Activity
Diving Operations
Work involving divers underwater and supporting diving operations.
Newest 100 Documents
All 240 in search- 202628 Apr
Diver entanglement – umbilical caught around an anode
A diver’s umbilical snagged on a conductor-shaft anode at 18 msw after tidal current pushed it towards the structure. Slack allowed in-water decompression to continue while a stand-by diver freed the line. Planned diving time was not exceeded. The flash highlights attention to local environmental conditions and situational awareness.
- 202628 Apr
Diver entanglement – uncontrolled equipment in the water column
During shallow-water welding, a diver’s bail-out regulator became entangled in a rope supporting a rubber mat and welding rods. Swell moved the suspended items uncontrollably. A stand-by diver freed him within the planned diving time. The flash highlights loose-rope avoidance, tool positioning and possible use of lockable carabiners.
- 202622 Jan
Dropped GRP cover during subsea lifting
A GRP manifold cover detached during subsea relocation and dropped approximately 7 m, without injury or damage to the manifold or bottom structure. Findings identified excessive loading during a crane mode transition and erroneous lifting-rod calculations. Revised lift planning removed the mode switch and used deployment lifting points; keeping divers clear prevented potential serious injury.
- 202516 Oct
Fatal injury to a recreational diver following contact with the motor vessel Karin operating as a recreational dive support vessel
Investigates a recreational diver’s fatal propeller strike during a drift decompression stop in Scapa Flow. Examines Karin’s obstructed forward visibility, ineffective lookout, marker-buoy attachment, vessel coordination and absent documented safety arrangements. Recommendations address harbour oversight, while the annexed bulletin discusses safe vessel separation and hand-held marker-buoy lines.
- 20252 Oct
Grounding and subsequent loss of the dive support vessel Jean Elaine
Investigation of Jean Elaine’s grounding and subsequent loss in Saint Peter’s Pool, Orkney, during scientific diving support. It examines inadequate passage planning, reliance on an unapproved tablet navigation application, ineffective coordination and unchecked certification. Poor hull condition likely contributed to failure after grounding; university and project procedures were subsequently revised.
- 202514 Aug
Brazil: diver permanently disabled after decompression illness
A Brazilian diver suffered permanent disability following decompression illness after underwater inspection and maintenance at 26 m. The flash describes a malfunctioning hyperbaric chamber, delayed treatment elsewhere, and deficiencies in emergency planning, transport and communication. It highlights related IMCA guidance on therapeutic deck decompression chamber operations.
- 202514 Aug
Diver reports unwell post-dive: non-decompression illness
A diver developed severe nausea and dizziness about an hour after surfacing. Recompression and medical examination identified dangerously high blood sugar; decompression illness was ruled out and hyperglycaemia suspected. The flash describes revised chamber treatment, evacuation ashore and recommendations on declaring medical conditions, recognising symptoms and maintaining fitness.
- 202531 Jul
Dive chamber procedures and operations
A chamber operator began venting an outer lock while a diver remained inside following surface decompression diving. Recompression and treatment for omitted decompression followed; the diver remained asymptomatic. The flash examines assumptions, poor visibility and missing transfer checks, stressing diver signals and operator and supervisor verification before venting.
- 202531 Jul
Diver sustains laceration to right hand
A diver retrieving tooling during air/nitrox diving at 18 m suffered a deep right-thumb laceration when vessel movement parted a weak link and drew his hand towards a snatch block. The flash describes downline slack, hand positioning, full recovery, and changes to the downline arrangement and tool bag to reduce line-of-fire exposure.
- 202512 Jun
Diving Guidelines - Diving Safety Management Systems and Diving Project Plans
Guidance for preparing diving safety management systems and project-specific diving plans under OPGGS and OEI regulations. It addresses hazard assessment, operational procedures, competence, maintenance, workforce consultation and change management. Emergency provisions include diving bell rescue and evacuation of saturation divers while maintaining pressure, alongside monitoring, investigation and audit requirements.
- 20253 Apr
Incidents occurring during decommissioning
This safety flash compiles decommissioning incidents involving offshore structures, lifting and diving work. Cases include falling loads, damaged rigging, structural collapse, chemical exposure and underwater burning. It summarises breaches of selected life-saving rules and records a riser recovery incident in which personnel remained clear of the lifting area and escaped injury.
