NOAA is seeking comment on renewing the records it uses to qualify, authorize and equip participants in its diving program.
The agency says it has more than 300 divers, the largest diving complement of any civilian federal agency. The group includes NOAA employees as well as contractors, volunteers and others who conduct agency operations.
Divers support scientific research and operational work in conditions ranging from warm marine sanctuaries to cold, low-visibility commercial harbors. Most support the National Ocean Service, National Marine Fisheries Service or Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.
NOAA requires candidates to submit a diving physical and authorized divers to provide annual medical documentation. Scheduled equipment maintenance and continuing proficiency requirements also affect authorization.
For the information collection, NOAA estimates 141 respondents and 336 total annual burden hours. Depending on the instrument, a response can take from one minute to two hours.
The agency sets $11,700 as an upper-bound annual public cost if respondents obtaining medical examinations lack private insurance. If all have private insurance and a $35 copay, NOAA estimates about $1,750.
Information is collected electronically by email, and responding is required to obtain or retain program benefits. These are paperwork estimates, not the full cost of operating NOAA's diving program.
Comments are due Oct. 13. NOAA is asking whether the collection is necessary, whether its estimates are accurate and how it can improve quality or reduce reporting burden.