Introduction to commercial Diving to Diving..pdf · Introduction to Commercial Diving 15' The Diving Co PTY LTD 4 1. Introduction The commercial diving industry is a small niche industry

THE

DIVING

COMPANY

PTY LTD

INTRODUCTION TO COMMERCIAL DIVING

Introduction to Commercial Diving 15' The Diving Co PTY LTD

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Contents 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 4

2. Personnel and Training ................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Commercial Divers ........................................................................................................................ 4

2.2 Standby Diver ................................................................................................................................ 6

2.3 Diving Supervisor .......................................................................................................................... 7

2.4 Divers Attendant ........................................................................................................................... 8

2.5 Working Conditions/Required Personnel ..................................................................................... 9

2.6 Decompression ........................................................................................................................... 10

2.7 Dive Team ................................................................................................................................... 10

3. Organisation and Planning ............................................................................................................ 11

3.1 Dive Team Selection .................................................................................................................... 11

3.2 Equipment & Plant Selection ...................................................................................................... 11

4. Plant and Equipment..................................................................................................................... 12

4.1 Diver Personal Equipment .......................................................................................................... 12

4.2 Air Supply (Breathable Gas) ........................................................................................................ 12

4.2.1 Diving Helmets/Masks ......................................................................................................... 12

4.2.2 Diving Hose (Umbilical) ........................................................................................................ 13

4.2.3 Primary Air Supply - Air Compressor ................................................................................... 14

4.2.4 Secondary Air Supply (HP Cylinders) .................................................................................... 14

4.2.5 Control Panel ........................................................................................................................ 15

4.3 Tools and Machinery ................................................................................................................... 18

4.3.1 Hand Tools ........................................................................................................................... 18

4.3.2 Pneumatic Tools .................................................................................................................. 18

4.3.3 Hydraulic Tools ..................................................................................................................... 18

4.3.4 Welding/Cutting ................................................................................................................... 18

4.4 Work Vessels ............................................................................................................................... 18

5. Safety - Overview .......................................................................................................................... 19

6. On-Site .......................................................................................................................................... 20

6.1 Transport ..................................................................................................................................... 20

6.2 Mobilisation ................................................................................................................................ 20

6.2.1 Boat ...................................................................................................................................... 20

6.2.2 Shore .................................................................................................................................... 20

6.3 Diving works ................................................................................................................................ 20


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6.3.1. Authorisation ...................................................................................................................... 20

6.3.1 Communication .................................................................................................................... 20

6.4 Environment ................................................................................................................................ 21

7. Maintenance ................................................................................................................................. 21


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1. Introduction The commercial diving industry is a small niche industry providing engineering and construction

support for projects requiring underwater attention. Many of the procedures, methodologies and

training may be unfamiliar to those outside of the industry which may often lead to

miscommunication and misplaced concerns regarding the work carried out.

This document is designed to provide stakeholders with a generalised overview of the various

aspects involved in commercial diving including safety, processes, equipment, machinery, statutory

requirements and training. By providing transparency in these aspects of diving work better

communication can be achieved between stakeholders which will allow higher levels of safety,

quality and project management to be achieved.

The relevant standards for commercial diving is AS/NZS 2299 - Occupational diving operations, Part

1: Standard operational practices.

2. Personnel and Training Commercial diving is a highly regulated industry which requires accreditation and medical

examinations for an individual to maintain an active diving status. On-site the diving team needs to

be able to work together, often in high pressure situations, to tackle any issues that may be

presented by the project. To achieve this safely and with maximum efficiency, a well established

support and hierarchal system is in place for the roles and responsibilities of the various team

members.

2.1 Commercial Divers A commercial diver must be recognised through the accreditation scheme provided by the

Australian Government which goes under the name 'Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme' (ADAS).

To be deemed suitable to be accredited for commercial diving works, members must pass

knowledge, practical and medical examinations. Once qualified as a commercial diver medical

examinations are carried out annually to ensure the divers meet health requirements and are fit to

dive.

