Commercial diving projects inland/inshore - Health and Safety ...

HSC
Health & Safety
Commission
Commercial diving
projects inland/inshore
Diving at Work Regulations 1997
APPROVED CODE
OF PRACTICE
'a
HSE BOOKS

© Grown copyright 1998
Applicationsfor reproduction shouldbe madeinwriting to:
Copyright Unit, HerMajesty'sStationeryOffice,
StGlementsHouse, 2-16 Colegate, Norwich NR3 1BQ
Firstpublished 1998
Reprinted 2001, 2002
ISBN0 7176 1495 6
All rights reserved. No part ofthispublication may be reproduced,
storedin a retrieval system, ortransmitted inany form or byany
means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise)
withoutthe prior written permission ofthe copyright owner.
The Approved Code of Practice
This Approved Code ofPractice has been approved by the Healthand
SafetyCommission with the consent of the Secretary of State. Itgives
practical advice on howto comply with the law. Ifyou follow the advice
you will be doingenough to comply withthe law inrespect of those specific
matters on which the Approved Code ofPractice gives advice. You mayuse
alternative methods to those set outin the Approved Code ofPracticein
order to comply withthe law.
However,the Approved Code of Practice has a special legal status. Ifyou
are prosecuted for breach ofhealthandsafety law, and it isprovedthatyou
did not follow the relevant provisions of the Approved Code ofPractice, you
will need to show that you have complied with the law in some otherway or
a courtwill find you atfault.
(ii)

Contents
Notice ofApproval iv
Preface v
Introductionand scope 1
Definitionsinthe Regulations 3
Clientsandothers 6
Diving contractors 8
Diving projectplan and risk assessment 10
Dive teams and associated working practice 16
Diving plant 19
Maintenance ofdiving plant 23
Supervisors 24
Divers 27
Medicalchecks 29
Annex 1 Particulars to be included in the diving operation record 31
Annex 2 Details to be included inthe diver's daily record (log) 32
Annex 3 Glossary of terms andabbreviations 33
Annex 4 Majorlegislation 35
Annex S Sources ofinformation 37
(iii)

Notice of By virtue of section 16(1) of the Healthand Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and
with the consentof the Secretary of State for Environment, Transportand the
A pprova Regions, the Health and SafetyCommission has on 10 December 1997
approved the Code of Practice entitled Commercial divingprojects inland/inshore.
The Code ofPractice is approved for the purposes ofproviding practical
guidance withrespect to the requirements of the Diving atWork Regulations
1997 (SI 1997 No 2776) and with respect to regulation 3 of the Management
of Health and Safety atWork Regulations 1992 (SI 1992 No 2051). The Code
of Practice comes into force on 1 April 1998.
Reference in this Code of Practice to another documentdoesnotimply
approval by HSC ofthat documentexcept to the extent necessary to give
effect to this Code ofPractice.
Signed
ROSEMARY BANNER
Secretary totheHealth and SafetyCommission
19 January 1998
(iv)

Preface
This publication contains the Approved Code ofPractice (ACOP) and
additional guidance for commercial diving projects inlandlinshore, together
with the relevant regulations from the Diving atWork Regulations 1997. The
full text ofthe Regulations (SI 1997 No 2776) is availablefromthe Stationery
Office.
For convenience, the full text of the Regulations is included in italictype, with
the accompanyingACOP in bold type.
(v)

Introduction Explanation and intention ofthe Approved Code
and scope ofPractice
1 This Approved Code ofPractice (ACOP) (referred to as the Code) gives
advice on meeting the requirements of the Diving at Work Regulations 1997
(referred to asthe Diving Regulations)for commercial diving projects
inland/inshore. Inparticular, the Code givesadvice onhow to comply with
those Regulations thatare set out ingeneral terms.
2 It shouldnot be assumed that compliance with the Diving Regulations
means that all aspects ofthe laware being complied with. The requirements of
other legislation may also needto be fulfilled. A list ofother majorhealthand
safety at work legislation in force whenthis Code was published is set out in
Annex 4.
Health and safety legislation
3 The basis ofhealth and safetylaw in GreatBritain is the Healthand
Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (the HSWAct). The HSWAct sets outthe
general duties that employers and the self-employedhave towards employees
and members ofthe public, and the duties that employees have tothemselves
and to each other. These duties are qualified inthe HSWAct by the principle
of sofaras is reasonably practicable.
4 Health and safety regulations are law, approved by Parliament. These are
usually made under the HSW Actfollowingproposals fromthe Health and
Safety Commission (HSC). Regulations set outrequirements whichshould be
met.
Scope and areas covered by the Code
5 This Code applies to all divingprojects conducted in support of civil
engineering or marine-related projects and fish farming:
(a) inshore within United Kingdom territorial waters adjacentto Great
Britain (generally 12 nautical miles from the low water line);
(b) inlandin Great Britain including in docks, harbours, rivers, culverts,
canals, lakes, ponds and reservoirs;and
(c) in tanks or swimmingpools.
6 This Code doesnot apply to:
(a) scallop diving for which the Health and SafetyExecutive (HSE) has
issued specificguidance material;
(b) diving projects specificallycovered byone ofthe other Codesapproved
by HSC under the Diving Regulations.
Who wrote the Code and how it was agreed
7 Representatives ofthe Association ofDiving Contractors (ADC) worked
with HSE to producea draft Code that was published by HSC inJuly 1996
for publicconsultation.
1

Updating arrangements
8 Therewillbe regular discussionsbetweenHSE, the ADC and other
parties in the industry to discuss the currentapplicability ofthe Code.When
technology, industry standards or practices change, consideration will begiven
to amending the Code.All amendments will be the subject offormal public
consultation.
The other divingCodes
9 Thereare four other Codes coveringdiving at work:
(a) Commercial divingprojects offshore (ISBN0 7176 1494 8);
(b) Media diving projects (ISBN 0 7176 1497 2);
(c) Recreational diving projects (ISBN0 7176 1496 4); and
(d) Scientificand archaeologicaldiving projects (ISBN0 7176 1498 0).
10 Eachof these Codeshas been drafted by HSE with the help of the
industry associations for the relevant sector andcovers standards and practices
that are relevant to thatsector'sparticulararea ofdiving.
Sources ofinformation
11 The Codes do not cover the detailed technical aspects ofcontrolling the
risks from diving at work. Guidancepublished by HSE provides detailed
technical advice on assessing and minimisirigthe risks. Details can be obtained
from HSE.
12 Guidance is also published bythe ADC,the International Marine
Contractors Association (IMCA) (and its predecessor the Association of
Offshore Diving Contractors (AODC)) andthe Diving Medical Advisory
Committee (DMAC). A list givingdetails ofthis guidance is set out in
Annex 5. You shouldcheck that the list is still current.
13 When an ACOPparagraph has an adjacentasterisk (*) this indicates that
relevant industry technical guidance is listedin Annex 5. This doesnot mean,
however, that the industry guidance has the legal statusof anApproved Code
ofPractice.
2

Regulation 2
Regulation
2(1)
Guide
2(1)
Regulation
2(2)
Guide
2(2)
Regulation
2(1)
Guide
2(1)
Regulation
2(1)
Regulation 8
Regulation
8(3)
Guide
2(1), 8(3)
Definitions in the Regulations
(1) "diver" meansaperson atwork who dives;
14 'Atwork' means as an employee oras a self-employedperson. The
phrasecovers divers who dive as part oftheir duties as an employee and divers
who are in business ontheir own accountduringthe time that they devote
themselves to work as a self-employedperson. Diving doesnot have to be the
main activity ofthe employee or the self-employedperson. The Diving
Regulations apply to any divingprojectwhenat leastone person is atwork.
(2) Forthepurposes ofthese Regulations aperson "dives"if -
(a) he enters -
(i) wateroranyotherliquid; or
(ii) a chamberin which he is subjecttopressure greaterthan
100 millibars above atmospheric pressure; and
(b) in orderto survivein such an environment he breathes in air or other gas
atapressure greaterthan atmospheric pressure.
15 Environmentssuch as scientific cleanrooms orsubmersiblecraftsubjectto
an internalpressureoflessthan 100 millibarsabovelocal ambientatmospheric
pressurearenot coveredby theDivingRegulations.
(1) "divingproject" means anyactivity, madeupofone or more diving
operations, in which atleastone person takespart orwill takepart as a diverand
extendsfrom the timewhen thatperson, orthefirst such person, commencesto
prepare to dive untilthat person, or thelastsuch person, has left thewater,chamber
orother environment in which thedive, oranypart ofthe dive, took place andhas
completedany requisitedecompressionprocedures, including, where it may be
reasonably anticipatedthat this will be needed, any therapeutic recompression.
16 'Diving project' is the termusedfor the overall divingjob - whetherit
lasts two hours or two months.
17 A divingprojectis made up ofone or more diving operations.
(1) "divingoperation"means adivingoperation identified in the diving
projectplanpursuant to regulation 8(3);
(3) The divingprojectplan shall identify each divingoperation which makes
up the divingprojectand thenature andsize ofanydiving operation so identified
shall besuch thatit can be safely supervised by one person.
18 'Diving operations'can be madeup ofeithera numberofdives or even a
single dive. Adiving operation is the portionof a divingprojectidentifiedin
the divingprojectplan whichcan be safelysupervised by one supervisor.
Itwill normally be evident what this portionofwork is, butfactors such as the
3

