News relevant to ADAS diver employers
There has been an increase in medicals issued by doctors who are not qualified to issue occupational diver medicals. It is important that hyperbaric workers ensure their doctor is properly qualified.
Two divers and one company director have been sanctioned by HSE UK for exaggerating credentials, and cautioned for fraud by UK Police.
A Victorian diving company that conducts water tank and irrigation inspections and repairs has been fined $730,000 by WorkSafe for repeatedly putting workers' lives in danger.
NOPSEMA is inviting expressions of interest to join their Community and Environment Reference Group (CERG), particularly those who can provide local community or regional perspectives.
Employers and contractors are reminded to always read both sides of ADAS cards to check the certifications of the card holder, and submit verification enquires to ADAS by email.
The Offshore Infrastructure Regulator (OIR) is a new body established to oversee the offshore renewables industry in Australian Commonwealth waters.
New and updated documentation is now available to download from IMCA on a range of topics including the International Code of Practice for offshore diving; guidance on prevention and mitigation of lost bell emergencies; and protection of water intake points for diver safety.
There have recently been changes to ADAS training facilities with one school expanding into Western Australia and another no longer offering ADAS training courses.
IMCA has published two new Guidance documents: the first provides information and guidance on the provision, acceptance and handling of breathing gases for diving, the second on protecting divers during underwater excavations. Additionally, IMCA Contractor Members are invited to submit Safety Statistics for 2022.
After two years of virtual remote meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IDRCF and EDTC were able to meet face-to-face again in September 2022 in Marseille, France. In other news, the South African Department of Labour (SADOL) has introduced a legal requirement for commercial diving personnel to register with SADOL and revalidate that registration every four years.