The accreditation system is tiered and once achieving a base level competency, members may

choose to do additional training and accreditation to raise their allowable limitations for diving

works. These limitations include the use of different tools, allowable working depths, use of

decompression equipment, and training in various other form plant and equipment. Quite often

commercial divers will have a previous background in military, trade or offshore diving. The

additional skills which these previous experiences provide allow very diverse teams of skills and

abilities to be assembled and suited to each job type.


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The relevant certification courses for commercial diving works are shown in the following table:

SSBA (Part 2)

Minimum 4 weeks duration, minimum 20 days duration.

SSBA to 30m (Part 2) is a progressive step from Occupational SCUBA to 30 metres and introduces the use of surface supported breathing apparatus (SSBA) as the basis for underwater construction activities. This significantly increases the diver’s ability to operate under working situations. The course includes the use of welding and cutting equipment, pneumatic and hydraulic tools, salvage equipment, air and water dredging equipment, construction tools and other work related subjects to meet on shore diving industry requirements

Divers a restricted to a depth of 30m. The course includes certification in the following:

CPCCOHS1001A Work safely in the construction industry

ADASSSBA024A Utilise and maintain SSBA equipment

ADASSSBA025A Implement emergency procedures for SSBA

ADASSSBA026A Undertake pre-dive preparations for SSBA diving operation

ADASSSBA028A Undertake post-dive procedures for a surface supplied diving operation

ADASSSBA027A Undertake underwater deployment in a surface supplied diving operation

ADASSSBA030A Undertake basic diving work tasks for a surface supplied diving operation

ADASSSBA029A Undertake a compression chamber dive

ADASCON035A Perform underwater work with powered tools

ADASCON036A Perform underwater work using cutting and welding

ADASCON037A Perform underwater construction work tasks

ADASCON038A Identify basic safety and statutory requirements for underwater explosives work


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SSBA (Part 3)

The SSBA to 50m (Part 3) certification is a progressive step from ADAS Part 2 and includes the use of surface supported breathing apparatus. The qualification significantly increases the diver‘s ability to operate under working situations including the use of wet bells, deck decompression chambers and other work related subjects to meet offshore diving industry requirements. The objective of Part 3 training is to prepare Part 2 Divers to both safely and competently:

dive on SSBA to depths of 50msw

use hydraulic tools at depths to 50msw

conduct decompression dives using in water decompression and SurDO2

act as chamber operators

dive using hot water suits, and operate hot water generators

engage in diving operations using wet bells as a:

in-water standby diver; and surface standby diver.

Divers a restricted to a depth of 50m. Course certified the following competencies:

ADASOFF004A Work safely in offshore diving

ADASSSBA031A Undertake underwater deployment on SSBA to 50m

ADASSSBA032A Use hot water suit and hot water supply system

ADASSSBA033A Participate in wet bell diving operations

ADASCON039A Perform advanced underwater work to 50m

ADASHYP053A Prepare, operate and maintain twin-lock compression chamber

ADASHYP008A Assist as an attendant inside a hyperbaric chamber

On completion of the course a diver will be given a certificate followed by receiving an identification

card with the relevant competency level shown on the reverse of the card.

2.2 Standby Diver During diving works using a single diver in the water, a standby diver is present to provide assistance

to the diver if it is required. They are required to be fit to dive if assistance is required by the

submerged diver. In a 4 man dive team application, the standby diver is often the diver who will be

in the water directly after the current diver has reached their diving time limit or 'bottom time' limit.

Bottom time will be discussed further in section 2.5 Working Conditions and required personnel.


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2.3 Diving Supervisor Diving operations are overseen and managed by the diving supervisor. The role of the supervisor is

to provide knowledge and experience, coupled with additional training to ensure diving works are

conducted in a safe and regulated manner. Becoming a diving supervisor requires accreditation

from ADAS which is in addition to accreditations in the relevant level of diving the individual is to

supervise, e.g. to supervise part 3 works (up to 50m) a supervisor must have part 3 diving as well as

part 3 supervisor accreditation.