Guide
2(1), 8(3)
Regulation 2
Regulation
2(1)
Regulation 3
Regulation
3(2)
Guide
2(1), 3(2)
Regulation
3(1)(a)
task, site conditions and the diving techniques to beused, all contribute to
making the decision. For example, a 28-day divingprojectmight be madeup
of40 diving operations.
19 The divingcontractorhas the main responsibility under the Diving
Regulations for ensuring that a safe diving project is carried out, although
other people have responsibilitiesunder the Diving Regulations, for example
clients. The divingcontractor should determine, afterstudying the risk
assessment, how many diving operations the diving projectis to be broken
down into and must appointa supervisor to supervise eachoperation.
The diving contractor has responsibilityfor ensuring that all parts of a diving
project are managed in sucha way as to ensure the safety of the people
involved in it. Ifthereis more than one diving operation being conductedat
the same time, as part ofthe diving project, the diving contractor has a
responsibility to ensure that thereis properco-ordination.
20 The supervisor has a duty to directthe diving operation safely. Ifa
supervisor does not agree with the size orcomplexity ofthe portionofthe
diving project allocated to him or her as an operation to supervise, the
supervisor should raise the matter with the diving contractor. A supervisor
should not participate in a diving operation thathe or she considers to be
unsafe because, for example, in the supervisor's opinion it is too large for one
personto supervise safelyorthatthe supervisor knows that he or she is not
competent to supervise.
(1) "the 1995 Order" means the Health andSafetyat Work etc. Act 1974
(Application outside Great Britain) Order1995(a),.
(a) SI 1995/263
(2) These Regulations shall apply to andin relationto thepremises and
activities outside Great Britain to which sections 1 to 59and80 to 82 ofthe Health
andSafetyat Work etc. Act 1974 apply by virtueofthe 1995 orderas theyapply
within GreatBritain.
21 The Diving Regulations cover all divingprojects inland in GreatBritain,
within territorial waters, as well as oil- andgas-related divingprojects
(including diving projects involvingoffshore installations and any preparatory
work and pipelines) beyond territorial waters on the UK designated areas of
the continental shelf.
(1) These Regulations shall apply toandin relationto anydivingproject
apartfrom thefollowing -
(a) the care or treatmentofpatients in a hospitalor otherplace, not under
the controlofthe divingcontractor, where emergencymedicaltreatmentis
providedor in transit tosuch hospitalorplace where the means of
transitisprovidedby or in respectofthehospitalor other place;
4

Guide
3(1)(a)
Regulation
3(1)(c)
Guide
3(1)(c)
Regulation 5
Regulation
5(1)
Guide
5(1)
22 The use ofhyperbaric chambers within divingprojects is covered by the
Diving Regulations. However,those receivinghyperbaric treatmentat a
hospital or other place are outside the scope of the Diving Regulations. This is
to avoid duplication of responsibilitieswhen anotherauthority isinvolved in
the medical treatment ofa diver.
23 Where hyperbaric treatmentis to be provided in a recompression
chamber provided by a personother than the diving contractor for thatdiving
project, the arrangements for this should be covered in the diving projectplan.
The Diving Regulations do not apply to the hyperbaric treatment provided by
that other person.
(1) TheseRegulations shall applyto andin relationto anydivingproject
apartfrom thefollowing -
(c) work carriedoutin anyair which iscompressedin orderto prevent the
ingressofgroundwater to the works ortostabilise the areaaround the
works.
24 Construction activities that are subject to the Compressed Air
Regulations 1996 where the primary purpose is eitherto keep ground water
out orto make a structurestable are not covered by the Diving Regulations.
(1) Nopersonat work shall dive in a divingprojectandno employershall
employ any person in such aprojectunless there i one person andone person only
who is thediving contractorforthatproject.
25 The term 'person'usedto identifythe divingcontractor under this
Regulationmeans aperson with legal identity such as anindividual or a
company and includes a bodyofpeople corporate or incorporate.
5

Regulation 4
Regulation
4
ACOP
4
Clients and others
Everyperson who to any extent is responsiblefor, has control overoris engaged in a
divingprojectorwhoseacts or omissionscould adversely affect thehealth and safety
ofpersons engaged in such aproject, shall takesuch measures as itis reasonablefora
person in hisposition to take to ensure that theseRegulations arecompliedwith.
26 Theactions and activities ofother people can affect the safety of
the dive team eventhoughthey are not members ofthe team, and
thereforetheymay have responsibilities forensuringthat the
Regulations are complied with for those matters under their control.
These people include:
(a) the clientwho has placeda contractwith a diving contractor to
deliver a diving project. The clientmay be the ownerofa site
where diving work is going to take place, or the owner'sagent,or
a contractoracting onbehalfofthe owneroragent. Ifthe owner
oragent appoints an on-siterepresentative,he or she shouldbe
satisfied thatthatperson is competentforthe task;
(b) the principalcontractor carryingout workforthe client and
overseeing the work ofthe diving contractor;
(c) a consultantactingfor the client,owner, contractor oragent;
(d) amasterofavessel or floating structure from which diving is to
take place who controlsthe vessel or floating structure andwho
has overall responsibility for the safetyofthevessel orfloating
structure and allpersonnelonit;
(e) any other person whose actions oractivitiesmay affect the safety
ofthe diving project.
27 Thesepeople shouldconsidercarefully the actions required of
them to comply with theDiving Regulations. They should, where
appropriate:
(a) take reasonablesteps to ensurethat any divingcontractor selected
is capableofcomplying with the Diving Regulations;
(b) make available to the divingcontractor the resultsofany risk
assessments undertakenbyother personsunder other statutory
legislation thatcouldaffect the health and safety ofthe dive team;
(c) agreetoprovidefacilities and extend all reasonable supportto the
supervisoror diving contractorin the eventofan emergency.
The divingprojectplan shouldreflectthis;
(d) considerwhetherany known underwateror above-water items of
plantunder theircontrol may cause a hazard to the dive team.
Suchitemsmay includelocks, weirs,waterintakes ordischarge
points causingsuctionorturbulence,andship propellers.The
diving contractorshouldbeinformedofthe locationand nature of
such hazards.They should alsoprovidethe diving contractor,in
good time, withdetailsofany changes to this information
occurringbeforeor duringthe courseofthe diving project;
6

ACOP (e) consider whetherother activities inthe vicinity may affect the
safety ofthe divingproject;forexample, they may needto
arrangeforthe suspension ofloadingor unloading ofvessels,
pilingwork or demolition activities;
(1) ensurethatthey have a formalcontrol system inplace to cover
diving activities,forexample, a permit-to-worksystem;
(g) providethedivingcontractor with detailsofany possible
substance likely to be encounteredbythe dive team thatwould be
a hazard to theirhealth, for example sewageor chemicals. This
informationshould beprovidedin writingand insufficient time
to allow thedivingcontractor to carryout the relevantrisk
assessment and, ifnecessary, to take appropriateaction;
(h) keepthe supervisorinformedofany changes that may affect the
supervisor'sdiving operationin so far as they have controlover
or knowledgeofsuch changes; for example, vessel movement in a
harbour orona river, sothat diving can be suspendedifthe
divingsite is, or maybe, endangered.
28 Other groupsofpeople, for example harbour masters, may have
authorityoverthe dive under Regulations other than the Diving
Regulations.
29 The duty under this regulationextends to diving contractors,
supervisors,diversandpeople involvedin the divingprojectwhether
directlyor indirectly, forexample crane operators,lorry drivers, and
maintenancepersonnel.Theyshouldensurethat theirtasksandhow
they undertakethemdo not affect the safety ofthe dive team.
7

