Diving operations record

List of particulars to be included in the diving operation record

Contents

Guidance

Under regulation 6(4) of The Diving at Work Regulations 1997 (DWR)(1), the Health and Safety Executive (the Executive) may approve in writing such particulars to be included in the diving operation record required to be kept in accordance with regulation 6(3)(e); and any such approval may be given generally or in respect of any diving project or class of diving projects. Approvals generally come into force on the date that they are signed and remain in force until such time as they are revoked in writing by a person authorised in that regard by the Health and Safety Executive.

Duties of the diving contractor

Under regulation 6(3)(e), the diving contractor shall ensure that a record containing the required particulars is kept for each diving operation; and under regulation 6(3)(f), the diving contractor shall retain the diving operation record in his possession for at least two years after the date of the last entry in it.

Duties of the supervisor

Under regulation 10(1)(c), the supervisor shall, in respect of the diving operation for which he has been appointed as supervisor, enter in the diving operation record the particulars required by regulation 6(4) during the course of the operation.

The required particulars

The listed required particulars in the schedules attached to the approval are the minimum that should be included in the diving operation record. The diving contractor is at liberty to add additional particulars.

How to obtain copies of the list

The list is available from the Diving Operations Strategy Team, and is also reproduced below.

Diving at work regulations 1997

Approved 'required particulars' under regulation 6(4)

On behalf of the Health and Safety Executive I hereby approve under regulation 6(4) of The Diving at Work Regulations 1997 ("DWR")(2) the 'required particulars' specified in Schedules 1 to 7 of this document, for the purposes of regulation 6(3)(e) of DWR.

The list of particulars to be included in the diving operation record as of 7 May 1999 is revoked and this approval shall come into operation on the date on which it is signed and shall remain in force until such time as it is revoked in writing by a person authorised in that regard by the Health and Safety Executive.

Date:20 May 2003
Chris Sherman: A person authorised to perform functions under Regulation 6(4) of the Diving at Work Regulations 1997 on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive.

Offshore diving projects

The class of offshore diving projects(3) is defined as all diving projects:

  1. at sea outside the United Kingdom territorial waters adjacent to Great Britain (generally 12 nautical miles from the low water line), which are covered by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 2013. This will include all diving operations in UK designated areas of the continental shelf undertaken in connection with offshore installations, energy structures eg wind farms, emerging energy technologies (EETs), wells and pipeline works, and with those parts of mines which extend outside the 12-mile limit;
  2. at sea off, or in connection with, offshore installations and pipeline works within the 12-mile limit;
  3. where closed bell or saturation diving techniques are used;
  4. from vessels maintaining station by the use of dynamic positioning.

HSE approves the following required particulars to be included in the diving operation record for the class of offshore diving projects:

  1. Name and address of the diving contractor.
  2. Date to which entry relates and name of the supervisor or supervisors (an entry must be completed daily by each supervisor for each diving operation).
  3. Location of the diving operation, including the name of any vessel or installation from which diving is taking place.
  4. Names of those taking part in the diving operation as divers and other members of the dive team.
  5. Approved Code of Practice that applies to the diving operation.
  6. Purpose of the diving operation.
  7. Breathing apparatus and breathing mixture used by each diver in the diving operation.
  8. Time at which each diver leaves atmospheric pressure and returns to atmospheric pressure plus his bottom time.
  9. Maximum depth which each diver reached.
  10. Decompression schedule containing details of the pressures (or depths) and the duration of time spent by divers at those pressures (or depths) during decompression.
  11. Emergency support arrangements.
  12. Any emergency or incident of special note which occurred during the diving operation, including details of any decompression illness and the treatment given.
  13. Details of the pre-dive inspection of all plant and equipment being used in the diving operation.
  14. Any defect recorded in the functioning of any plant used in the diving operation.
  15. Particulars of any relevant environmental factors during the operation.
  16. Any other factors likely to affect the safety or health of any persons engaged in the operation.
  17. Name and signature of the supervisor completing the record.
  18. Affix company stamp (if appropriate).