- 20256 Mar
Diver lifted off seabed
A diver’s umbilical snagged on another bell’s clump weight, lifting the diver approximately 4–5 m above the seabed during adjustment. Services remained intact. The flash describes stopping the operation and clearing the umbilical, and recommends second-diver or ROV monitoring when divers pass close to objects being lifted.
- 20256 Mar
Divers helmet struck and damaged subsea by crane hook
A crane hook slipped from a pipe handling frame during subsea spool tie-in work in poor visibility, striking and irreparably damaging a diver’s reclaim helmet without injury. The flash identifies insufficient pennant length and discusses safe separation, position monitoring, reinforced communication, rigging inspections and revised task hazard analysis.
- 20241 Dec
Ed Offshore Diving Inspection Guide
Guidance for offshore diving inspectors on examining duty holders’ diving arrangements and judging regulatory compliance. It covers pre-visit documentation, offshore inspections and five-yearly diving management reviews, including contractor competence and system assurance. Enforcement expectations and performance scoring support consistent recording of findings and prioritisation of future interventions.
- 2024Aug
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 7 (August 2024)
Six superyacht reports examine tender lifting-point failure, fouled anchors near a lee shore, an open shell door, a fall during window cleaning and unsafe diving arrangements. Commentary emphasises thorough risk assessment, properly completed work permits, reliable equipment, crew communication and isolation during underwater maintenance.
- 202416 Jul
Loss of pressure to diver’s primary air supply
A diver was recovered safely after primary air supply pressure fell. Surface testing traced regulator sticking to dried lubricant restricting the sensing assembly, particularly during light breathing. The flash discusses supervisory intervention, insufficient internal servicing, regulator rotation and increased six-monthly maintenance, testing and cleaning.
- 202427 Jun
Safety warning issued following contact between a diving support boat and a recreational diver with loss of 1 life
This bulletin examines a fatal recreational diving accident in Scapa Flow, almost certainly involving Karin’s rotating propeller. It highlights an unseen delayed surface marker buoy during drift decompression, dedicated lookouts, safe vessel standoff and coordination between boats. Divers should hold buoy lines rather than attach them to themselves.
- 202416 Apr
Main bell wire rope failed destructive test
A diving support vessel’s main bell wire rope failed annual destructive testing after 245 bell runs. Investigation linked reduced load-bearing capacity to poor ductility from strain ageing and identified procurement outside company integrity arrangements. The flash calls for compliance with wire rope integrity requirements and oversight of chartered third-party vessels.
- 202427 Mar
Loss of heading control on an FPU during diving operations
A floating production unit lost heading control during diving operations when a steering pump failed to start automatically during greasing. Only one thruster was available. Divers were recovered safely. The flash examines maintenance coordination, work permits, risk assessment and communication, and calls for changes to the company SIMOPS matrix.
- 20249 Jan
Diver in the bell hit by falling object
A diver sustained minor head and shoulder injuries when a partially frozen water bottle fell into a diving bell transfer lock after its handle broke. Bottles were being used for cooling without a change risk assessment. Actions included updating change management and risk assessment, and starting arrangements for a bell chiller.
- 20249 Jan
Divers lifted off seabed by Clump Weight
During subsea diving, taut wire recovery pulled two divers from the seabed to 18 m above their maximum excursion depth, risking pressure-induced injuries. Both reported well after transfer and tests. The flash identifies communication failures and missing lift planning, and describes revised diver-clearance requirements, repeat-back instructions and stop-work measures.
- 202327 Nov
Compressed air rather than oxygen supplied to divers
This safety flash describes divers receiving compressed air instead of oxygen through their built-in breathing system, with two decompression illnesses reported. It examines incorrect gas-quad identification, missing oxygen-fraction checks and an analyser coverage gap. Lessons address supplier oversight, technical competence, investigation training and gas-management verification.
- 20233 Aug
Unexpected descent and ascent of mattress lifting frame
A mattress handling frame descended and abruptly ascended near divers during crane operations in active heave compensation mode. No injuries or damage occurred. The flash identifies controller-lock software interactions, obsolete operating manuals and inadequate familiarisation, with actions addressing revision control, operator briefings and protection of the controller-lock button.
- 202324 Jul
Restricted air supply to diver
A diver recovery drill was aborted after uneven basket recovery strained and kinked a standby diver’s umbilical, restricting his main air supply and prompting bailout. Both divers reached the surface safely. The flash identifies communication, planning and supervision shortcomings, and emphasises umbilical management and incorporating incident learning into procedures.
