Professional Diver, Issue 5, Summer 2023

Page 24

CLEARING NUCLEAR PONDS

Divers are the best solution for this challenging task in difficult conditions

KEEPING SUBSEA CABLES SAFE

Maintaining global communications and power transmission

DEALING WITH A DISASTER

The recovery of the Betelgeuse wreck

SUMMER 2023 • ISSUE 5 ADC
and Ireland www.ProfessionalDiver.co.uk
: The Association representing diving contractors involved with Inland/Inshore operations in the UK

Exploring the Depths: Super Spyball's Versatility in Diving and Research

POTENTIALUSECASESFORTHEDIVING INDUSTRYANDBEYOND

TheSuperSpyballhasawiderangeofpotentialuse casesintheinshoredivingindustryandbeyond.

Herearetwoexamples:

1.MarineResearch:TheSuperSpyballcanbe usedformarineresearch,providinghighqualityvideofootageofmarinelifeand habitats.Thecamera'sabilitytorotate360 degreesallowsresearcherstocapture footagefromallangles,providinga comprehensiveviewofthemarine environment.Thecameracanalsobeusedto monitorthehealthofmarineecosystems, helpingtoidentifypotentialthreatsandissues.

2.UnderwaterInspections:TheSuperSpyball canbeusedforunderwaterinspectionsof structuressuchasbridges,piers,and pipelines.Thecamera'sabilitytozoominand outandmovepreciselyprovidesadetailed viewofthestructures,allowinginspectorsto identifyanyissuesorareasthatrequire maintenance.Thecamera'sdurabilityand reliabilitymakeitidealforuseinharsh underwaterenvironments.

BelowistheoneofmanySuperSpyballunits deployedintheNASA'sNeutralBuoyancyLabin HoustonTX,beingusedtomonitortraining operationsinthe202feet(62m)inlength,102feet (31m)wide,and40feet(12m)deepdivingtank. Thisenablesastronautsandcommandcentreto monitorsimulatedEVAtasksinpreparationfor upcomingmissions.

CONTROLUNITFORHSSUPERSPYBALL

TheSS-CPI-2portablecontrolunitisdesignedto workwiththeHDInspectionSuperSpyball, providingcontrol,display,andHDrecording.It featuresa17.3-inchTFTcolorLCDdisplay,1080p HDdigitalvideorecorder,andHDstillphotos.The unitisalsoequippedwithajoystickforproportional controlofcameraangle,dedicatedSuperSpyball controldisplay,andautomaticpanoramaphotos. TheunitcanoperatewiththeCVBSversionofthe SuperSpyballandtheHD-ILilluminatedcamera canbeconnectedforuseinconfinedspaces.The unitweighsonly10kgandhasmenusinfour languages.

SubmertecLimited Web:submertec.com Tel:+44(0)1383626659

EDITORIAL

Publisher/Editor: Taira Caton taira@professionaldiver.co.uk

Tel: 0333 121 5474

Copy Editor/Contributor: John Hancock john@professionaldiver.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS

Martin Shepherd

John Wrottesley

Warren Salliss

Tamsin Salliss

Peter McLean

Craig English

ADVERTISEMENTS

Call 0333 121 5474 sales@professionaldiver.co.uk

MAGAZINE PRODUCTION AND PRINTING

Dean Cook, The Magazine Production Company, tel: 01273 911730 deancook@magazineproduction.com

Professional Diver is a magazine published by UK ADC Ltd PO Box 3138, Reading. RG1 9FN. UK Tel: 0333 121 5474

Registered in England and Wales, 10382894. Registered office: 1 Cedar Office Park, Cobham Road, Wimborne, BH21 7SB

©2023 UK ADC Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publishers. Great care is taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this publication, but neither UK ADC Ltd or the editor can be held responsible for its contents. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Publishers. UK ADC Ltd.

DISCLAIMER: The Association of Diving Contractors (the “Association”) provides any information, education and advice in good faith to its members for their convenience and reference. The Association accepts no liability for anything contained in the information provided or for the consequences of using such information in commercial contracting or otherwise. The employees and agents of the Association, including without limitation the Association Secretary, are not responsible in any way for the commercial or business consequences of using any Association resources or information provided or received in Association materials or during Association events. If you are in any doubt about the commercial or legal effect of any action, please take independent legal advice.