Inland/inshore diving projects

The class of inland/inshore diving projects(4) is defined as diving projects in support of civil engineering or marine-related projects and fish farming:

  1. inshore within United Kingdom  territorial waters adjacent to Great Britain (generally 12 nautical miles from the low water line) which are covered by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 2013(5);
  2. inland in Great Britain including in docks, harbours, rivers, culverts, canals, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and tanks other than (c) below;
  3. inland in Great Britain in a tank or pool artificially constructed for the purpose of swimming, diving or use as an aquarium;

but does not include diving projects:

  1. deeper than 50 metres;
  2. at sea off, or in connection with, offshore installations and pipeline works within the 12-mile limit;
  3. where closed bell or saturation diving techniques are used;
  4. from vessels maintaining station by the use of dynamic positioning,

for which the class of offshore diving projects is required.

HSE approves the following required particulars to be included in the diving operation record for the class of inland/inshore diving projects:

  1. Name and address of the diving contractor.
  2. Date to which entry relates and name of the supervisor or supervisors (an entry must be completed daily by each supervisor for each diving operation).
  3. Location of the diving operation, including the name of any vessel or installation from which diving is taking place.
  4. Names of those taking part in the diving operation as divers and other members of the dive team.
  5. Approved Code of Practice that applies to the diving operation.
  6. Purpose of the diving operation.
  7. Breathing apparatus and breathing mixture used by each diver in the diving operation.
  8. Time at which each diver leaves atmospheric pressure and returns to atmospheric pressure plus his bottom time.
  9. Maximum depth which each diver reached.
  10. Decompression schedule containing details of the pressures (or depths) and the duration of time spent by divers at those pressures (or depths) during decompression.
  11. Emergency support arrangements.
  12. Any emergency or incident of special note which occurred during the diving operation, including details of any decompression illness and the treatment given.
  13. Details of the pre-dive inspection of all plant and equipment being used in the diving operation.
  14. Any defect recorded in the functioning of any plant used in the diving operation.
  15. Particulars of any relevant environmental factors during the operation.
  16. Any other factors likely to affect the safety or health of any persons engaged in the operation.
  17. Name and signature of the supervisor completing the record.
  18. Affix company stamp (if appropriate).

Shellfish diving projects

The class of Shellfish diving projects(6) is defined as diving projects for shellfish:

  1. inshore within United Kingdom  territorial waters adjacent to Great Britain (generally 12 nautical miles from the low water line) which are covered by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 2013.(7);
  2. inland in Great Britain including in rivers, lakes, ponds and reservoirs;

but does not include diving projects:

  1. deeper than 50 metres;
  2. where closed bell or saturation diving techniques are used;
  3. from vessels maintaining station by the use of dynamic positioning,

for which the class of Offshore Diving Projects is required.

HSE approves the following required particulars to be included in the diving operation record for the class of Shellfish diving projects:

  1. Name and address of the diving contractor.
  2. Date to which entry relates and name of the supervisor or supervisors (an entry must be completed daily by each supervisor for each diving operation).
  3. Location of the diving operation, including the name of any vessel or installation from which diving is taking place.
  4. Names of those taking part in the diving operation as divers and other members of the dive team.
  5. Approved Code of Practice that applies to the diving operation.
  6. Purpose of the diving operation.
  7. Breathing apparatus and breathing mixture used by each diver in the diving operation.
  8. Time at which each diver leaves atmospheric pressure and returns to atmospheric pressure plus his bottom time.
  9. Maximum depth which each diver reached.
  10. Decompression schedule containing details of the pressures (or depths) and the duration of time spent by divers at those pressures (or depths) during decompression.
  11. Emergency support arrangements.
  12. Any emergency or incident of special note which occurred during the diving operation, including details of any decompression illness and the treatment given.
  13. Details of the pre-dive inspection of all plant and equipment being used in the diving operation.
  14. Any defect recorded in the functioning of any plant used in the diving operation.
  15. Particulars of any relevant environmental factors during the operation.
  16. Any other factors likely to affect the safety or health of any persons engaged in the operation.
  17. Name and signature of the supervisor completing the record.
  18. Affix company stamp (if appropriate).

