Safety Flash
Near-miss: Unintentional release of diving helmet – neck dam/helmet securing arrangements
Near-miss: Unintentional release of diving helmet – neck dam/helmet securing arrangements
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 20/16
- Competence and TrainingDivingHuman Factors
- Human factors
- Diving operations
- Breathing apparatus
- Competence and trainingEvacuation, escape and rescuePositive retention and reliable securingPre-use checks
- Subsea
Summary
A Kirby Morgan 37 helmet separated from its neck dam during a dive in 9 m water, causing minor ingress. The diver returned safely. Investigation found no identifiable helmet defects and suggested incorrect fitting by the tender. Lessons cover repeated pre-entry checks, approved lock-pin sleeves, emergency access and continued complacency training.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Diving operations; diving; commercial diving.
Classifications: Breathing apparatus; SCBA; self-contained breathing apparatus.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Positive retention and reliable securing.
Classifications: Pre-use checks; pre-use inspection.
Classifications: Subsea; underwater worksite.
Summary
A diving helmet partially released underwater because its securing arrangement was not fitted correctly before entry.
IMCA SF 20/16. Themes: competence and training, diving, human factors.