Following feedback received from diving contractors and other interested parties, NOPSEMA has published for public comment a draft revision of its Diving guidelines – Complying with the diving safety regulations. The draft revision is the first step of a review process.

During the drafting process, NOPSEMA identified a number of issues that would benefit from further industry discussion to see if consensus on approaches can be achieved.

NOPSEMA will be engaging an independent diving subject matter expert to consult with the diving industry, international regulators and Australian government departments. This consultation may take the form of individual meetings, small group workshops or a larger forum.

Diving activities are covered under Chapter 4 (Diving) of the Commonwealth Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Safety) Regulations 2009.

Before commencing diving work that forms part of a diving project, a diving contractor must have a diving safety management system (DSMS) that is accepted and current.

Once the DSMS is accepted and there is a contract in place with an operator, the diving contractor and operator together prepare a diving project plan (DPP). The operator must approve the diving project plan for use in the execution of the scope of diving operations.

To provide feedback on the draft guideline, please submit comments to safetycaseguidance@nopsema.gov.au by no later than COB Friday, 24 July 2020.

NOPSEMA will consider all feedback provided during the public comment period and, where necessary, contact stakeholders for further clarification.