UK REQUIREMENTS
Diving professionals who teach or guide divers for money in the UK will usually fall under the
Diving at Work Regulations 1997 (DWR97).
The regulations apply when at least one diver taking part is at work or is part of an undertaking. There is an accompanying Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) for recreational diving projects which provides advice and guidance on meeting the legal requirements of the DWR97 and it is recommended that all diving contractors obtain a copy of this ACoP. The ACoP is regarded as best practice by HSE and diving projects may be measured against the ACoP in the event of an investigation by HSE or other enforcing authority.
A Risk Assessment must be prepared before undertaking a diving project. Each risk assessment should be site specific, as different dive sites will have differing conditions, requirements and hazards that the dive team should be aware of and be prepared for.
The Scuba Industry Trade Association (SITA) has sponsored the production of a
Risk Assessment Guidance booklet and it is available for download here. SITA's
The Approved Code of Practice can be obtained from
Further info for dive professionals can be found at
EUROPEAN REQUIREMENTS
Professional service providers should be familiar with the relevant European Norms (ENs) that cover the services they provide. ENs exist as follows:
Copies of these standards can be obtained from:
BSI
389 Chiswick High Road,
London W4 4AL
Tel: 020 8996 9000There is an independent body that certifies training systems' compliance with these European Standards. For details see
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Copyright © 2005 British Diving Safety Group.