Diving covers a wide range of activities from deep saturation diving, air diving in support of the offshore oil and gas industry. The “diving industry” can be considered where people need to go underwater to work. Diving is primarily a method of getting to a work site that happens to be underwater.
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More divers needed
At the moment there is a world-wide shortage of divers. With expansion in the oil and gas sector and new developments such as offshore wind-farms there is a high demand for divers. This can be a tough job physically, but for those who want a challenge, commercial diving can be an exciting and rewarding career. |
Pioneering
But this reward can also be very dangerous. I was commercial diving in the north sea back in 1974, this was classed "during the pioneering days", I completed my first saturation dive in 1977. There were allot of accidents with quite few facilities some couldn't be helped (at the time) but some were down to stupidity both on the people in charge and on the divers them selves. Allot has changed these day with some excellent safety records but mainly on attitude of both oil companies and personnel.
Me getting ready for surface dive onboard the Samson diver barge alongside a SBM 1978 -> |
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Communications
Hard-wired, open line communication should be available between dive control and the DP control. In addition, there shall be a dedicated communications system between all vessel control centers which shall include DP control, engine control room, dive control, crane, etc. A backup or secondary communications system is also required.
It is also imperative the to ensure that suitable and adequate communications are established between the work site and the installation for however long the site is manned, or in the case of a DSV, its duration in the field. In most cases communication will be required on a 24-hour basis.
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The following highlight common DP diving hazards.
Sensor Interference
Divers shall avoid working close to acoustic beacons as they can interfere with the signals. Acoustic devices shall only be moved by divers under the supervision of the Diving Supervisor and on the direct authority of DP control.
The proximity of the Diver, Bell or clump weight to the taut-wire shall be determined and maintained at a safe distance.
Uncontrolled Vessel Movement
Operating and emergency procedures shall be established to allow for unforeseen vessel movements (DP runoff) to minimize this hazard the bell or air divers shall be positioned, above the level of potential underwater obstructions. Any restrictions on the diver’s mobility shall be considered when determining safe working limits and included in the project risk assessment.
Operations Plot
A plot displaying the relative positions of the vessel, the bell, air divers, the work site, any known obstructions, other vessels, ROV’s etc, together with the vessel heading, wind/tide speed and direction shall be maintained by DP control at all times. The DP watch keepers shall ensure that this plot is regularly updated
Vessel Movement Limitations and Procedures
In principle, DP vessels shall not change position or heading unless the divers are in the bell (wet bell or basket for air divers). However, making final adjustment of the vessel position with the divers at the work site or on the clump weight is acceptable providing the risks have been fully assessed and written procedures are in place. These procedures shall confirm all vessel movements as follows: -
The second operator shall check every action of the DP operator.
All movements shall be repeated to the diving supervisor who in turn will relay this information to the divers.
Note: To reduce the risk of operator error heading changes and small vessel moves should be kept to a minimum.
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