- 20231 Jul
Crew member in small boat slipped and dislocated shoulder
A crew member kneeling in a diving workboat dislocated his shoulder while bracing against its internal structure after the boat pitched into a mooring buoy. The flash identifies gaps in risk assessment and project planning, and calls for consideration of instinctual behaviour and review of small-boat safety briefings.
- 20231 Jul
Small boat crew exposed to FPSO process water discharge (fumes and aerosol)
Deck crews supporting diving at a live FPSO developed symptoms after exposure to process-water fumes and aerosols. Increased discharge and changing wind conditions were not adequately communicated or recognised. The flash describes stopping work, medical examination and follow-up, and calls for improved briefings, risk assessment and consideration of discharge diversion.
- 202324 May
Hand injury in medical airlock
A life support technician injured a finger when a stiff dive-chamber medical airlock hatch moved suddenly, trapping his hand between an operating-wheel brace and the hinge plate. Actions included door lubrication, planned maintenance, hand-placement warnings and instructions, and demonstrations during vessel familiarisation.
- 202324 May
Loss of redundancy in diving bell launch and recovery PLC system
A diving bell launch and recovery system lost automatic PLC redundancy when a synchronisation module developed a faulty transmitting diode. Unavailable spares delayed repair. Following risk assessment and successful testing of independent processors and manual changeover, the vessel resumed work using temporary manual redundancy. Automatic redundancy was subsequently restored in port.
- 202316 May
Differential pressure: Dummy choke ejected close to divers
A dummy choke insert was expelled by differential pressure during replacement work near two divers, who remained unharmed. The flash examines absent local venting, misunderstood pressure readings and unclear release expectations. It recommends explicit procedures and risk assessments, isolation training, confirmation of an open local vent and clarification of questionable instructions.
- 202313 Mar
Lift bag near miss
A lift bag escaped its intended rigging during spool over-boarding and was arrested by contingency rigging. The flash examines inappropriate attachment, undocumented rigging changes, unclear diver communications and task-generic procedures. Lessons emphasise single-person rigging accountability, task-specific instructions, reduced multitasking and thorough communication during personnel changes.
- 202327 Feb
Near miss: Foreign body in diver’s helmet, resulting in fall of gas pressure
A diver at 18 m experienced reduced breathing gas pressure. Bailout gas did not resolve the problem, but free flow restored suitable pressure. A plastic shard from a broken cleaning pot was found in the helmet regulator. The flash highlights pre-dive checks, cleanliness and the member’s introduction of spray bottles.
- 202318 Jan
Diving instructor killed – incorrect valve threads
A diving instructor was fatally struck by a valve that detached from a cylinder during a dive. The cylinder’s G3/4 internal thread was incompatible with the valve’s M25x2 external thread. The flash advises members to follow IMCA guidance on diving cylinder and valve thread compatibility.
- 202311 Jan
Umbilical management – near miss
A diver’s umbilical became trapped when a pipeline rolled during crane-assisted removal of sleeper supports beneath a repair spool. The diver freed it and was unharmed. The flash identifies missing removal procedures, unrecognised umbilical hazards and absent change management, recommending a removal procedure and crew review.
- 2023
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 72 (Autumn 2023)
This maritime digest examines an averted mooring-line failure, a lithium-ion battery cargo fire, contractor fatigue, a diver’s propeller injury, tanker engine-control difficulties and a fisher’s overboard rescue. It discusses mooring design, dangerous-goods packing, rest arrangements, diver visibility, emergency teamwork and personal rescue equipment, alongside two improper cargo-stowage reports.
- 2023
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 3 (Summer 2023)
Superyacht incident reports examine missing atmospheric testing equipment, tender lifting-eyebolt failure, an unsafe hull inspection dive, a fall following release of a securing shackle, and an anchoring near miss. Commentary addresses enclosed-space entry, lifting-point specifications, risk assessment, supervision, authority gradients and communication during anchor handling.
- 202224 Oct
Damage to chain hoist subsea
During subsea clamp installation by divers, a centralising chain block became trapped at the clamp hinge, damaging a chain link but not the clamp. Worksite checks were insufficiently frequent, and procedures omitted entanglement and snagging prompts. The member revised procedures and raised awareness of chain-hoist snagging hazards.
- 20225 Sep
LTI: Diver suffered crush injury to finger
A diver injured his ring finger positioning a subsea tree panel during decommissioning when vessel heave moved the crane-supported load. The flash recommends hands-off lifting wherever possible, reviewing risk assessments where this is not possible or advisable, and providing guidance for choosing between crane and lift-bag methods.