Regulation 5
Diving contractors
Regulation (1) Noperson atwork shalldive ina divingprojectand no employer shall
employ anyperson in such aproject unless thereisonepersonandone person only
who is the divingcontractorfor thatproject.
_________________________
(2) The divingcontractor shall, subject to paragraph (3), be theperson
who -
(a) is the employerofthediverordivers engaged in thedivingproject; or
(b) dives in the divingprojectasa self-employeddiver.
(3) Where there is more than one personfalling withinparagraph (2) those
persons shalljointly appointin writing before the commencementof the divingproject
one ofthemselvesto act as diving contractor.
ACOP 30 The Diving Regulations require that one person (see paragraph25
fordefinition) is identifiedas the diving contractor for each diving
project. Themaindutiesunder the Diving Regulations are placedon
the diving contractor.The diving contractor will normally bethe
employerof the divers engaged inthe diving project.
Regulation 6
31 Where the clientengages more than one employerofdivers or
self-employed diver for the diving project,itmust be establishedand
recordedin writingwho will bethe diving contractor for thatproject.
Regulation (1) The divingcontractor shallensure, sofaras is reasonably practicable,
that thedivingproject isplanned, managedandconducted in a manner which
protects the health andsafety ofallpersons takingpart in that project.
(3) The divingcontractor shall-
(d) ensure,sofaras reasonablypracticable, that any persontakingpart in
the divingprojectcomplieswith the requirementsandprohibitions
imposed on him by or under the relevant statutoryprovisions and
observestheprovisions ofthe divingprojectplan;
(e) ensure thata record containingthe requiredparticularsiskeptforeach
6(1),(3)(d),(e) divingoperation;
ACOP 32 The divingcontractor's responsibilities are to ensure that:
6(1),(3)(d),(e)
(a) thedivingprojectis properlyand safely managed;
(b) risk assessments havebeen carried out (see section 'Diving
projectplanand risk assessment');
(c) theplace from which the diving is to be carried outis suitableand
safe;
8

ACOP (d) asuitabledivingprojectplan is prepared which includes
emergency andcontingency plans (see section 'Divingproject
plan and risk assessment');
(e) the supervisorand dive team arefully briefedon the diving
operationthatthey will beinvolved with and awareofthe
contentsofthe overall diving projectplan;
(1) thereare sufficient personnel inthe dive team to enable the diving
projecttobe carried out safely (see section 'Dive teams and
associatedworking practice');
(g) thepersonnelarecompetentand/orqualified (seesections
'Supervisors'and 'Divers');
(h) supervisors are appointedin writingand the extent oftheir
controldocumented (seesection 'Supervisors');
(i) where appropriatea suitablemobiisation and famiiarisation
programmeis completedby all the membersofthe dive team.
Other personnel involvedin the dive project, for example ship's
crew, may alsoneed to complete the programme(seesection
'Divingprojectplan and risk assessment');
(j) adequatearrangementsexistforfirstaidandmedicaltreatment
(seesection 'Dive teams and associatedworking practice');
(k) suitableand sufficient plant is provided and that it is correctly
certifiedand maintained (seesections'Divingplant' and
'Maintenanceofdiving plant');
(1) as far as they are able, the team is medically fitto dive
(seesection 'Medicalchecks');
(m) diving projectrecords are kept containing the required detailsof
the diving project (seeAnnex 1);
(n) a clear reporting and responsibility structure is laid downin
writing;
6(1),(3)(d) (e) (o) allother relevantregulations are complied with.
Regulation 7
Regulation
7(l),(2)
ACOP
7(1),(2)
(1) Noperson shall act as adivingcontractor unless theparticularslisted in
Schedule 1 have been supplied inwritingtothe Executive by or in respectof that
person.
(2) Where thereis a change inany oftheparticularssupplied under
paragraph (1) the divingcontractor shall ensure that details ofthe change are
forthwithsupplied in writing to theExecutive.
33 Before any person (seeparagraph25 for definition) acts asa
diving contractor,he orshemust ensurethatHSE is provided with
informationabout his or heridentityand where he or she canbe
contacted.The diving contractorisalsorequired to informHSE ofany
subsequent changesto this information.Full details required are set
out in Schedule 1 to the Diving Regulations. HSEwill acknowledge
receiptofsuch information.
9

Regulation 6
Diving project plan and risk assessment
Regulation (2) The diving contractor shall -
(a) ensure that, before the commencementofthedivingproject, adiving
projectplan ispreparedin respectofthatprojectinaccordance with
regulation 8 andthat theplan isthereafterupdatedas necessaiy during
thecontinuance oftheproject;
(b) before the commencementofanydiving operation -
(i) appointaperson tosupervise thatoperation in accordance with
regulation 9;
(ii) make a written record ofthatappointment;and
(iii) ensure that thatperson issupplied with a copy ofanypart of the
divingproject plan which relates to thatoperation;
(c) as soon aspossible afterthe appointment of a supervisor,providethat
6(2) supervisor with a written record of his appointment.
Regulation 8
Regulation (1) The divingprojectplan shall be based on an assessmentoftherisks to the
health and safety ofanypersontakingpart in the divingproject andshallconsist of
a record ofthe outcome oftheplanning carriedoutin accordance with regulation
6(1) including all such information andinstructions as are necessary togive advice
to and to regulate the behaviour ofthose so takingpart to ensure, so far as is
reasonably practicable, theirhealth andsafety.
8(1) (3)
(3) The divingprojectplan shall identify each divingoperation which makes
up the divingprojectand the nature andsize ofanydivingoperation so identified
shall be such that itcan besafely supervised by one person.
ACOP 34 The divingcontractor is responsible for ensuringthat a risk
assessmentiscarried out anda diving projectplan prepared.
Risk assessment
35 Arisk assessmentmust be carried out toidentifysite-specific
hazards and their risks.
36 As amatterofsafe working practice, the projectrisk assessment
shouldbe reviewed at regular intervals,even ifthe risk is minimal, to
ensure that the risk assessmentisstill adequateanddoes not need to
be revised.
37 Arisk assessment made under the Diving Regulations willcover,
in part, the obligation to makean assessment under the Management
ofHealthand Safety at Work Regulations 1999. There will benoneed
to repeat those aspectsofthe assessment, solongasthey remain valid,
in any otherassessment thatis carried out. However, allsignificant
risks not covered by the divingprojectassessment(including risks to
6(2), 8(l),(3) members ofthe public arising fromthe diving project/diving activities)
10

ACOP
must be covered bythe risk assessment carried out under the
Management ofHealth and Safety atWork Regulations 1999 orin any
assessment required to becarried out under other specific regulations.
Diving projectplan
38 Based on this information,the diving projectplan must state how
the hazards identifiedandrisks assessed will be controlled. The diving
projectplan may includea diving contractor'sstandard operating
rules, includinggenericrisk assessments. All documentsshouldshow
the date uponwhich theywere prepared. Thedivingprojectplan
should recordthe outcome ofthe planning carried outin preparing the
risk assessment includingallinformationandinstructionswhich, so
far as is reasonably practicable,are necessary to protect the health and
safety ofall thosetakingpart in the divingproject. It should also
explain whenandhow reviews oftheplan, the divesite andthe specific
risk assessments should be conducted. The resultsofthe review will
only need tobe recordedifthere has been a significant change.
39 The diving projectplan must cover the generalprinciplesofthe
diving techniquesto beused aswell as the needs oftheparticular
operation.Itmust alsoprovide contingency proceduresfor any
foreseeable emergency, includingretrievinginjured and/or
unconscious divers from the water.
40 Eachsupervisormust begiven a copy ofthat part ofthe diving
projectplan relevantto thedivingoperationthathe orshewill be
supervising.
41 Some examples ofhazards and risks are given in paragraphs
42-72. However, this is not a complete list ofallhazards or all
measuresneededto controlrisk and in specialcircumstances,or if
certain contingencies arise, more stringentsafeguards may be needed.
General
Diving methods
42 Diving methods andequipmentshouldbe determinedas part of
the risk assessment.
43 Diving usingsurface-suppliedbreathingapparatus is the
preferred methodofcarryingout diving operationsunder this Code
because itisconsideredto be the safest methodofdivingforthevast
majorityofdiving operationscovered.
44 The diving contractor should ensureas a minimumthat:
(a) the diverwearsa full facemask which should be fittedwith either
an oralnasal or amouthpiece;
(b) the divercarries an independentsecondary sourceofbreathing
gas (forexample, abail-out cylinder);
(c) thereisa lifeline from the diver to thesurface. This should be
tended.Twodivers connected byabuddy line need only be
provided with one tended lifeline; and
6(2), 8(1),(3) (d) appropriatetwo-way communication with the diver is provided.
11