In order to be eligible for diving supervisor accreditation a diver must have completed a certain

amount of practical experience relevant to the ticket they wish to apply for, be assessed as

"competent" by other supervisors as well as demonstrate awareness, leadership and maturity with

regard to all diving works. The following table shows the requirements in more detail as described by

ADAS:

Diving Supervision – SSBA to 30m (Part 2) As a minimum, the candidate should present logged evidence of 200 logged dives and 200 hours logged bottom time during occupational dives that include a broad range of SSBA dives involving zero and limited visibility, salt and fresh water, current and varied sea states across the range of depths to 30 metres gained over at least two (2) years.

Competencies gained on completion:

ADASSUP063A Undertake role of the dive supervisor

ADASSUP064A Implement and monitor occupational health and safety programs.

ADASSUP065A Apply diving physics and physiology and perform associated calculations.

ADASSUP066A Manage diving illnesses and medical emergencies

ADASSUP067A Manage risk associated with dive operations

ADASSUP068A Plan dive operations

ADASSUP069A Conduct dive operations

ADASSUP070A Implement plant, equipment and maintenance procedures

ADASSUP071A Manage people

ADASSUPCD075A Supervise use of tools and explosives in a dive operation


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Diving Supervision – SSBA to 50m (Part 3) As a minimum, the candidate should present logged evidence of 200 logged dives and 200 hours logged bottom time during occupational SSBA dives that include a broad range of high complexity dives involving decompression diving, deep diving (in the range 30 – 50m), dives involving compression chambers and additional specialist equipment such as hot water suits and ancillary service equipment gained over at least two (2) years.

Competencies gained on completion: All of Part 2 competencies plus: ADASSUPCC072A Supervise on site chamber operations ADASSUPWB073A Supervise wet bell diving

On completion of the relevant diving supervisor course the following

identification card will be issued as part of the Australian Diver

Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) along with a certificate of completion.

The I.D. will include the level of supervision which has been attained

as well its expiry.

2.4 Divers Attendant During diving works, especially those carried out on a water vessel, the diver will require constant

monitoring and assistance on the surface. The diving supervisor will control and monitor the diving

works as a whole including experienced analysis and assessment of environment, hazards and risks.

The diving attendant is responsible for the direct interaction with the diver and is not to be involved

in activities which do not relate to the diver currently underwater. Requirements of the diver’s

attendant include:

Working knowledge of:

requirements of underwater work

signals used during diving works including non-visual signals

decompression procedures


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diving plant and equipment in use, including ancillary fittings such as pressure gauges, air

compressors and air filters.

The actions which may require the diving attendant during a dive may include:

Helping the diver get equipped for dive (dressing in)

Monitoring gauges and air compressors

Monitoring location and consistency of bubbles in the water (indication of divers breathing

and location)

Monitoring the tension and location of the divers air hose (belaying); provides

communication for works where the diver does not have direct verbal contact with the

surface crew as well as limits entanglement of the diving hose on objects.

Providing the diver with tools and equipment on request

Helping retrieve the diver (getting the diver out of the water)

Assisting the diver in removing equipment (dressing out)

2.5 Working Conditions/Required Personnel

Diving personnel or "manning" levels are dependent upon a number of determinant factors :

Water depth/duration of dive: The deeper the depth the less bottom time the diver has

before decompression is required . This non decompression time decreases exponentially

with depth. Thus to complete a task and/or provide a full days diving operations may require

additional divers.

Decompression diving: If water depth is greater than 30m or whenever decompression stops

are planned it is mandatory to have an operational diver decompression chamber on site.

Confined Space: Certain diving operations do not allow direct access and egress for the diver

such as working in a pipeline, tank, or other confined space. Additional personnel may be

required to safely undertake such tasks.

Minimum crew is 3 men:

1 x Diver in the water- requirements:

1. Diving Supervisor: monitor diving operations at all times not undertake any other tasks

which detract from primary task

2. Diver

3. Standby Diver: To be able to be deployed immediately and at all times if so required

2 x divers in water requirements:

Requires minimum 4 man team: one diver can act as standby diver providing divers are in constant

visual contact.


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2.6 Decompression Decompression times and requirements will vary with depth of water and the amount of time a

diver is working at a given depth.

AUS/NZ Standards 2299 outlines the requirements for decompression with tables. These are

followed strictly when completing diving works.