- 202222 Jul
Flash fire on Oxygen gas quad hose
An oxygen supply change aboard a DSV was followed by a hose burst, explosion and flash fire. The technician closed valves after hearing an unfamiliar regulator noise. Investigation identified missing inlet filtration and accumulated rust particles contributing to ignition. A deck foreman extinguished the fire using dry powder.
- 202220 Jul
Bailout manifold failure
A diving bell bailout manifold failed under pressure with no divers inside. Forensic testing supported likely lateral loading from inappropriate securing, followed by stress corrosion cracking and internal corrosion. The flash describes suspended diving, bailout inspections, replacement with more robust assemblies and familiarity with planned maintenance tasks.
- 202231 May
Near miss: grinder disc rotation set up in the wrong direction
A diver’s pre-operational checks identified reversed disc rotation on a GR29 underwater grinder modified for left-handed cutting, creating a risk of the cutting disc lock nut coming off. Work stopped and the tool was quarantined. The flash describes changing handle and guard orientation while retaining the original rotation direction.
- 202231 May
Surface decompression near-miss
A surface decompression near-miss involved an unintended chamber depth reduction from 12msw to 5msw following a SURDO2 dive. Divers remained symptom-free. The account identifies an incompletely closed exhaust valve and supervisor distraction, and describes revised operating responsibilities, venting and depth alarms, and camera monitoring.
- 202221 Apr
COBRA System – Hose coupling cross threaded
A diving safety flash describes leakage from a COBRA hose coupling that was cross-threaded and subsequently pulled free during helmet removal in the bell. It examines restricted access and reliance on a green pressure indicator, highlighting coupling alignment awareness, visible-thread checks and a requested supplier review of the coupling mechanism.
- 202221 Apr
Diver experienced an air flow restriction
A surface-supplied diver experienced restricted air flow at 23msw and the dive was aborted without injury. Investigation identified a needle valve that failed to open properly, with possible overtightening linked to premature equipment fatigue. Actions included valve replacement, revised pre-dive checks and operating procedures, and a team emergency debrief.
- 202228 Jan
Incorrect as-built drawing configuration
Divers investigating leaks at a subsea manifold followed approved procedures based on incorrect client information. Fault-finding revealed a different jumper configuration, leaving only one unproven barrier during intervention. Work stopped pending confirmation of safety; the client investigated without identifying how the error arose, and amended drawings were formally approved.
- 202228 Jan
Near miss: Diver's umbilical drawn beneath a load
A diver’s umbilical was drawn beneath a GRP cover by suction during rigging hook-up. Vessel heave unexpectedly lifted the cover while crane active heave compensation was in use. The soft seabed prevented damage, with no service interruption or injuries. The risk assessment had not identified this umbilical movement hazard.
- 202119 Nov
Diver finger injury from Lionfish fin ray
A diver’s right thumb was punctured through a glove while trying to push away a lionfish. Recovery by diving bell enabled medical treatment. The flash describes glove suitability review, refresher training and risk assessment updates, alongside dive briefings, supervisor video monitoring and increased buddy watching for venomous fish.
- 20218 Nov
Failure of COBRA contents pressure gauge
A COBRA contents gauge detached while a diver vented the unit before charging in a bell hangar. Examination attributed thread failure to dynamic damage, likely from impacts during use. Actions included gauge inspection and replacement, monthly fitting-integrity checks, third-party examination and serialisation to improve traceability.
- 20218 Nov
Failure of first stage regulator low pressure (LP) blanking cap
A diver’s bailout regulator leaked after a low-pressure port blanking cap failed. The dive ended and both divers were recovered safely. The flash records replacement of caps and O-rings, specified torque checks in work orders, and assessment of regulators used for more than ten years for possible replacement.
- 202128 Oct
Unexpected movement of conductor during diver dredging operations
During diver dredging before conductor cutting, a conductor toppled at a severance point, leaving an umbilical spanning between conductors. Crane restraint and vessel manoeuvring enabled release without injury or damage. The flash identifies incomplete task information and recommends conductor restraint, data verification, revised risk assessment and improved change management.
- 202130 Jul
COBRA bailout system – guidance note
This safety flash summarises JFD’s investigation of lacquer blistering and excessive aluminium-neck corrosion in COBRA’s 2L composite cylinders. It distinguishes manufacturer assurances about lacquer defects from unresolved batch concerns, and advises external-condition checks whenever sets leave the dive system, with replacement and IDEST inspection before re-use where condition is questionable.