ACOP 45 When thediver is connectedby alifeline to a surfacemarker
float,the appropriatesurfacesupportteam should be in a positionto
render assistance in an emergency. Iftwo divers are connectedby a
buddyline, only one marker floatneed be used.
6(2),8(1),(3)
Use ofcompressedairorgas mixtures
46 Divers breathingamixture ofoxygen and nitrogenunder
pressure, whethercompressednatural air oran artificialmixture, are
atrisk ofboth oxygentoxicityandnitrogennarcosisasthe depth
increases.The maximumdepth forbreathingmixtures ofcompressed
air or oxygenand nitrogenis 50 metres of water.The recommended
maximumpartial pressuresfor oxygenare 1.4 atmosphereforSCUBA
and 1.5 atmospherefor surface-supplieddiving plant. This does not
applyto therapeuticrecompression.
Exposurelimitsforsurface-orientateddiving
47* Diving carries an inherent risk ofdecompression illness(DCI).
The incidence ofDCI dropsifthelength oftime thata diver spendsat
any particular depthis limited.The depth/time limitationsare
reproducedin Table 1. Useofthis tablehas resultedin a significant
reductionin the incidence ofDCI, and diving projectplans should
incorporatethese maximumtime limits.
48 When breathingoxy-nitrogen mixtureswith oxygenpercentages
higher than innatural air, the equivalent air depthshouldbe
established. Itisthis equivalent air depththat should be usedto
establish bottom time limits.
* See Annex5 forrelevant industry technical guidance
Table 1 Maximum bottomtime limitations for surface decompression (SD)
and in-water decompression
Depth
Metres Feet
Bottom timet limits
(minutes)
SD
andin water
0-12 0-40 240
15 50 180
18 60 120
21 70 90
24 80 70
27 90 60
30 100 50
33 110 40
36 120 35
39 130 30
42 140 30
45 150 25
48 160 25
51 170 20
t Bottom timeisthetotalelapsed time from when thediver is first exposedto a pressure greater
thanatmospheric, (that iswhen leavingthesurface to thetime(next whole minute) that thediver
begins decompression(measured in minutes)). Divers should always take the lowestdepthstop,
forexample, for49 metres the 51 metres stopshould be used.
12

ACOP
6(2), 8(1),(3)
Waterflow, intakes anddischarges
49* Divers are vulnerable to water flow, suctionorturbulencewhether
natural orcausedbywater intakesordischarges.Measuresto
protect the diver should be part ofasafesystemofwork, forexample a
permit-to-worksystem.
Restrictedsurfacevisibility
50 Restrictedsurfacevisibility may affect the safety ofthe operation,
for example whendivingin darkness,heavy rain orfog. The diving
projectplan should identify whenan operationshould be suspended
because ofrestricted visibility.
Weather
51 Adverse weatherconditions may affect the safetyofadiving
operationandthe diving projectplan should identifywhenan
operationshouldbe suspended.
Underwatercurrents
52* Currentsmay imposelimitations on a diver's operationalability
and safety.
Diving nearremotelyoperated vehicle (ROV) operations
53* Thereare a number ofsafetyconsiderationsthat should be taken
into accountwhendiversare working with, or in thevicinityof, ROVs.
These includeentanglementofumbilicals,physical contact, electrical
hazards.Possible solutions includerestricting umbificals in length and
employing guards and electricaltrip mechanisms.
Safe useofelectricity
54* Divers often comeinto contactwithplant, includingbatterypoweredequipment,operatedby
orcarryingelectricity. Care should
betaken toensurethat the divers and other members ofthe diveteam
are protectedfromthe risk arisingfrom the use ofelectricity, in
particular from any shock.
High-pressurewaterjetting
55* Evenan apparentlyminor accidentwith this planthas the
potentialto causea serious internal injury to thediver.Safe operating
procedureswhenusing suchplantshould be followed.
Liftbags
56* The use oflift bags underwatercan behazardous,forexample the
uncontrolledascent ordescentofaload.
Abrasivecuttingdiscs
57* The adhesive used in cuttingdiscstends to degradeunder water
causingthe discsto break duringuse. Onlydry discsnot previously
exposed to watershould be used, and only those discsrequired foruse
bya diver at any onetimeshould be takenunder water.
* See AnnexS forrelevant industry technical guidance
13

ACOP Oxy-arccuttingandburning operations
58* There are dangersin the use ofoxy-arccuttingandburning
underwater,for example explosions from trapped gases, and the
trappingofadiver by itemsaftercutting. Safe operatingprocedures
should be followed.
Divingfromvessels
59 Safe systems ofwork should be enforcedto preventdivers from
suffering injuryfromvessel propulsionsystems, andmust include
exhibiting appropriatesigns and signals.
Flat-bottomedvessels
60 Precautionsto help thediver avoid disorientationwhenworking
beneath aflat-bottomedvessel should be considered.
Breathinggases
Quantityofgases
61 The quantitiesofgases required fordivingoperations,including
primary, secondaryandtherapeutic treatments, shouldbecalculated
and proceduresfor the provision ofthemstatedwhenplanninga
diving project.
Quality ofgases
62 Proceduresfor checking andmaintaininggas purity standards
should be provided.
Medical and physiological considerations
Liaison with a doctor
63 The situationwhere a member ofthe dive team is injured or
becomes ill buta doctoris not available atthe work site should be
considered.
Divermonitoring
64* Supervisorsshould monitor divers'breathingpatterns and
receiveoral reports from divers oftheir condition.
Adjacent noisyoperations
65 There are potentialproblemsfor divers and the dive team
exposed to high noise levels, for example frompile drivingand
concretebreaking. Noise reductionand hearingprotectionprocedures
should be used.
Decompression illness
66 The diving contractor shouldidentifythe arrangementsin place
for the treatment ofany cases ofdecompression illness (DCI).
6(2), 8(1),(3) * SeeAnnex 5 for relevant industry technical guidance
14

ACOP
Altitude changesafterdiving
67* Guidance on traveffing/flyingafter divingshouldbe containedin
the company'sgeneric risk assessment. Ifthese factorsare relevantto
a particular projectthey should be identifiedin the divingprojectplan.
Thermalstress
68* Excessive heat and cold can affect the health, safety andefficiency
ofdivers and the diveteam. Appropriatepersonalprotective
equipmentandproceduresshould be provided to maintain thermal
balance.
Familiarisation
69 When arrivingat adive site beforethe startofa divingproject, all
members ofthe dive team shouldfamiliarisethemselves with the
diving project,plant, and any other relevantdetails.
70 A familiarisationprogrammeshould be includedin the diving
projectplan where itis appropriateforone to be carried out, for
example alarge and/orcomplex divingproject.The personnel
conducting any explanations ortraining should beidentifiedand their
namesrecorded. Satisfactory completion ofthe familiarisation
programmeby each individual in thedive team should be recorded.
71 The time required for familiarisation will depend onthe
experience ofeach individual andwhetherthat individual has
previously carried out the same job inthatlocationor a similarjob in
anotherlocation.
Use ofchecklists
72 Adivingprojectwill involve sequences, someofwhich may be
complex, ofdifferentsteps. There is arisk that stepsmay be omitted
ortaken out ofsequence. A suitablewayto ensurethethoroughness of
suchsequences is theuse ofprepared checklists that require relevant
6(2),8(1),(3) personnelto tick a box to demonstratecorrect completion.
15

Regulation 6
Dive teams and associated working practice
Regulation (3) The divingcontractor shall -
(a) ensure that there aresufficientpeople with suitable competenceto cariy
outsafely andwithoutrisk to health both the divingprojectandany
action (including thegivingoffirst-aid) which may be necessary in the
eventofa reasonablyforeseeableemergencyconnected with the diving
6(3)(a) project;
ACOP Dive teams
73 The diving contractor must specify the size of the dive team based
on thedetailsofthe diving projectand the risk assessment.There
must be a sufficient number ofcompetentand, where appropriate,
qualified personnelto operateall the divingplantandto provide
support functions to the diveteam.
74 The diving contractor and the supervisormust satisfy themselves
that a diver has the competences forthe specific tasksrequired during
a particular diving operation. On-the-jobor other training may be
necessaryforindividuals to gain competence. Where an inexperienced
diveris gainingexperience in adive team the other team members and
the supervisorwill needto be awareofthisandprovidesupport.
Overall management
75 The divingcontractor shouldprovidea clearreporting and
responsibility structure in the divingprojectplan whichtakes into
accountthat certain individuals, for example supervisors, have specific
responsibilities that cannot be changed.
Team size
76 The required size ofthe dive team will dependon the risk
assessment whichshouldtake into accountthe number ofhours tobe
worked each day, the type ofdiving, the diving plant and the
techniquesto beused, any decompression requirements,and the
appropriatenumber required for safety.
77 Theminimum team size normallyrequired to conducta dive
safely withinthe scope ofthis Code is four - a supervisor, a working
diver, a standbydiver and atender forthe working diver (see
paragraphs 79 and 80). Additional people may be required to operate
or maintain specialised plant, suchas winches, andto assistin an
emergency.
78 However, a dive team ofthree- a supervisor,working diverand
standbydiver/tender- maybe acceptable in controlled conditions in a
swimming pool or atank where there is no risk ofentrapmentandthe
managementofanemergency hasbeen considered.Controlled
conditions in this contextmeans thatno aspect oftheworking
environmentcan change withoutthe specific authorisationofthe
supervisor. Insuch circumstances,whendivingin swimming pooisand
tanks specifically in clearvisibility, the standbydiver can be dispensed
with. However, a thirdperson is neededon the surfaceto assistthe
6(3)(a) supervisorwithan emergency recoveryofthe diver.
16