For diving work at a depth of more than 9m below the surface, decompression times will need to be

observed . Work completed above 9m to the surface will not require decompression.

Decompression diving: If water depth is greater than 30m or whenever decompression stops are

planned it is mandatory to have an operational diver decompression chamber on site.

Figure 1 Decompression Chamber (left) High Volume Air Compressor (right)

2.7 Dive Team Complementary to the roles and responsibilities outlined for the various positions in a dive team, the

best policy for safety and completion of works is using 'best practices’ judgement during diving

operations. This may include simple actions such as assisting other crew members if needed, all

members staying vigilant for potential hazards and maintaining a general state of awareness during

diving works. The roles and responsibilities being followed creates the minimum responsibility

required for each person in the dive team, however through a proactive approach to safety and

good team attributes, the hazards and subsequent risks associated with commercial diving are

greatly reduced.


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3. Organisation and Planning Before commencing works the diving operations team will provide all required documentation

pertaining to Work Health and Safety which includes SWMS, JSA, MSDS and any other

documentation required for the project. These are legal requirements and do not necessarily give

an explanation of the processes and considerations undertaken during the organisation and planning

stage. This section aims to provide an explanation so the procedures and considerations used by the

dive teams can be understood by the stakeholders.

3.1 Dive Team Selection The selection of divers for a particular contract or job type will often reflect the required skills for

that particular project. In most cases, all of the divers employed are suitable for the majority of

works carried out. In the event that there is specialist skills or experience are required then the

most appropriate or relevantly accredited divers will be used.

The selection of the right dive team for a job has positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved in

the project. In terms of safety, the selection of the most appropriate divers for a particular purpose

will mean increased experience and as a result, reduced likelihood of incidents due to

misjudgement.

The principal contractor benefits through the divers used being able to complete works with minimal

disruption due to human error and inexperience. The sub-contractor benefits from knowing the

work will be completed to a level which will ensure their reputation and future contract

opportunities are preserved.

3.2 Equipment & Plant Selection Much of the work completed in the commercial diving industry is often short-term stays on various

projects. As a result the plant and equipment used for diving operations must be highly mobile and

able to be mobilised, used for diving works and demobilised all within the space of a working day.

Depending on the type of works being conducted this may range from a simple collection of diving

equipment (dive spread) used for a simple inspection job (which would include a diving helmet, bail

out, air compressor, auxiliary air supply, pressure gauges, control panel and umbilical) to a much

more elaborate collection required for specialist or deep water works which may include water

pumps, hydraulic pumps, a range of specialist tools, cable reels, large and small vessels, dredges and

as well as a huge amount of back up equipment for isolated works.

The selection of the equipment required for a particular job is overseen by both the diving

supervisor and the diving superintendant. Equipment selection will normally take into account

multiple working conditions and as many potential difficulties or barriers which may be faced during

a project. These decisions are made by highly experienced members of the dive team and are

paramount in the organisation and planning stage of diving works.


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4. Plant and Equipment Water is a very unique environment which provides both advantages and disadvantages as a

function of its inherent properties. It follows therefore that commercial diving is a very unique

industry with specialist techniques and equipment required for often very simple work. The industry

is also very small which means purpose built equipment may not be commercially available for all

types of work. Additionally the equipment that is available may not be suited for the intended

application. Often custom designs must be fabricated to meet the needs of diving operations to

ensure they are safe and efficient. The following section aims to introduce some of the plant and

equipment which is used in the industry, as well as some basic explanation regarding its purpose or

function.

4.1 Diver Personal Equipment Typically a diver will supply their own wetsuit, protective footwear (booties), dive fins and weight

belt. These items are often customised for specific needs and thus are not suitable to be provided en

mass by the company. In cases where it is deemed necessary for the diver not to come in contact

with the water (temperature or contamination) a "dry-suit" may be used.

The diver is provided with protective gloves with may vary in durability and thickness depending on

application and apparent hazards. For a task which may require high dexterity and is considered low

risk, lightweight gloves may be used. Protective booties are worn both to protect the divers feet and

provide traction whilst needing to use force to move something under water. These booties are light

weight and will normally fit inside specially designed dive fins.