Scientific and archaeological diving projects

The class of scientific and archaeological diving projects(8) is defined as diving projects inland in Great Britain and inshore within United Kingdom territorial sea adjacent to Great Britain (generally 12 nautical miles from the low water line) which is covered by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 2013(9), in support of:

  1. archaeology including:
    1. investigation of sites of historic interest;
    2. investigation of the analysis of physical remains;
    3. the recovery from such sites of articles for preservation and further analysis(10);
    4. education instruction;
  2. scientific research or scientific educational instruction;

but does not include diving projects:

  1. where closed bell or saturation diving techniques are used;
  2. from vessels maintaining station by the use of dynamic positioning,

for which the class of Offshore Diving Projects is required.

HSE approves the following required particulars to be included in the diving operation record for the class of scientific and archaeological diving projects:

  1. The name of the diving contractor.
  2. The dates on which and the period during which the diving operation was carried on.
  3. The name or other designation of the craft or work site in connection with which the diving operation was carried on and the location of that craft or work site.
  4. The name of the diving supervisor and the period for which he is acting in that capacity in respect of that diving operation.
  5. The names of the other persons engaged in the diving operation including those operating any diving plant or equipment and their respective duties.
  6. The arrangements for emergency support.
  7. The requirements for first aid personnel and equipment.
  8. The procedures followed in the course of the diving operation including details of the decompression schedule used.
  9. The maximum depth reached in the course of the operation for each diver.
  10. For each diver, in respect of each dive he makes, the time he leaves the surface, his bottom time (that is the period from the time he leave the surface until he starts to ascend) and the time he reaches the surface.
  11. The type of breathing apparatus and mixture used.
  12. The nature of the diving operation.
  13. Any decompression sickness, other illness, discomfort or injury suffered by any of the divers.
  14. Particulars of any emergency which occurred during the diving operation and any action taken.
  15. Confirmation that all equipment used has been checked immediately prior to the dive conforms with the maintenance schedule.
  16. Any defects that are discovered in any plant or equipment used in the diving operations.
  17. Particulars of any environmental factors affecting the diving operation.
  18. Any other factors relevant to the safety or health of persons engaged in the operation.

Media diving projects

The class of media diving projects is defined as diving projects inland in Great Britain and inshore  within United Kingdom  territorial waters adjacent to Great Britain (generally 12 nautical miles from the low water line) which are covered by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 2013, in support of underwater work by media divers but does not include diving projects:

  1. to prepare underwater locations that require engineering and construction skills or the handling or use of explosives, for which the class of inshore/inland diving projects is required;
  2. where closed bell or saturation diving techniques are to be used, for which the class of offshore diving projects is required;
  3. from vessels maintaining station by the use of dynamic positioning, for which the class of offshore diving projects is required.

HSE approves the following required particulars to be included in the diving operation record for the class of media diving projects:

  1. Name and address of the diving contractor.
  2. Date to which entry relates and name of the supervisors (an entry must be completed daily by each supervisor for each diving operation).
  3. Location of the diving operation, including the name of any vessel from which diving is taking place.
  4. Names of those taking part in the diving operation as divers and other members of the dive team.
  5. Approved Code of Practice that applies to the diving operation.
  6. Purpose of the diving operation.
  7. Breathing apparatus and breathing mixture used by each diver in the diving operation.
  8. Time at which each diver leaves atmospheric pressure and returns to atmospheric pressure plus his bottom time.
  9. Maximum depth which each diver reached.
  10. Decompression schedule containing details of pressures (or depths) and the duration of time spent by divers at those pressures (or depths) during decompression.
  11. Any emergency or incident of special note which occurred during the diving operation, including details of any decompression illness and the treatment given.
  12. Details of the pre-dive checks of all plant and equipment being used in the diving operation.
  13. Any defect recorded in the functioning of any plant used in the diving operation.
  14. Particulars of any relevant environmental factors during the diving operation.
  15. Any other factors likely to affect the safety or health of any persons engaged in the diving operation.
  16. Name and signature of the supervisor completing the record.
  17. Any company stamp should be affixed.

Recreational diving projects

The class of recreational diving projects(11) is defined as diving projects inland in Great Britain and inshore within United Kingdom territorial sea adjacent to Great Britain (generally 12 nautical miles from the low water line) which is covered by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 2013(12) where the equipment and techniques are confined to free swimming using SCUBA in support of:

  1. the instruction and/or guidance of persons diving for recreational diving, that is diving carried out by a person for recreational purposes whilst not at work;
  2. recreational journalism undertaken for commissions and producing articles, including stills photography, for the recreational diving press only;

but does not include diving projects:

  1. where closed bell or saturation diving techniques are used;
  2. from vessels maintaining station by the use of dynamic positioning,

for which the class of offshore diving projects is required.