ACOP
Thethirdperson ispart ofthe diving team andshould not leave the
immediatevicinityofthe dive site while the diver is in the water unless
sentby the supervisorto summonemergency assistance.Thethird
person shouldbe competentto perform such duties.
Tenders
79 Thedivingcontractor shouldbe satisfied that the tender is
competent.The tender shouldbe familiarwith the divingprocedures
to be used andthe contingency and emergency plans fortheproject.
80 For umbilicals orlifelines that are tended from the surface, at
least one tender is required foreach diver in the water.For umbilicals
tended from abasketor stage,one tender isrequired for each diver in
the water.
Standbydiver
81 Astandbydiver should be in immediatereadinessto provideany
necessaryassistanceto a diver in the water.
82 The standbydiver will normallybe on the surfaceand should be
dressedto enter the water,but need not be wearinga maskor a
helmet. This equipmentshould, however, be immediately to hand.
83 Whensurface-supplied breathingapparatus isbeingusedfor
carryingout divingoperationsunder this Code it should alsobeused
by the standbydiver(s).
Overlapping functions
84 Individualsin a dive team may carry out more than one duty,
providedthat theyare competentand, ifappropriate, qualified to do
so and thattheir different dutiesdo not interferewith each other or
affect the safety ofthe dive team. For example, diversmay carryout
other associateddutieswhile waiting to dive, suchas actingastenders
or standbydivers,oroperatingand attending to plant.
Personnelnot employed by the diving contractor
85 Personnelwho are not employed by the divingcontractor but who
are consideredfor inclusion in the dive team must be competentfor
theworkthat they are going to do. They should be familiarwith the
divingcontractor's procedures,rules and the diving plant that is tobe
used.
86 Arrangementsfortheirinvolvement should be set out inthe
divingprojectplan togetherwith details oftheir responsibilities and
reporting line.
First aid
87 The divingcontractor is responsible for ensuringthatenough
people in each dive team havebeen trained to the required standard of
firstaid. Forall divingprojectsunderthese Regulations, the required
standard is the FirstAid atWork standard, as defined bythe Health
6(3)(a) and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 Approved Code ofPractice.
17

ACOP 88 All trainee divers undergoinga diver competence assessment will
be taught andassessed for:
(a) the first-aid qualification to the standardprescribedin
paragraph87. On successful completion theywill be issued with a
first aid atwork certificate;
(b) the reasonsfor and ways ofgiving oxygen. Suchtraining will be
provided at the diver training organisation.On successful
completion, they will beissued with acertificatein oxygen
administration.
89 Boththese qualifications will bevalidforthreeyears. There is no
legal obligation on divers to attend refresher coursesor to renew the
qualifications ifthey do not wish to do so.
90 Fordivingunder this Code, the supervisorand at leastone diver
in each dive team shouldbe qualified in first aidto the standard
prescribedin paragraph 87. The supervisorshouldberesponsiblefor
arrangingtheir dutiessothat one ofthemshould be able to administer
first aid, should it be needed, to a member ofthe diveteam inan
emergency.
91 The diving contractor'srisk assessment, which shouldbe carried
out before the start ofthe diving project, should considerwhether
additionalmembersofthe dive team needto be qualified in first aid.
In particular the assessmentshouldtake into accountthe type of
diving tobe undertaken,the tools andtechniquesto be used,the size
ofthe dive team and the distance of the dive site from emergency
services. The Health and Safety (First-Aid)Regulations 1981 Approved
Code ofPractice sets out additionaladvice for thoseareas where
special additionaltraining may be necessaryto coverless common
risks.
92 The diving contractor should providefirst-aid equipmentto the
standard set down in the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations
6(3)(a) 1981 Approved Code ofPractice.
18

Regulation 6
Diving plant
Regulation (3) The divingcontractor shall -
6(3)(b)
(b) ensurethatsuitable andsufficientplantis availablewhenever needed to
carry out safely andwithoutrisk to health both the divingprojectand
anyaction (including thegivingoffirst-aid) which may be necessary in
the eventofa reasonablyforeseeableemergencyconnected with the diving
project;
ACOP 93 The diving contractormust be satisfied that sufficient plant,
suitablefor the use to which itwill be put, isprovidedfor the diving
projectand thatsufficient plantis available, whenever needed,which is
suitableto carryout safely any actionwhich may need tobe takenin a
reasonablyforeseeable emergency.
6(3)(b)
94 Suitabilitycanbe assessed bythe evaluation bya competent
person,clear instructionsorstatements fromthe manufactureror
supplier, physical testing,orprevioususe in similarcircumstances.
All items ofequipmentwornby the diver should, whereverpossible, be
to international,Europeanor nationalstandards.
High-pressurecylinders and low-pressure vessels
95* Gas cylinders should complywithall relevantstatutoryprovisions.
Marking and colour-coding of gas storage
96* Accidents have occurredbecause ofwronggases or gas mixtures
beingusedin a diving project.The diving contractor should ensure
thatallgas storageunits comply withthe international,European or
national standardsofcolourcoding andmarkingofgas storage
cylinders, quads and banks. Where appropriate,pipeworkshould also
be colour-coded.
Divers'breathinggas supply systems
97* Eachdiver's breathinggas should be ofthe correctcomposition,
temperatureandflow for allforeseeable situations.This includes
independentprimary and secondary supplies. Gas supplies should be
arranged so that interruptionofsupplies to one diverwill not affect
other divers' supplies.
98 Whatever type ofbreathingapparatus is in use, each diver should
carry an independentreserve supply ofbreathinggas that canbe
quickly switched to the breathingcircuit in an emergency. This should
havesufficient capacityto allow the diver to reach aplace ofsafety.
IfSCUBA is used theindependentreservesupply shouldnot be
compromisedifthe primary supply fails.
Emergency breathing gas cylinders
99 When a diving basketis used by surface-supplieddivers,
emergency breathinggas cylinders should be supplied in the basketin
a standardlayout. This allows divers to accessthe cylinders rapidly in
an emergency.
* See Annex S for relevant industry technical guidance
19

ACOP Oxygen
100 Pressurisedoxygen can fuel a serious fire orcause anexplosion;
it should thereforebe stored and handledcorrectly. Any gas mixture
containing more than 25°/o oxygenbyvolumeshouldbe handledas ifit
werepure oxygen.
Communications
101 All divers in the watershouldhave a communication systemthat
allows direct voice contactwith the supervisoron the surfaceandvice
versa.
102 Ahard-wiredcommunicationsystemispreferred becausethe
effectivenessofa through-watercommunicationsystem can be
degradedby acousticshadow, sediment,air bubbles,turbulenceetc.
Practical testing ofthe equipmentin theoperationallocationis
recommended in order to ensureits effectiveness.
103 There are benefits torecording suchcommunicationsand keeping
the recordinguntil the dive is successfully completed. Forexample,
ifanincidentoccursduringthe dive the recordingmay helpin any
subsequent investigation.
Lifting plantto carry personnel
104 Suchequipmentshouldbe designed in accordancewith other
statutoryprovisions, international,European ornational standards.
105 Particular selection criteria should be used forliftwiresto carry
personnel, including any wiresfor secondary orbackuplifting.
Thesewiresshould benon-rotatingand have aneffectivesafetyfactor
in accordancewithinternational,Europeanor nationalstandards.
Further guidance is available in the Approved Code ofPractice to the
Lifting Operationsand Lifting EquipmentRegulations 1998.
Winches
106* Winches should be provided with independentprimary and
secondary braking systems. Itis recommendedfor hydraulicwinches
that the secondary systemoperatesautomaticallywhenever the
operatingleveris returned to neutral or onloss ofpower. Both braking
systems should be tested separatelyby a competentperson.
107 Winches should not be fittedwith apawl and ratchet gear where
the pawl hasto be disengaged beforelowering.
Diving basketsand open-bottombells
108 A basketor open-bottombell, usedin supportofsurface-supplied
diving, shouldbe able to carryatleast two divers inan uncramped
position. It shouldbedesigned to preventthe diverfalling out and to
preventspinningandtipping.The basketshouldbefitted with suitable
overheadprotectionandhandholds.
109 Provisionofa secondarymeans ofrecovering the divers shouldbe
provided.
6(3)(b) * SeeAnnexS for relevant industry technical guidance
20