Under normal conditions a human body will float, combined with a highly buoyant wetsuit and other

equipment and it quickly becomes difficult to swim deeper underwater. The solution to this

problem is a weight belt which is designed to balance out the buoyancy of the diving equipment .

The weight belt is a single buckle system which can be safely and easily removed if required. It

should be noted that even when a weight belt is worn the diver can usually swim to the surface,

without flippers.

A harness is worn by the diver allows the diver to be assisted or retrieved if they are unable to do so

themselves.

4.2 Air Supply (Breathable Gas) The most basic requirement for commercial diving operations is the source of breathable gas for the

diver. All operations which require the submersion of a diver to complete any task will use a surface

supplied breathing apparatus (SSBA) and thus require a minimum certification of "Part 2" as

discussed in section 2. The following is a brief explanation of the items of breathing equipment used

for commercial diving

4.2.1 Diving Helmets/Masks

There is a large range of dive masks, dive helmets and associated accessories for use in commercial

diving. Specialist equipment exists for applications such as contaminated water, specialist gas mixes

such as those used off-shore and any other special requirement which may exist for various types of

recreational diving.


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A diving mask/helmet is the point at which the supplied air reaches the diver and is used for normal

respiratory function. The main points of interest when it comes to the diving mask/helmet are the

regulator and the visibility. The regulator converts the highly pressurised gas from the compressor

into low pressure, breathable gas for the diver. The visibility is an important aspect as it allows the

diver to clearly see what they are working on. Fogging is a problem often associated with breathing

apparatus, however both of the helmets used have built in anti fogging systems which are directly

controlled by the diver.

There are two breathing apparatus used for the majority of commercial work undertaken. These

include:

Band-Mask "18" - This mask has a solid face which connects and seals onto a soft flexible

hat. The Mask is then further held with is a 5 point harness which goes around the head.

The helmet is equipped with a wired communication system

Kirby Morgan Superlight 37 Helmet: The commercial diving standard helmet utilized

worldwide in 95% of all operations. Its advantages include: diver head protection, dry

interior , environmentally sealed, thermal protection. Comes with hard wired

communications to the surface.

Figure 2 Band Mask "18" (left) and Full helmet "37" (right)

4.2.2 Diving Hose (Umbilical)

The surface supplied air is sent to the diver using an "umbilical". The umbilical consists of a breathing

hose, a pneumofathometer (measures depth of the diver), communications cable and video/light

cable bundled and taped along with a safety rope.

The umbilical will be attached to the diver through a safety harness which is designed for emergency

retrieval of the diver.


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Figure 3 Umbilical

4.2.3 Primary Air Supply - Air Compressor

The air compressor is the primary source of breathable gas for the diver during works. The

compressor takes ambient air from an intake which is attached via a flexible hose allowing it to be

moved into a position which will provide fresh air (normally in a high position, up-wind from the

compressor). The air then passes through multiple filters before being compressed and stored

under pressure for use by the diver(s).

Figure 4 Gas Control Panel (left) Compressor (right)

4.2.4 Secondary Air Supply (HP Cylinders)

Secondary Air supply is provided by high pressure (HP) air cylinders which are kept in the same

vicinity as the air compressor and control panel for easy access. The purpose of the HP cylinders is to

supply breathable gas to the diver in the event that there is a problem with the air compressor so


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the diver may return to the surface. These cylinders will vary in volume depending on the depth of

the work being carried out as well as the number of divers being supplied

4.2.5 Emergency Gas Supply (Bail-Out Cylinder)

In the event the air supply provided to the diver(s) via an umbilical is cut the diver is equipped with a

high pressure gas cylinder attached to their harness. This 'bail out' cylinder allows the diver to have

an auxiliary air supply while they return to the surface.

4.2.6 Control Panel

The control panel is essentially the control centre for the source and distribution of the breathable

gas available to the diver. The control panel will also provide the depth of the diver at any point in

time.

The source control, both intake and output allows the diver to draw on 3 separate sources of air

including that from the air compressor, the emergency bottled air which is kept next to the control

panel for quick access and the bail out which is located on the divers safety harness.

