board Meeting Highlights - April 23, 2025

  • What's New

    Passing of York Regional Police Service Board Member

  • What's New

    Police Service Board Extends Appointment of Chief Jim MacSween

  • What's New

    YRP Response to Violence in the Middle East

  • What's New

    A Path Forward: Report of the York Regional Police Services Board Anti-Black Racism and Building Community Trust Committee

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Newmarket, Ontario CAN
L3Y 6Z1

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