ACOP Availabilityofcompression chambers
110 The diving contractorhas a responsibility to ensurethe provision
offacilities so that a divercanbe recompressed in an emergency,
should this be necessary. Treatment ofDCI in a compressionchamber
should commence as soon as possible. The provision ofa
recompressionchamber should be in accordancewith the
decompression proceduresselectedas part ofthe diving projectplan.
111 Inaddition,the followingminimum standardsshouldalsobe
applied:
(a) for dives with noplannedin-water decompression andthat are
lessthan 10 metres the divingcontractor shouldidentify the
nearest suitableoperationaltwo-person,two-compartment
chamber.Underno circumstancesshould this be more than
6 hours traveffing distancefromthe dive site;
(b) for dives over 10 andup to 50metres with either:
- no plannedin-water decompression; or
- with plannedin-water decompression ofup to 20 minutes,
a suitabletwo-person,two-compartmentchamber should be no
more than2 hours traveffing distancefrom the dive site;
(c) for dives with plannedin-waterdecompression greaterthan
20minutesa suitable, operational,two-person, two-compartment
chamber should be provided forimmediateuse atthe site ofthe
diving project.The diver should beable toleave the water quickly
and easily and bepressurisedwithinthe chambertothe
appropriaterecompression pressureas defined by the time inthe
decompression schedule beingused. The controlsofa surface
compression chambershould only be operatedbypersons
competentto do so. Suchcompetence will beachieved by a
combination oftraining and experience. The degree ofsupervision
provided shouldreflecttheexperience ofthe operator.
112 Inall caseswherethe recompression chamber is not locatedon
the site, the diving projectplan should include arrangementsto ensure
thatin an emergency a diver will beable to be transported and
recompressedto ensure, so far as is reasonablypracticable,his or her
safety. The diving projectplan should record the suitablechambers
which have been identified and the arrangementswhich have been
made for emergency recompressionthroughoutthe courseofthe
diving project.
Suitabilityofcompression chambers
113* Two-person, two-compartmentcompressionchambersshouldbe
suitablefor the purposesintended and comply withtherecognised
standard appropriateto this Code.
Transportingan injured diver under hyperbaricpressure
114 A diving contractorwho is responsible fortransportingadiver to
6(3)(b) * See Annex 5 for relevant industry technical guidance
21

ACOP hospitalorother place under hyperbaricpressure should ensurethata
competentchamber operator/supervisoraccompanies that diver.
Oxygen availability
115 Oxygen should be immediately available atall locationscovered
bythis Code, includingthose where thereis a recompressionchamber.
Sufficient gas shouldbeprovidedforthe duration ofa transfer ofa
diver to a recompressionchamber,hospitalorotherplace. It should be
6(3)(b) provided bya tight-fittingmask orbya mouthpiecewith a nosedip.
22

Regulation 6
Regulation
6(3)(c)
ACOP
6(3)(c)
Maintenance ofdiving plant
(3) The divingcontractor shall -
(c) ensurethattheplantmade availableundersub-paragraph(b) is
maintainedin a safe working condition;
116 Diving plant is usedunder extremeconditions,including
immersionin salt water.It should thereforebemaintained,examined
and testedregularly.It should be inspectedimmediately beforeuse by
a competentperson to ensurethat it is not damagedorsuffering from
deterioration.
Plannedmaintenancesystem
117 The diving contractor should establisha systemofplanned
maintenancefor plant. Maintenance arrangementsshould take into
accountbothpassageoftime and usage. Details ofthemaintenance
arrangementsshould be entered inthe diving projectplan. The
arrangementsshould identify the item ofplant, the date ofthe check,
any limitations asto use, any repairs or modifications carried out and
the signatureofthe competentperson.
Periodic examination, testing and certification
118* The frequencyand extent ofexamination andtesting required for
allitems ofplantused in a diving project should be in accordancewith
relevantstatutoryprovisions, and international,European or national
standards.
Cylinders used underwater
119* Divers' emergency gas supply cylinders and other cylinders used
underwatercan sufferfrom acceleratedcorrosionand must be
regularlyexaminedandmaintained.
Diving basketand wet bell liftwires
120 Frequent immersionin water,shockloading, passingover
multiplesheaves and so oncan causewearand deteriorationto the lift
wiresifthey are not properlymaintained.
Lift bags
121* Special requirements for the periodicexamination,testingand
certificationofliftbags havebeen established. Manufacturers'
maintenanceinstructionsandtesting requirementsshould befollowed.
* See Annex5 for relevant industry technical guidance
23

Regulation 9
Regulation
9(1)
ACOP
9(1)
Regulation
9(2)
ACOP
9(2)
Supervisors
(1) Only one supervisor shall be appointed to supervise a divingoperation at
any one time.
122 Asupervisormust be appointedin writingbythe diving
contractor.Ifa diving projectistakingplace oversuch anarea or
time-scalethatits operationcannotbe controlled byone supervisor,
then further supervisors shouldbe appointed. Written appointments
should clearlydefinethe times and areas ofcontrol.The supervisor
should haveimmediateoverridingcontrolofall safetyaspectsofthe
diving operationforwhich he orshe is appointed.
(2) No person shallbe appointed, or shall act, as a supervisor unless he is
competent and, where appropriate, suitablyqualified to perform thefunctionsof
supervisor in respectof thedivingoperation which heis appointed to supervise.
Suitablequalifications
123 A supervisor must be suitably qualified as a diverforthe diving
techniques tobe used in theoperation,orhave actedasa supervisorof
a diving operationinwhich the same diving techniques were used
duringthe two-year periodbefore1 July 1981. For example, ifa diving
contractoris employing surface-supplied and SCUBA divers for a
particular diving operation,it would not beacceptable toappointa
supervisorwho was only qualified for SCUBA diving; thesupervisor
would have to bequalified in both surface-supplied andSCUBA diving.
124 Supervisorsdo not haveto have acertificateofmedical fitnessto
dive butshouldbe qualified in first aid (see alsoparagraphs 87-92) and
shouldbecompetentto managea medical emergency.
Competence
125 The divingcontractor must considerthe competence ofaperson
beforeappointing him orher as a supervisor. Whenconsidering
competence, the diving contractorshouldconsidersuch questionsas
whetherthe personis knowledgeable, practical,reliable;capableof
conducting the divingoperationin a safemanner; capableofmanaging
members ofthe divingteam appropriately;capableofacting sensibly
in an emergency; and so on.
126 The divingcontractor will bein a good positiontodecideon a
person's competence iftheperson has worked forthe company for
sometime. Ifthe diving contractor doesnotknow the person,itwill be
necessary forthe diving contractor to makeappropriateenquiries
concerning the person's knowledgeand experience.
Knowledgeand experience
127 The supervisormust have adequatepractical and theoretical
knowledge and experience ofthe divingtechniquesto beused in the
diving operationfor which he or she is appointed. Aperson should
only be appointedas a supervisor ifhe orshe has:
(a) sufficient experience; and
(b) passed an approved diver competence assessment(seealso
paragraph 123).
24

Regulation 10
Regulation
10(1)(a)(i)
ACOP
10(1)(a)(1)
(1) The supervisor shall, in respectofthe divingoperation for which hehas
been appointed as supervisor -
(a) ensure that itiscarriedout, sofarasis reasonablypracticable -
(i) withoutrisk to the healthandsafety ofall those takingpart in that
operation andofotherpersons who may be affectedthereby;
Responsibility ofthe supervisor
128 Supervisorsare responsible for the operationthat they have been
appointedto supervise and they should only hand overcontrolto
another suitably qualified supervisorappointedfor that diving project
by the diving contractor.Suchahandovermust be enteredin the
divingoperationrecord. Supervisors canonly supervisethatpart ofa
divingprojectthatthey can safely and personallycontrol,both during
routine operationsand in an emergency.
129 The supervisorwith responsibility forthe operationis the only
person who can order the start ofa dive. Other relevantparties, such
asa harbour master, can, however, tell the supervisorto terminate a
dive for safety or operationalreasons.
130 A supervisorshould be in control whena diver is under pressure
in a surface compression chamberat the site ofthe divingproject.
131 Duringdiving operationsfrom avessel, the supervisorshould
liaise with other personnel,such as the vessel master. In such
circumstances,the supervisorshouldrecognise thatthevessel master
has responsibility forthe overall safetyofthe vessel and its occupants.
132 To ensurethata diving operationis carried out safely, supervisors
must conduct the divingoperationin accordancewith the
requirementsofthe diving projectplan and the site-specific risk
assessment. They should:
(a) ensure, as far as is reasonablypracticable,thatthe operationthat
they are being asked to supervisecomplies with the requirements
ofthis Code;
(b) satisfy themselves, as far as is reasonably practicable,that the
proposeddive site andthewater and weatherconditions are
suitable;
(c) ensurethat the risk assessment is still currentfortheprevailing
circumstanceson the day ofandduringthe dive;
(d) ensurethat theyunderstandtheir own areas and levels of
responsibility and who is responsible for any other relevantareas;
(e) satisfy themselves that the personnelthat they are to supervise
are competentto carry out the work requiredofthem and where
appropriateholda suitableand validcertificate.They should also
check, as far as is reasonable, that these personnel are fit, and in
possession ofall necessary certificates, ie where appropriate,
medicalfitnessto dive, diver'scertificateandfirst-aid certificate;
25