Diver Air Supply - Flow Diagram

Compressed Air (Motorised

Compressor)

Control Panel

High Pressure Air Cylinder

Diver(s)

Emergency Air Cylinder (Bail

out)


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Figure 5 - Commercial Diver Prepared for Operations


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Figure 6 Commercial Diver Prepared for Diving operations

Figure 7 Dive Spread - Air supply, Monitoring and Communication Systems


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4.3 Tools and Machinery Commercial diving works require unique tools which are able to operate safely and reliably under

water. The environment present in sub-surface works will vary in depth, chemical composition and

visibility and the tools and equipment used for each case will change accordingly. This section aims

to provide a general overview of some of the tools and equipment which may be used for a project.

4.3.1 Hand Tools

Divers can utilize underwater the same array of hand tools as used by trades people on the surface

such as spanners, hand saws, hammers, screwdrivers etc as well as customised tools for particular

applications on a project.

4.3.2 Pneumatic Tools

Tools which are powered by compressed air are referred to as pneumatic tools or air tools.

Pneumatic (Air) tools are used for certain applications but generally lack power and durability for

sustained underwater use.

4.3.3 Hydraulic Tools

Hydraulic tools provide the diver with an extensive array of underwater tools including

jackhammers, chipping hammers, chainsaws, grinders, drills, diamond core drilling rigs, impact guns

to name a few. Hydraulic tools require their own, separate power source which is referred to as a

"power pack". The power pack provides pressurised oil through purpose built hoses which tools are

highly durable and the fittings at each end of the hose are specially designed locking fittings which

eliminate potential for oil leaks.

4.3.4 Welding/Cutting

Hot works including welding and cutting will be required where construction using steel or metal

components is being performed. Both welding and cutting are certified under ADAS stage 2 and 3 as

described earlier in this document. The main type of welding which can be completed under water

is "arc welding" and the main type of hot works cutting is "ultra-thermic" cutting.

Wet welding: qualified divers are able to do structural and non structural welds underwater

using specialized arc welding equipment.

Ultra Thermic Cutting: commonly called by its trade name ‘Broco’ this is a method of cutting

ferrous and non ferrous metals underwater to a thickness of 100mm .

4.4 Work Vessels In many cases it is both safer and more efficient to complete diving works from a vessel. Depending

on the requirements of the project different sized vessels may be used. These include small

fibreglass vessels, medium aluminium flat bottom vessels (7 - 10m), large flat barges with crane

equipment (10 - 20m) and offshore vessels (designed for open ocean conditions).

All vessels used need to comply with the safety and licensing and registration requirements for the

relevant authorities present in the area of work (Roads and Maritime Services RMS for all NSW

based work).


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5. Safety - Overview As has been mentioned throughout this document, safety is always a primary concerns during diving

operations. This means not only complying with all relevant regulatory bodies and legal

requirements, but also promoting a general, safety conscious attitude among members of a dive

crew/team.

In order to understand safety in diving works it is important for stakeholders to understand the

hazards and risks related to commercial diving works from a statistical and historical perspective.

Mitigation of risks is best handled using a system which is based on analysis of high risk hazards and

features of work and methods for actively mitigating those risks.

The following table is an example of activities which are perceived to pose high risks:

Activity Risks Mitigation Strategies

Works in the vicinity of pressure differential (suction). This may include pumps, inlets, dams, and any other system which may produce a suction effect on a diver.

Risks associated with pressure differentials are those relating to the safety of the diver. If a pressure differential is activated while a diver is in the vicinity it may cause serious injury or even fatality.

The mitigation strategies for pressure differentials are highly reliant on the education of external operators. Lockouts are placed on all relevant operation points before diving work begins. If these are misunderstood or ignored through ignorance on the behalf of an operator then a risk returns.

Crane movements and slewing loads over water.

Loads being moved in an unsafe manner around a submerged diver leading to harm. This risk is mainly due to a lack of communication between operators.

Clear communications between the crane operator and diving supervisor. Constant communications between the diving supervisor and the diver.