WELCOME

This issue follows on from having just come back from our third regional meeting this year.

Over the past few months, we have been fortunate to have held our regional meetings and have been hosted by: HSE at ‘The Science and Research Centre’ in Buxton, JFD at ‘The Hyperbaric Centre’ in Aberdeen and, most recently, by The Historical Diving Society at the ‘Diving Museum’ in Portsmouth There was a great take up on attendance, networking and conversations..

A big thank you to HSE, JFD and HDS for hosting us and giving our members the opportunity for a tour of your impressive facilities.

Thanks also to the HSE for taking the time to attend and provide their input and feedback at all of our meetings. We are currently preparing for Seawork 13-15 June 2023, which we look forward to attending annually.

Again, our members have shown that they are always willing to get involved and support the association and the industry where needed. Thank you to EDS who will be providing us with a Dive Tank this year, it’s in its final stages of completion.

This year, the Dive Team supporting us at Seawork is being provided by Commercial Diver Training based in Cornwall. We have an impressive programme for the Dive Tank over the three days and look forward to catching up with many of you.

ADC

CONTENTS

5 1963 to 2023: 60 years of Northern Divers Pioneers who launched their diving business in a challenging environment.

8 Protecting sub-sea cables and ocean users

Securing the cables that connect the global economy and ensure power supplies.

14 Train to prepare for the best opportunities

Keep up with the latest requirements, safety and equipment for divers.

16 Whiddy Island disaster, an epic wreck recovery

Salvaging the wreck of the Betelgeuse from deep water.

19 ADC AGM, Birmingham 2022

Best ever attendance and great speakers.

20 Using divers to clean nuclear ponds

A trial of new techniques and tools or a hazardous environment.

22 Addressing the risk of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)

A condition that can be easily diagnosed during a routine medical check.

24 The ADC Diving Supervisor Scheme

Ensuring the best supervision of any diving project.

PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023 3

ADC Publications

ADC INLAND/INSHORE DIVERS LOG BOOK

ADC Inland/Inshore Divers Log

Book with record of Supervisor Activity. 177 pages with the option to log 5 daily dives per page. 18 pages to log record of supervisor activity

Member Price: £22.00

Non-Member price: £25.50

ADC INLAND/INSHORE DIVING SUPERVISORS LOG BOOK

ADC Inland/Inshore Diving Supervisors Log Book.

199 pages with the option to log 3 daily dives per page.

Member Price: £22.00

Non-Member price: £25.50

THE INSHORE DIVING SUPERVISORS MANUAL

Loose Leaf A5 size ADC Diving Supervisors Manual. Second Edition – Issue 6

Member Price £30.00

Non-Member Price: £45.00

VAT not applicable

MF 001 — MODEL SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

ADC-MSMS-001 Issue 1 Model Safety Management System

Member Price £35.00

Non-Member Price: £45.00

VAT not applicable

MF 002 — MODEL FORMAT FOR THE ASSURANCE OF DIVING PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

ADC-MF002 Issue 1. Model Format for the Assurance of Diving Plant and Equipment applicable to Diving Contractors Working Inland/Inshore in the UK and Ireland.

Member Price £35.00

Non-Member Price: £45.00

VAT not applicable

MF 003 — MODEL FORMAT FOR THE CREATION OF A CHAMBER OPERATORS HANDBOOK

ADC-MF003 Issue 1. Model Format for the creation of a Chamber Operators Handbook

Member Price £35.00

Non-Member Price: £45.00

VAT not applicable

COP:001 — CONDUCTING DIVING OPERATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS.

ADC – CoP:001 Issue 2. Code of Practice for ‘Conducting Diving Operations in Connection with Renewable Energy Projects’.

Member Price £35.00

Non-Member Price: £45.00

VAT not applicable

To order, visit: www.adc-uk.info/shop
All pricing ex VAT. Price includes postage to a UK location.

Northern Divers Eng. Ltd Celebrates its 60th Year in the industry

1963 - 2023

The proud history of a pioneering business

Words: Martin J Shepherd, Northern divers Eng. Ltd.