HSE approves the following required particulars to be included in the diving operation record for the class of recreational diving projects:

  1. Description of the dive.
  2. The names of those taking part and their dive qualifications.
  3. The date, time and location.
  4. Maximum depth attained by each diver and their bottom time or dive time.
  5. The decompression schedule being used.
  6. A record that the equipment has been checked prior to the dive(13) to ensure that it is fit for purpose, in a serviceable condition, and working correctly. For divers using their own diving equipment this includes confirmation from the diver that their equipment has been serviced in accordance with the appropriate equipment supplier's service schedule and that their cylinders are in date for periodic test and inspection.

Police diving projects

The class of police diving projects is defined as diving projects inland in Great Britain and inshore within United Kingdom territorial sea adjacent to Great Britain (generally 12 nautical miles from the low water line) which is covered by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 2013(14) in support of:

  1. diving projects undertaken by constables and civilian employees of a Police Authority in connection with investigations under its statutory undertaking;
  2. diving projects undertaken by constables and civilian employees of a Police Authority on behalf of Crown Agents, HM Customs and Excise and any other agencies in connection with investigations under their statutory undertakings;

but does not include diving projects:

  1. deeper than 50 metres;
  2. where closed bell or saturation diving techniques are used;
  3. from vessels maintaining station by the use of dynamic positioning,

for which the class of Offshore Diving Projects is required.

If it is decided to use divers other than constables and civilian employees of a Police Authority, then the relevant approved class of diving projects is required.

HSE approves the following required particulars to be included in the diving operation record for the class of police diving projects:

  1. Name and address of the diving contractor.
  2. Date to which entry relates and name of the supervisor or supervisors (an entry must be completed daily by each supervisor for each diving operation).
  3. Location of the diving operation, including the name of any vessel from which diving is taking place.
  4. Names of those taking part in the diving operation as divers and other members of the dive team.
  5. Approved Code of Practice that applies to the diving operation.
  6. Purpose of the diving operation.
  7. Breathing apparatus and breathing mixture used by each diver in the diving operation.
  8. Time at which each diver leaves atmospheric pressure and returns to atmospheric pressure plus his bottom time.
  9. Maximum depth which each diver reached.
  10. Decompression schedule containing details of the pressures (or depths) and the duration of time spent by divers at those pressures (or depths) during decompression.
  11. Emergency support arrangements.
  12. Any emergency or incident of special note which occurred during the diving operation, including details of any decompression illness and the treatment given.
  13. Details of the pre-dive inspection of all equipment being used in the diving operation.
  14. Any defect recorded in the functioning of any equipment used in the diving operation.
  15. Particulars of any relevant environmental factors during the diving operation.
  16. Any other factors likely to affect the safety or health of any persons engaged in the diving operation.
  17. Name and signature of the supervisor completing the record.
  1. S.I. 1997 No. 2776. Back
  2. S.I. 1997 No. 2776. Back
  3. See also: Commercial diving projects offshore: Diving at Work Regulations 1997, Approved Code of Practice. Back
  4. See also Commercial diving projects inland/inshore: Diving at Work Regulations 1997, Approved Code of Practice. Back
  5. S.I. 2013 No.240. Back
  6. See also Commercial shellfish diving in inshore water Diving at Work Regulations 1997. Back
  7. S.I. 2013 No.240. Back
  8. See also Scientific and archaeological diving projects: Diving at Work Regulations 1997, Approved Code of Practice. Back
  9. S.I. 2013 No.240. Back
  10. The recovery of items other than for scientific or archaeological purposes is likely to be covered by the class of Inland/Inshore Diving. Back
  11. See also Recreational diving projects: The Diving at Work Regulations 1997, Approved Code of Practice. Back
  12. S.I. 2013 No.240. Back
  13. 'checked prior to the dive' means 'checked by the supervisor or other competent person designated by the dive contractor prior to each day's diving'. Back
  14. S.I. 2013 No.240. Back
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Updated 2023-04-04