ACOP (f) ensurethatthe diving projectplan and arrangementsfor dealing
with foreseeable emergencies areclearlyunderstoodby all those
engaged in the diving operation.This would normallybe ensured
by carryingout apre-divebriefingsessionwithall those involved
and, ifappropriate,carryingout arehearsal ofthe arrangements;
(g) checkthat the plantthatthey propose to use is adequate,safe,
properlycertified and maintained.They should ensurethat the
plantis adequatelyinspectedby themselves oranother competent
person before its use. Suchinspectionsshouldbe documented, for
example on aprepared checklist, and recordedin the diving
operationrecord;
(h) ensurethat the possible hazards from complex or potentially
hazardousplant have been evaluatedand are fully understoodby
all relevantparties and that, ifrequired, training or
familiarisationis given;
(i) establish sofaras theyare reasonablyable that all relevantpeople
are awarethat adivingoperationis to start orcontinue.They
should alsoobtain any necessary permissionbeforestarting or
continuing the operation,for example whenworking in or close to
alock orin aharbour;
(j) have adequatemeansofcommunication with any personnel
under theirsupervision. So longasthey have such
communicationthey do not need to be ableto operate physically
everycontrolunder their responsibility. For example, a
supervisorwill beable to superviseadequately the raising and
lowering ofplant ifthere is a direct audiolinkwith the winch
operator, even thoughthe winch maybe physically locatedwhere
the supervisorcannot see itorhave readyaccessto it;
(k) maintain properrecords ofthedivingoperation.This must
includetheparticulars in Annex 1;
(1) maintain the diving operationrecord throughoutthe diving
10(1)(a)(i) operation forwhich they are appointed.
Regulation 11
Regulation
11
ACOP
11
A supervisor may, whilstsupervising thediving operation in respectofwhich he is
appointed, give such reasonable directions to any persontakingpart in thatoperation
orwho may affect the safety ofthatoperation as are necessary toenable him to
comply withregulation 10.
133 The supervisoris entitledto give reasonableorders inrelation to
health and safety to any person taking part in the divingoperation.
Theseorders take precedenceover any. companyhierarchy.These
orders couldinclude instructingunnecessarypersonnelto leave a
controlarea, instructingpersonnelto operateplantand so on.
26

Regulation 12
Regulation
____________________
12(1)(a)
Regulation 14
Regulation
Divers
(1) No divershall dive in a divingprojectunless he -
(a) has,subject to paragraph (2), an approved qualification which is valid
for any activity he may reasonably expect to carry out while takingpart
inthedivingproject;
(1) TheExecutive may approve in writing such qualification as it considers
suitable forthepurpose ofensuringthe adequatecompetenceofdiversforthepurposes
_____________________ 14(1)
ofregulation 12(1)(a).
ACOP Qualifications
134 Alldivers atwork must hold anapproveddiving qualification
suitable fortheworkthat theyintend to do. A list ofcurrentapproved
12(1)(a), 14(1) qualifications can be obtainedfromHSE.
Regulation 13
Regulation
13(1)(a)
ACOP Competence
(1) Nopersonshall dive in a divingproject -
(a) unless he is competent tocarry out safely andwithoutrisk tohealth any
activity he may reasonably expect to carry out while takingpart in the
divingproject;
135 Divers must be competentto do the work allocated to themwithin
the diving projectplan. A basic level ofdiving competence maybe
assumedfroma diver who has an approved divingqualification.
They should have a good understandingofdiving physics and
physiology and decompression. Theyshouldbe able to recognise the
signs and symptomsofdiving-relatedillnesses in themselves and
others and initiateappropriatetreatment. Theyshouldbe able to carry
out a diver rescue,includingthe performanceofresuscitation
techniques.They should be able to initiate appropriateactionsin the
13(1)(a) eventofan emergency.
Regulation
13(2)(a)
ACOP
13(2)(a)
(2) Everypersonengaged in a divingproject shall comply with -
(a) anydirectionsgiven to him by a supervisor under regulation 11;
136 Allpeople in the dive team have aresponsibilityto co-operate
with the supervisorand to followany reasonable directionsand
instructionsthat the supervisorgives.
27

Regulation 12
Regulation
12(3)(a)
ACOP
12(3)(a)
Regulation 17
Regulation
17(1)
ACOP
17(1)
(3) Everydiver engaged in a divingprojectshall -
(a) maintain a daily record ofhis diving;
137 Divers' dailyrecords (logs)must includethe particulars in
Annex 2.
(1) Any certifIcateoftrainingandanycertificate ofmedicalfitness todive
issued, orhaving effectas ifissued, under the Diving Operations at Work
Regulations 1981(a) ("the 1981 Regulations") shall have effect,subject to any
conditions orlimitations contained in any such certificate, as ifit were, as the case
may be, anapprovedqualification or a certificate of medicalfitnessto divefor the
purposes ofthese Regulations.
(a) SI 1981/399 asamendedbySI 1990/996andSI 1992/608
138 The main andrestricted HSE part certificatesissued under the
Diving OperationsatWork Regulations 1981 are still legally validand
do not haveto be exchanged forthenew certificates.
139 Transitionalcertificates issuedunder regulation 15 ofthe Diving
Operationsat Work Regulations 1981 are still legally valid.
140 Certificates issued bytheManpowerServices Commission (MSC)
andthe TrainingServices Agency (TSA) are stilllegally valid,but may
be exchanged for the appropriateHSE certificate.
28

Regulation 12
Regulation
12(1)(b)
ACOP
12(1)(b)
Regulation 15
Regulation
15(1)
ACOP
15(1)
Regulation 13
Regulation
13(1)(b)
ACOP
13(1)(b)
Medical checks
(1) No divershall dive in a divingproject unless he —
(b) has a valid certificate ofmedicalfitness to dive.
141 All divers atworkmust have a validcertificateof medicalfitness
to diveissuedby an HSE medical examinerofdivers.The certificateof
medicalfitness to dive is a statement of the diver's fitness to perform
work underwater,andis validfor as long as the doctor certifies, up to
amaximum of 12 months.
142 Where an annualmedicalexamination is carried out less than a
monthbeforethe expiry ofthe currentmedical certificateto dive, the
startdate ofthe new certificatemaybeginfrom the expirydate ofthe
currentcertificate.
143 Traineedivers who trainwhile atwork must hold a certificateof
medicalfitnessto dive beforetheybegintraining. This will help
potentialdivers to be awareofany health problems that may affect
their employment prospectsorlong-termhealth, should they continue
to dive. The pre-trainingmedicalexaminationcontainsthe same
elements as the annual medical assessment with the additionofsuch
investigations as blood groupand so on.
144 Everydiver, or personwho is likely to be subject to hyperbaric
conditionsas routineratherthan in an emergency, must have a valid
certificateofmedicalfitness to dive.
(1) A certificate ofmedicalfitness to dive isa certificatefrom a medical
examinerofdivers (orfrom the Executive following an appealunder paragraph (4,))
that theperson issuing the certificate considers theperson namedin thecertificate to
befit to dive.
145 The medicalexamination and assessmentlook at the diver's
overallfitnessto dive. These includethe main systems ofthe bodycardiovascular
system, respiratory system andcentral nervoussystem
- as well as the ears, noseandthroat, vision, dentition,and the
person's capacity for exercise.
(1) Noperson shall dive in a divingproject —
(b) ifhe knows ofanything (including any illness or medicalcondition)
which makes him unfit to dive.
146 People who dive in a diving projectandwho considerthemselves
unfit for any reason, for example, fatigue, minor injury, recent
medicaltreatment, must informtheir supervisor. Even a minorillness,
such as the common coldor adental problem, can have seriouseffects
29

ACOP
on a diver under pressure, andshouldbe reportedto thesupervisor
beforethe startofadive. Supervisors should seek guidancefrom the
diving contractor or the company'smedicaladviserifthere is doubt
about a diver's fitness to dive.
147* Peoplewho dive in a diving projectwho have suffered an incident
ofDCI shouldrecord detailsofthe treatment they receivedin their
dailyrecord (log book). They should show this to the supervisorbefore
taking part in theirfirstdive afterthetreatment in order that a check
can be made oftheir fitness to return to diving.Supervisorsshould
seek guidance from the diving contractor orthe company'smedical
13(1)(b) adviserifthere is doubt about a diver's fitness to dive.
Regulation 15
Regulation
15(6)
ACOP
15(6)
(6) In this regulation, "medical examinerofdivers"meansa medical
practitionerwho is, orwhofalls withina class ofmedical practitioners which is,for
the time being, approvedin writingby theExecutive forthepurposes ofthis
regulation; and any such approvalmay begiven generally orrestricted to any class of
diverordive.
148 HSE approvesdoctorsto carry out divingmedicalexaminations
and assessments. These medicalexaminersare selectedfor approval
based on theirtraining in diving physiology and their knowledge of
diving.This approval is fora limitedperiod, usuallyfor one or two
years. Details are available from HSE.
* See Annex5 for relevantindustry technical guidance
30