Northern Divers Eng. Ltd, in 2023, is proud to celebrate its 60th year within the commercial diving industry as one of the UK’s oldest established diving contractors. The company was originally founded in May 1963 by the late Tony Sparrowe, Fank Dearman and Jack Sayers. The formation of the company is a story in its own right. Both Tony and Jack had been working in Africa after leaving the Royal Navy: upon returning to Hull, Jack met another diver Frank, and between them they secured a small job with BP cleaning

mud out of the old sea well intake. Knowing that Tony had brought a bit of diving gear back with him from Africa, they contacted him and, along with another legendary figure of the time Roger Lamplough, they successfully carried out the job for BP.

The first challenge was when it came to being paid. The trouble was they did not have a company and presenting the invoice to BP on the back of a cigarette packet proved a problem. So, gathering as they often did in the Merchant Navy Hotel, each put £50.00 in to

invoice to BP on the back of a cigarette packet proved a problem.”

PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023 5
“The first challenge was when it came to being paid. The trouble was they did not have a company and presenting the

form the company, this was to be the start of a sixty year history.

In the early years work was very hand to mouth, each of the partners had to have other part time jobs, painting, gardening etc, then when they got a call (at the time the office and phone was the bar of the Merchant Navy Hotel Hull) they would drop the job they were doing, bundle some kit in a car and nip off to the diving job.

As time went on, Northern Divers, secured its first premises in the mid-1960s; by the 1970’s the company had a small diver training establishment at an old gravel pit outside Hull. (Photos, left, are of early diver training at ‘Burstwick Ponds’. Instructor Tony Sparrowe).

The real break for the company was to come in the early days of the North Sea and the oil industry. North Sea exploration and the offshore diving industry were very much in their infancy in those early days. As time progressed the Company was to purchase its first 300ft diving bell in 1974 at the then staggering sum of £20,000. By 1975 the three partners sold out to a major offshore company for a six-figure sum. This development then saw the company, partaking in the first saturation dives of the North Sea.

Northern Divers was one of the first Companies to reach record depths with a promotional dry dive carried out in a land-based saturation system, where divers Peter Mainprize and Alan Young reached the then record depth of 1000ft (as a promotional stunt, the Royal Hotel, delivered a salmon platter on a silver serving plate for lunch).

In 1982, the company saw another change when Tony Sparrowe, one of the original founding members, was to buy back the Northern Divers Engineering side of the company, on the understanding that the company would not continue in the Saturation Diving market.

Premises were secured in Tower Street Hull and the company over the years was to move from

PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023
“As time progressed the Company was to purchase its first 300ft diving bell in 1974 at the then staggering sum of £20,000.”

strength to strength serving the inshore civil diving sector, whilst still engaging in overseas and salvage projects.

In the September of 1999 tragedy struck the company, when Tony, the Managing Director, and remaining founding partner, then only aged 63, was tragically killed in a coach crash in south Africa. This could so easily have been the end for Northern Divers, but with a strong loyal workforce backing him the then engineering manager Nigel Thacker was able to stand in an and take the helm until Tony’s son John was in a position to take over his father’s role as Managing Director and continue to move the company forward to its highly respected present position within the inshore diving industry.

Northern Divers Eng. Ltd are immensely proud of their history and their involvement with the development of the diving industry over the years. As we move forward into what will be our 61st year of

operation, we pay our respect and gratitude to the early pioneers of the company and industry along with the

support of present employees and clients. We look forward to many more years of service within the industry.

PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023
“Northern Divers was one of the first Companies to reach record depths with a promotional dry dive carried out in a land-based saturation system…”

Protecting the subsea cables on which the global economy depends

ESCA (European Subsea Cables Association) exists to promote and ensure subsea cable safety

Our world is crisscrossed by an ever growing network of subsea cables carrying the communications traffic on which the global economy depends and, to an increasing degree, transmitting green energy generated by offshore clean generation, mainly using wind power today, to land where is can be used in domestic, commercial and industrial applications. Those cables have the potential to be vulnerable to the activities of other ocean users while, at the same time, having the potential to disrupt or damage other ocean users and their equipment. Therefore, an

organised programme to ensure protection of and from cables is an vital requirement for the sector. That organised programme is ESCA.