- 202122 Jul
Failure of dive chamber overhead door centre pin
A diving bell overhead-door hinge pin failed after the dive team left the entry lock. The pin fell into the unoccupied lock, without pressure loss. The door was lowered under control and divers transferred. Investigation remained ongoing; suspected factors included design, corrosion and cyclic fatigue. Similar doors should receive prompt crack checks.
- 202116 Jun
Failure of EGS valve stem on dive helmet
A diving helmet’s emergency gas valve handle broke during pre-dive inspection on deck. Laboratory analysis attributed the failure to pitting and chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking. After replacement and testing, the helmet returned to service. The company introduced scheduled dye penetrant testing and identified three further stems with stress-like indications.
- 20212 Jun
LTI: Hand injury during diving operations
A diver suffered a serious finger injury while two divers unbolted a floating hose flange at a single point mooring. An impact wrench was started before the colleague was ready, causing his flogging spanner to trap three fingers. The flash highlights communication, risk assessment, tool positioning and consideration of alternative tools or methods.
- 202130 Mar
Incorrect measurement and markings on divers umbilical
A diving operation was stopped after umbilical distance markings were found to use incorrect colours and a wrong measurement datum. Nobody was harmed, but checking and remarking caused lost time. The flash addresses unclear checking responsibilities, refresher training, mobilisation checks and audit comparison using a 50 m tape.
- 202023 Oct
Two deaths of military divers
Two military diving fatalities highlight different training failures. In the UK, a recovered diver’s cylinders were empty, prompting action over air endurance calculations and risk assessment. In New Zealand, investigators identified departures from training standards and covert breathing-apparatus mode switching. IMCA reiterates SCUBA’s limitations for offshore diving work.
- 202015 Sep
Near miss: Sudden loss of air from diver bail-out bottle
A diver’s bail-out bottle emptied after a first-stage regulator diaphragm failed; he was recovered safely. Examination found weakened structural fibres and a hole despite recent servicing. The flash highlights subjective serviceability judgements, undefined replacement criteria and an enhanced planned maintenance requirement to replace the diaphragm alongside service-kit items.
- 202025 Aug
Emergency lithium battery failed catastrophically in a diving bell
A diving bell’s emergency lithium battery failed with an explosion and small fire after its pod flooded through an incorrectly fitted replacement check valve. No injuries occurred. The flash highlights interchangeable valve connections, absent management of change and crew uncertainty about immediate battery-fire response.
- 202031 Mar
Potential for diver injury operating a hand-held torque wrench
A diver’s use of a hand-held torque wrench on a subsea valve override was stopped by a technician. Sudden spring unwinding could have rotated the wrench into the diver. Ambiguous drawing warnings, incomplete procedures and unavailable installation instructions contributed to an unsafe assumption about tool suitability.
- 201917 Dec
Diver trapped by anchor chain
A diver searching for a pipeline end manifold became trapped by a moving anchor chain after his umbilical caught beneath it. Another diver cut the umbilical and assisted his recovery. The flash identifies inadequate hazard identification, procedures not followed, late information and inappropriate vessel movements, and reinforces dive supervision.
- 201930 Sep
Near miss – Diving operations while alongside
A main engine started while a diver cleared bow-thruster debris in a dockyard; the bridge immediately shut it down and the diver escaped unhurt. The flash identifies failures in communication, permits, lockout/tagout and risk assessment, and recommends physical isolation and verified control-of-work arrangements before diving.
- 201923 Aug
Near miss: Diver’s umbilical trapped
During near-shore diving, an untended umbilical drifted against a seawater intake screen and became trapped when the automated bar started. Emergency stopping and manual reversal freed it; neither diver was injured. The flash identifies absent isolation and inadequate supervision, and records reviews of risk assessment, dive planning and permit requirements.
- 201928 May
Oxygen service regulators
Regulators on several dive sites handling gas with greater than 25% oxygen were oxygen clean but contained incompatible materials. The flash distinguishes cleanliness from oxygen compatibility, discusses venting versus non-venting designs, and describes risk assessment and management of change for replacement, with limited retention of venting models under specified mitigations.
- 201913 May
Diver fatality during subsea lifting operations – update
This fatal diving incident update examines secondary life support activation after a trapped umbilical interrupted primary breathing gas during subsea spool relocation. Delayed completion of two-stage activation accelerated gas depletion. It reports equipment testing, refresher training and drills, and a decision to replace two-stage systems with single-stage activation.
