(1) General.

(a) Beginning January 1, 2015, divers shall annually demonstrate compliance with the geoduck diver safety program established in this section prior to being identified on a department geoduck harvest agreement plan of operations.

(b) Applicants may submit applicable documents and certifications beginning October 1st of each year to verify compliance for the subsequent calendar year. The department will not consider incomplete and/or illegible materials. The department shall review materials in the order they are received and notify divers of their compliance status within thirty-days of receipt of all required documentation.

(c) Applicants may submit applicable materials to the department by certified mail or electronically by email or fax. The department will not accept materials submitted in person.

(d) The department will maintain an electronic database documenting annual compliance with the program. Compliance verification shall expire at the end of a calendar year.

(e) If a plan of operations spans portions of two calendar years, the department shall only verify diver compliance for the calendar year the diver is initially identified on the plan of operations.

(2) Training qualifications. Divers shall provide evidence of the following qualifications:

(a) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first-aid certification;

(b) Emergency oxygen administration certification;

(c) Washington state boater education card; and

(d) Annual self-attestation confirming applicant possesses a combination of training and experience necessary to conduct harvest diving in a safe and healthful manner. The department shall develop and make available a template for applicant signature. Divers shall maintain, at a minimum, competency in the following subject areas:

(i) Diving physiology and physics;

(ii) Diving operations and emergency procedures;

(iii) Tools, equipment, and techniques relevant to geoduck harvesting;

(iv) U.S. Coast Guard vessel safety requirements; and

(v) Any additional subject matter areas as identified in "Qualifications of Dive Team" within federal Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Commercial Diving Operations (C.F.R. 1910.410(a)).