Annex 1 Particulars to be includedin the diving operation
record
1 Name and address ofthe diving contractor.
2 Date to which entry relates and nameofthe supervisor or supervisors (an
entry mustbe completed daily by eachsupervisor for eachdiving
operation).
3 Location of the divingoperation, including the nameofanyvessel from
which diving is taking place.
4 Namesofthose taking part in the diving operation as divers and other
members ofthe dive team.
5 Approved Code ofPractice that applies to the diving operation.
6 Purposeof the diving operation.
7 Breathing apparatus and breathing mixture usedby each diver in the
diving operation.
8 Time atwhicheach diver leaves atmospheric pressure and returnsto
atmospheric pressure plus his bottomtime.
9 Maximum depth which each diver reached.
10 Decompression schedule containing details of the pressures (or depths)
and the durationoftime spent by divers at those pressures (or depths)
duringdecompression.
11 Emergency support arrangements.
12 Anyemergency orincidentofspecial note whichoccurredduringthe
diving operation, including details ofanydecompression illness and the
treatmentgiven.
13 Details of the pre-dive inspection ofall plant and equipment being used
in the divingoperation.
14 Anydefectrecordedin the functioning ofany plant usedin the diving
operation.
15 Particulars ofany relevant environmental factors duringthe diving
operation.
16 Any other factors likelyto affect the safety or healthof any persons
engaged in the diving operation.
17 Name and signature ofthe supervisor completing the record.
18 Affix company stamp (ifappropriate).
31

Annex 2 Details to be includedin the diver's dailyrecord
(log)
Namesandaddresses should be printedand inblock capitals.
1 Name and signature of the diver.
2 Date towhichentry relates.
3 Name and address ofthe diving contractor.
4 Name and signature of the supervisor(s)for that dive.
5 Location ofthe diving project, including the name of any vessel from
which diving is taking place.
6 The maximum depth reached on eachoccasion.
7 The time the diver left the surface, the bottom time, and the time the
diver reachedthe surface on eachoccasion.
8 Where the dive includes time spent in a compression chamber, details of
anytime spent outsidethe chamberat a different pressure.
9 Breathing apparatus and breathing mixtureused bythe diver.
10 Any decompression schedules followedby the diver on eachoccasion.
11 Any work done bythe diver on eachoccasion, and the plant (including
any tools) used in that work.
12 Any episode ofbarotrauma,discomfort or injury suffered by the diver
including details ofany decompression illness and the treatmentgiven.
13 Any emergency or incidentof special note whichoccurred duringthe
diving operation.
14 Any other factor relevant to the diver's healthor safety.
15 Affix company stamp afterthe daily record has been signed bythe diver
and the supervisor(s).
32

Annex 3 Glossary ofterms and abbreviations
Competence
Competence means having a combination oftraining, knowledge and
experience such that the person can do the job requiredin a safe and efficient
manner.
Hazard
Ahazard is something withthe potential to cause harm. This may include
water, environmental factors, plant,methodsofdiving and other aspects of
work organisation.
Permit-to-worksystem
Aformal written system usedto control certain types of work which are
identified as involvingsignificantrisk.
Risk
Arisk is the possibility that someone or something will beharmed by an
identified hazard. The extentofthe risk includes the numbers ofpeople who
mightbe affectedby the risk.
Risk assessment
Arisk assessment is a careful examination ofwhat may cause harm and an
evaluation ofprecautions that can be takento prevent harm.
33

ADC
Association ofDiving Contractors
AODC
Association of Offshore Diving Contractors (superseded byADC and IMCA
from 1 April 1995)
DCI
Decompression illness
DVIS
Diving Information Sheet
DMAC
Diving Medical Advisory Committee
HSC
HealthandSafety Commission
HSE
Health and SafetyExecutive
IMCA
International MarineContractors Association
MSC
Manpower ServicesCommission
ROV
Remotely operated vehicle
SCUBA
Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus
SD
Surface decompression
TSA
Training ServicesAgency
34

Annex 4 Major legislation
This legislationcovers all industries andmaybe relevant to diving projects.
This listis not exhaustive.
1 The Health andSafetyat Work etc Act1974.
2 Health andSafety (DisplayScreen Equipment) Regulations 1992 setout
requirements for work with visual display units.
3 ManagementofHealth andSafetyat Work Regulations 1999 require
employers to carry out risk assessments, make arrangements to
implement necessary measures, appoint competent people and arrange
for appropriate information and training.
4 ManualHandling Operations Regulations 1992 cover the moving ofobjects
byhand orbodily force.
5 PersonalProtective EquipmentRegulations 1992 require employers to
provide appropriate protective clothing and plantfortheir employees.
6 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require thatplant
provided foruse at work including machinery is safe.
7 Workplace (Health, Safetyand Welfare) Regulations 1992 cover a wide
range ofissues such as ventilation, heating, lighting, seating and welfare
facilities.
8 Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance)Act 1969 requires employers
to take out insurance to cover their liabilityforaccidents and ill health
sustained by theiremployees.
9 Health andSafety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 cover requirements for
first aid.
10 Health andSafety Information forEmployees (Modifications andRepeals)
Regulations 1995 require employers to display a postertelling employees
what theyneed to know abouthealthand safety.
11 Noise at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to takeactionto
protectemployees from hearing damage. The Regulations nowapply
offshore.
12 Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require people in control of electrical
systems to ensurethey are safe to use and maintained in a safe condition.
The Regulations now apply offshore.
13 Health andSafety (TrainingforEmployment) Regulations 1990 set out how
certain people being trainedforemployment should be treated for the
purposes ofhealthand safety law.
14 Chemicals (HazardInformation andPackagingforSupply)Regulations 1994
(as amended) require suppliers to classifr, label and package dangerous
chemicals and provide safetydata sheets forthem.
15 Construction (Design andManagement)Regulations 1994 cover safe
systems of work on construction sites.
35

16 ControlofSubstances Hazardous toHealth Regulations 1999 require
employers to assess the risks from hazardous substances and take
appropriate precautions.
17 Reporting ofInjuries, Diseases andDangerous OccurrencesRegulations 1995
require employers to notify certain occupational injuries, diseases and
dangerous events.
18 CarriageofDangerous Goods (Classification, PackagingandLabelling) of
Transportable Pressure ReceptaclesRegulations 1996 regulate the transport
and labelling ofpressurised gas cylinders.
19 LiftingOperations andLiftingEquipmentRegulations 1998 include any
equipment used at work for lifting orlowering loads.
36

Annex 5 Sources ofinformation
Reference Title Paragraph(s)
DVIS5 Exposure limits forair divingoperations 47
AODC 055 Protectionof water intake pointsfor diver 49
safety
AODC 047 Effectsofunderwater currentson divers' 52
performance and safety
AODC 032 Remotely-operated vehicle intervention 53
(Rev1) duringdivingoperations
AODC 035 Code ofPractice forthe safe use of 54
electricity underwater
AODC 062 Use ofbattery-operated equipment in 54
hyperbaric conditions
DMAC 03 Accidents withhighpressurewater jets 55
AODC 049 Code ofPractice forthe use ofhigh 55
pressure water jetting equipment by divers
IMCAD016 Underwater air lift bags 56
DVIS1 General hazards (Section on abrasive 57
cuttingdiscs)
DVIS1 General hazards (Section on prevention of
explosions duringoxy-arc cutting operations)
MaTR133 Investigations into the damage caused to a 58
diver's helmet by an explosion duringoxy-arc
conditions in the North Sea
DMAC 02 In-water diver monitoring 64
DMAC 07 Recommendations for flyingafterdiving 67
(Rev1)
DMAC 08 Thermal stress inrelationto diving 68
AODC 010 Testing, examination and certificationof gas 95
(Rev1) cylinders
ADC 5/95 Minimum criteria to be met by a surface 96
supply inlandlinshore air diving panel for
divingoperations in the UK
AODC028 Divers' air gas supply 97
DVIS3 Breathing gas management (Section on
divers' gas supply systems) 97
DVIS2 Diving system winches (Section on air-driven 106
winches)
37
58

Reference Title Paragraph(s)
ADC 8/97 Minimum specificationfor surface 113
compression chambers for inland/inshore
diving
IMCADO18 Code ofPractice on the initial and 118
periodic examination, testing and
certification ofdiving plantand equipment
AODC 037 Periodic examination ofbail-outbottles 119
IMCAD016 Underwaterair lift bags 121
DMAC 013 Guidanceon assessing fitness to return to 147
(Rev!) diving
The future availabilityand accuracy of the references listedin this publication
cannot be guaranteed.
38
Printed and published by the Healthand SafetyExecutive C.6 8/02

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