- 201913 May
Helium gas quad – Gas variances across quadrants
A helium gas quad intended for later use was rejected after analysis revealed differing oxygen concentrations between its quadrants and inconsistent markings. The flash identifies poor production checks and gas mixing, emphasising checks against documentation, on-site testing and consultation with suppliers about individual quadrant sampling.
- 201913 May
Near miss: Fire of electrical distribution board during diving operations
A barge lost electrical power during air diving at 18 msw when breaker removal created a short circuit and bus-bar flash fire. The diver was recovered using backup power without injury. The flash identifies failures in isolation, lockout/tagout, work permitting and communication between simultaneous electrical and diving operations.
- 201913 May
Weight dropped to the seabed narrowly missing diving bell
A winch wire trapped during preparation to launch an air-diving recovery system parted, dropping a 300 kg clump weight near a saturation diving bell and deployed divers. No injury or equipment damage occurred. The flash identifies missing pre-use checks, restricted drum visibility and loose-wrap design issues, recommending checks, visibility and drop-zone identification.
- 201925 Apr
Damaged high pressure content gauge hoses on bail-outs
Two diving incidents within 24 hours involved depleted bail-out bottles and leaking high-pressure content gauge hoses. Examination identified cuts and bending-related damage near ferrule connectors despite bend restrictors and regular checks. The flash compares hose constructions and notes that annual replacement of one type may be required, depending on usage.
- 201925 Apr
Hot water fitting failure results in 3m loss of depth in diving bell
A diving bell lost pressure during pre-dive checks following a cracked hot-water fitting. Impact from a diver’s bailout bottle was believed to have caused the failure. The team isolated the leak. The flash highlights effective drills, uncertain fitting replacement history, inspection for impact damage and recording critical components in planned maintenance systems.
- 201920 Mar
Near miss: Diver reports tight gas
A diver switched to bailout and returned to the submersible diving chamber after experiencing restricted gas supply. Internal valves secured during a delay had not been restored following completed checks. The flash highlights checklist timing, recording deviations and repeating valve checks before operations recommence, alongside formal review of habitual procedural changes.
- 201912 Mar
Sparks from funnel caused small fire
Funnel sparks ignited stored cardboard on a diving support vessel during diving operations. Crew extinguished the fire with foam extinguishers, mustered personnel and recalled divers to the bell. The flash identifies exhaust soot accumulation and missing maintenance routines, and records improved drain-plug access, spark arrestors and revised soot-removal maintenance.
- 201927 Feb
Product caution notice relating to commercial diving equipment: gas conditioner charges
JFD warns that misshapen bottom nozzles in a batch of disposable gas-conditioning cartridge components may prevent correct sealing, allowing untreated gas to bypass treatment. The flash recommends visual, tactile and digital-calliper checks before use, identifies a possible B1562A carbon dioxide indication, and advises returning defective or suspect cartridges for replacement.
- 201817 Dec
Quality assurance of diving system audits
NOPSEMA highlights shortcomings in diving-system audits, including missed wire deterioration, damaged oxygen hose and inadequate hyperbaric evacuation arrangements. The alert calls for quality assurance of audits, competent auditors and reviewers, and verified closure of safety-critical non-conformances before diving begins. It also discusses relevant statutory duties.
- 20189 Nov
Finger injury: diver caught finger in bell door
A diver sustained a deep finger cut between a bell door and its retaining latch while repositioning an umbilical obstructing closure. The flash identifies incorrect stowage, limited risk awareness and missing hazard markings, and describes pinch-point checks, task risk assessments, toolbox talks and changes to equipment stowage.
- 20183 Sep
Diver fatality during subsea lifting operations
A diver died during spool relocation using lift bags at 172 metres seawater depth. Rigging caught the umbilical during uncontrolled spool ascent; subsequent trapping interrupted primary breathing gas. Secondary life support apparently functioned but did not prevent death. Pending investigation, interim recommendations address planning, supervision, documented instructions and stopping work when controls are inadequate.
- 20183 Sep
Two ‘accident advisories’ relating to diver fatalities
This safety flash summarises two Singapore WSHC advisories about diver fatalities. During underwater bracket installation, an adjacent concrete pile collapsed, trapping a diver against the seabed; he later died in hospital. A separate commercial diver disappeared during vessel hull cleaning, and his body was found two days later.
