ADAS Schools Update
There have recently been changes to ADAS training facilities with one school expanding into Western Australia and another no longer offering ADAS training courses.
Safety
Two safety events reported from IMCA include the tragic death of a dive instructor caused by incorrect valve threads on a diving cylinder, and a near miss incident where a diver’s umbilical became trapped. We also share an update from Safe Work Australia on managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
IMCA Updates
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.
Change to ADAS certification fees
At a recent meeting of the ADAS Board of Directors, the decision was made to increase ADAS certification fees by 20%. In ADAS' twenty year history, the price of ADAS certification fees has only increased once, which occurred in 2008.
Reminder on Logbook Maintenance
International contactors have begun enforcing logbook maintenance, including refusal for divers to go into Saturation if logs have not been maintained.
Grants for Workplace Safety Initiatives
WorkSafe Victoria has awarded over AUD$2 million in funding to reduce workplace harm and improve outcomes for injured workers.
Major Revision of Key IMCA Documents
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has revised and updated the principal documents within its DESIGN (Diving Equipment Systems Inspection Guidance Note) suite of documents.
Safety
Three safety events have been reported in recent IMCA Safety Flashes, and WorkSafe Victoria provides a reminder on the hazards associated with filling SCUBA cylinders.
Executive Assists on Diving Research Project
In a welcome change from the office, the Executive Director recently took leave from ADAS to volunteer as a diver for a project led by University of Sydney on One Tree island off the Queensland coast.
International Updates – IDRCF Meets, South African Certifications Update
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.