These risks are those which are seen by the industry and the divers to pose the most risk to the

health and safety of workers and therefore are an important focus point for safety documentation.

Conversely there are risks which are often associated with commercial diving from external influence

which, although taken into consideration, do not pose a likely risk to divers. Examples of these

include:

Danger from Aquatic Creatures - The main issues pertaining to the safety and wellbeing of

workers in the commercial diving industry are related to communicative issues and human

error. Injuries which may be caused by sea creatures are generally not a consideration for

commercial diving operations. This is due to the fact that is poses an extremely low

statistical threat to the safety and wellbeing of a diver. Additionally, precautions are

inadvertently taken through the use of protective dive equipment which will protect divers

against stings and nips from aggressive sea creatures.


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6. On-Site

6.1 Transport Transportation of personnel, equipment and machinery is carried out generally using company

vehicles. If larger equipment or transportation needs are present then these are outsourced to

certified companies. The majority of the equipment used is able to be lifted and relocated by

members of the dive team. For heavier or more awkward objects the vehicle mounted cranes may

be used so safety lift and place the equipment/machinery.

6.2 Mobilisation The setup of the equipment is an important factor for both safety and efficiency, the diving

supervisor will make a decision based on their assessment of the surrounding environment and likely

conditions as to the most appropriate setup.

6.2.1 Boat

Boats will normally be setup before arriving on a project. The flat bottom aluminium boats have

customised features which make the working area safer whilst maximising working space. These

include specialised features for hoses, gas bottles and other essential equipment.

6.2.2 Shore

If working from a vessel is not required then the dive spread may be set up on the shore. The area

used for this will be assessed by the dive supervisor and the decision as to the location of the

different equipment will be determined.

6.3 Diving works Once the working platform as been established and the equipment is mobilised the diving works can

begin. The outlines for different aspects of diving works are included below.

6.3.1. Authorisation

Essential to inform Ports Authority, RMS, or other relevant authority of intended diving operations in

or near a shipping channel.

Ensure all parties are informed where potential pressure differential exists: i.e. shutdown pumps,

lock out engines on ships and vessels etc

Permits to work are completed before commencement of any diving works.

6.3.1 Communication

6.3.1.1 Diver

Communication between the diver and the dive crew is maintained through verbal, visual and

experience based communication. The diver will be in contact with the diving supervisor or the

diving attendant through the use of internal speakers in the dive helmet.

6.3.1.2 Crew

Diving works are often noisy and the use of ear protection means communication is often achieved

through hand signals. These signals are established before works commence and are simple, easily

distinguishable gestures which effectively convey information from one team member to the next.


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6.3.1.3 Other

Communication between the diving vessel and other water vessels is achieved through a visual

signalling. This generally in the form of a diving flag which is displayed in an elevated position on the

boat and if necessary in additional positions near the site to ensure passing vessels are able to view

it. Other forms of communication include the placement of channel markers, buoy's and other

means of communication to ensure the working area is safe for the diver(s).

6.4 Environment A large majority of diving works carried out are in habited marine environments with active eco-

systems. As a result, diving works are regulated by different environmental bodies to ensure that the

works completed have a minimal impact of flora and fauna. This is added to with precautions taken

by divers and supervisors to minimise the footprint of works carried out and cause minimal

disruption to the natural state of the environment. In scenarios where it is necessary to disturb

surrounding environments a habitat study may be carried out prior to works. Other precautions may

include the use of silt catchment screens and curtains.

Divers are also made aware of different pest species of weeds and fish so they may be able to

report them to the appropriate habitat authority to be further investigated. It should be noted that

as a general statement a lot of commercial divers also dive for fun in their spare time and therefore

value the preservation of the environments they visit recreationally.

7. Maintenance The company operates a computerized planned maintenance system which is compliant with or

exceeds relevant standards and manufacturers schedules. All maintenance on equipment and

machinery is done so to the regulations prescribed by Australian standards as well as suggested

maintenance periods as described by manufacturers.

Documents

Introduction to commercial Diving to Diving..pdf · Introduction to Commercial Diving 15' The Diving Co PTY LTD 4 1. Introduction The commercial diving industry is a small niche industry