- 20183 Aug
Near miss: onboard O₂ bottle leaked into diving bell
A diving bell near miss involved oxygen supply valves left partly open during pre-dive checks, emptying a bottle into the bell. Distraction, delayed topside readings and distrust of an unreliable analyser were identified. The run was aborted; subsequent measures included atmosphere flushing, additional valve checks, analysers and sourcing buffer tanks.
- 201814 Jun
Unapproved repair of diver gas supply umbilical
An undocumented gas-hose repair was discovered during demobilisation of a diver umbilical, which was subsequently scrapped. The heat-shrink-covered join could trap seawater and accelerate fitting corrosion, potentially interrupting breathing-gas supply. The member allowed such repairs only temporarily, pending a permanent fix, risk assessment and full management approval.
- 20184 Jun
Near miss: potential dropped objects on temporary buoy modules (TBMs)
Two near misses involved loose objects discovered on temporary buoyancy modules retrieved to deck during tension leg platform installation. One concerned unrecovered subsea lamps and missing subcontractor notification; the other involved an inadequately lashed retaining pin removed by an ROV. Actions addressed material recovery procedures and reinforced stop-work authority.
- 201811 Apr
Near miss: diver’s umbilical snagged by work basket during recovery to surface
A diver’s umbilical snagged on a tool basket being recovered by hydraulic crane, pulling him towards the diving basket roof before an effective all-stop intervention. The flash examines inadequate separation, umbilical slack and protruding pins, and describes improvements to communications, crane instructions and umbilical management.
- 20188 Mar
Cylinders manufactured from aluminium alloys HE30/AA6082 and AA6351 and used primarily for gases for underwater breathing apparatus
HSE warns of catastrophic failures in HE30/AA6082 and AA6351 aluminium cylinders used for diving gases, highlighting susceptibility to sustained-load cracking. The alert requires visual inspection and eddy-current testing by competent inspectors, explains alloy identification, and specifies withdrawal or condemnation where identification or satisfactory testing cannot be established.
- 201712 Dec
Self-employed diver sentenced for falsifying diving medical certificate
This safety flash reports the sentencing of a commercial diver who supplied falsified medical certification in 2016, including an altered expiry date. It outlines breaches of UK diving and workplace safety legislation and reminds contractors to verify divers’ medical certificates, particularly when the doctor and diver are unfamiliar.
- 20177 Nov
KM 37k/ss helmet neck dam near miss
An air diver’s helmet flooded during offshore subsea work after locking pull pins caught on a recovery harness and released the collar. Free-flow over-pressurisation displaced the neck dam seal. The flash describes standby-diver assistance, missing pull-pin sleeves, workshop modifications, pre-dive checks and changes to tool placement.
- 201720 Oct
Stored energy near miss: Person nearly hit by equipment caught during light daughtercraft operations
A stand-by diver narrowly avoided a block and tackle projected when a mooring line caught a deployed rescue davit on a light daughtercraft. The flash examines hurried transit preparations, restricted monitoring and procedural gaps, and records revised departure hold points, operating checklists and practical familiarisation requirements.
- 201711 Aug
Power loss within dive control
A vessel’s dive-control electronics lost power during ROV recovery on a shared power bus. Low supply voltage activated the UPS internal bypass, after which circuit breakers tripped. The dive was aborted without injury. Actions included keeping the bus tie breaker open, disabling internal bypass and introducing daily UPS health checks.
- 201725 Jul
Near miss: Failure of subsea lifting equipment
During seabed spool removal, a load supported by two lift bags rose uncontrollably before falling back to the seabed after partial bag deflation. Investigation suggested missing hold-back lines as the immediate cause. The flash emphasises following dive plans and procedures, applying assessed mitigations and ensuring supervisor accountability.
- 201725 Jul
Near miss: Single wire strand protruded from original lay
A near miss during bell and clump-weight deployment involved a protruding wire strand. Following recovery, inspection identified 60 m of damaged rope for removal and re-termination. Third-party load testing preceded resumed diving. Lessons address visual inspection, defect reporting and limiting rope stress from tidal currents and adverse weather.
- 201715 Jun
Near-miss: Fault spotted in subsea lifting wire
A diving team identified strand protrusion in a launch and recovery system clump weight wire during operations at 10 msw; no broken strand was confirmed. The flash recommends frequent monitoring, inspection before each dive, immediate defect reporting, appropriate load testing after changes and removal or disposal of affected rope.
- 20179 Jun
Near-misses during diving operations
Two diving near misses involved a bell approaching subsea lifting gear during vessel relocation and a stud bolt falling from a vessel towards a seabed worksite. A diver stopped the move, and dive control warned the exposed divers. Neither event caused injury or damage; subsequent arrangements included a dedicated tool basket.
- 20173 May
Diver’s worksite identification errors
Two diving incidents illustrate incorrect identification after returning to previously verified worksites. One involved removing and cleaning an adjacent Tronic connector; the other involved removing bolts from the wrong flange after a dive changeover. The flash recommends marking specific items, supervisory confirmation and renewed positive identification whenever work resumes after leaving the site.
- 20173 May
Lost time injury (LTI): Deadman anchor (DMA) toppled over, injuring a diver
A diver suffered a fractured fibula and torn ankle ligament when a deadman anchor overturned during holdback rigging for closing-spool installation. The substituted weight had unsuitable geometry and had not been checked for suitability. The flash examines risk assessment and change-management failures, with actions addressing rigging, procedures and supervision.
- 20173 May
LTI: Leg injury caused during HP water jetting
A diver suffered a thigh cut while cleaning a riser with a Cavitek high-pressure water jet. The flash discusses insecure positioning, incorrectly calculated hose length and a potentially unsuitable short lance. Lessons address stable mid-water working, gun balance and condition, hose arrangements, trigger handling, risk assessment and communication.
- 20173 May
Near-miss: Gas release from subsea pipeline
A gas release occurred during subsea spool connection while divers were in the bell for shift changeover. The vessel moved clear and an ROV released the crane hook safely. Findings highlight missing refinery communication about valve opening; recommendations address permit understanding, inter-site communication, H2S preparedness, drills and equipment testing.
- 20173 Mar
Clarification from NOPSEMA: Quality assurance of diving system audits
This flash relays NOPSEMA’s revised alert on inadequate diving-system audits. It identifies deficiencies in man-riding wire certification and test deferral, emergency umbilical availability, oxygen-hose condition and practicable upgrades to older systems. It stresses that audits should identify and rectify deficiencies affecting system integrity and emergency functionality.
- 201713 Feb
Near miss: Unidentified differential pressure led to diver’s umbilical getting trapped
An inshore diving near miss involved an umbilical drawn into a gravity-fed seawater intake and trapped by automated cleaning equipment. A second diver cut the line, enabling both divers to surface uninjured. Findings address undisclosed automation, inadequate isolation and risk review, with corrective actions covering lockout verification and dive-tender repositioning.
- 20164 Dec
Failure to report hydraulic leak subsea
During diver monitoring of a subsea manifold valve, a hydraulic release went unrecorded and unreported. The client discovered it some four months later through video review. The flash identifies unfamiliarity with reporting procedures and unclear processes for additional works, emphasising pollution notification requirements and their inclusion in dive plans.
- 201622 Nov
Correct installation methods for diving umbilicals and hoses
Following a complaint about odour in a diver’s breathing hose, this flash describes fittings installed contrary to manufacturer recommendations. It explains potential pressure loss, water ingress and fitting failure associated with reusable fittings, and recommends standard swaged or crimped fittings while retaining hose bend restrictors.
- 201622 Nov
Diver loss of consciousness during underwater burning activities
A diver lost consciousness during underwater burning while removing a subsea structure after cold cutting proved problematic. A suspected blow back was believed responsible, with gas accumulation a possible immediate cause. The flash examines unrecognised task changes, risk assessment and procedural shortcomings, and competence assurance while the investigation remained ongoing.
- 201622 Nov
Hand injury during diving operations
A diver sustained two small puncture wounds while recovering a damaged ring joint from seabed mud during riser flange rectification at 169 msw. The joint penetrated his neoprene glove. The flash describes medical treatment and recommends cut- and perforation-resistant gloves and a preliminary hook check before hand recovery of potentially sharp, damaged equipment.
- 201622 Nov
Near-miss: Leopard seal interference with diver
Leopard seals interrupted diving during South Atlantic inspection, repair and maintenance operations. Divers were recovered using a LARS basket after close approaches and a later strong push. The flash describes marine-mammal watches, recovery arrangements, avoiding midwater swimming and suspending diving until four hours after the last leopard seal sighting.
- 20162 Aug
Fatal diver incident due to uncontrolled differential pressure
This flash describes a fatality during preparation to blind a rig pontoon’s torpedo pipe. Introducing air broke an undiscovered concrete plug above the upper valve, drawing the diver’s head and left arm into the pipe. It records standby-diver rescue, resuscitation and death in hospital two days later.