THE ORIGINS OF ESCA

ICPC (The International Cable Protection Committee) was formed in 1958 to protect cables and reduce faults worldwide. Following that, in 1999, UKCPC (United Kingdom Cable Protection Committee) was established and subsequently became Subsea Cables UK and then ESCA (European Subsea Cables Association) in 2016.

ESCA aims to support effective cable fault prevention

through engagement, sharing common experiences and learning through interaction with other cable owners. The association also sets out to achieve effective engagement with regulatory bodies, NGOs and statutory consultees on environmental issues and marine spatial planning, while keeping at the forefront and fully up to date with an ever changing legislative environment.

One initiative has been to provide fishermen with information about cable routes and other physical details (e.g. repeaters, splices, etc.), together with emergency contact numbers and

8 PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023

procedures. Originally called KIS-CA this project started in 2002 and subsequently became KIS-ORCA (The Kingfisher Information Service — Offshore Renewable & Cable Awareness) with the introduction of power and renewables in 2012 and the involvement of Renewable UK.

ESCA MEMBERSHIP ELEGIBILITY

ESCA is the membership organisation for owners and operators of power cables (Inter-island, interconnectors and OFTOs — Offshore Transmission Owners), telecommunications cables, offshore renewables, oil and gas, cable suppliers, installers, maintenance, consultants, cable protection organisations and governments. Cable system owners join as full members, and suppliers, consultants and other organisations who are involved with subsea cables (Government members etc.) as associate members. All 71 members come together with a common aim to provide a voice for the cable industry, and engage with other sea users and seabed asset owners in an increasingly busy and crowded environment.

ESCA ACTIVITIES

ESCA holds two plenary sessions each year in Europe, generally during March and September, with approximately 150 member attendees. The association publishes newsletters, maintains websites and conducts secretarial activities, disseminating to members important information on regulatory changes or significant consultations. It also issues and updates technical guidelines for industry and

stakeholders, and produces KIS-ORCA cable awareness charts, as well as conducting port tours which have been the basis for very effective engagement with fisheries across Europe to reduce and prevent cable faults from occurring.

THE VALUE OF TELECOMS CABLES

Telecoms cables carry more than 99% of international telecoms traffic and the The UK’s subsea telecoms cables alone carry $1.9 trillion per day in (cross border) Foreign Exchange trades: that amounts

to around 23% of the world’s total Foreign Exchange trading. International exports generate c£545 billion p.a. in UK GVA (Gross Value Added) and more than a quarter of GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

International commerce is reliant on subsea cables. The combined width of all UK’s subsea telecoms cables laid side by side would be 1.9 metres and the latest cable technology can carry up to 250 megabits per second. Domestic cables provide essential services (blue light etc.) and connectivity between the various parts of the UK.

PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023 9
“ESCA aims to support effective cable fault prevention through engagement, sharing common experiences and learning through interaction with other cable owners. ”

WHAT POWER CABLES DO

TenneT (a transmission system operator in the Netherlands and in a large part of Germany ) estimates that a grid connection with a 900 Megawatt capacity can supply 1 million households with green energy. The offshore Wind Farm Hornsea Two will have a capacity of over 1.3GW and provide power to more than 1.3 million homes. Subsea cables are vital to distribute energy to island communities who are reliant on these vital services. As part of the process to reach Net Zero

targets by 2050, green energy such as offshore generation will have to be delivering 50GW by 2030 and it will all need to be delivered through subsea cables from offshore wind farms to land. Cables for Offshore Renewables and power interconnectors are vital to meet these ambitious targets.

AIMS AND DIRECTION FOR ESCA

Although it is difficult to quantify, in 2016, economic analysis for the UK valued the subsea cable sector at a staggering £62.8bn for telecoms and £2.8bn for electricity cables. ESCA works to inform marine policy and technical input to assist decision making. The association also promotes the role of cables as critical international infrastructure that society relies upon more every day plus, of course, the need to and means to protect their vulnerability. As part of this, the KIS-ORCA Project has been a huge success for active fault prevention and engagement

HOW KIS-ORCA SUPPORTS CABLE SECURITY

KIS-ORCA has created an interactive map that other sea users, such as fishing industries, can consult in order to avoid their operations damaging or being compromised by subsea cables. Further information is communicated through the Kingfisher bulletin. The KIS-ORCA programme is organized by industry for cable awareness and maritime safety through shared good practice. It is already respected by the fishing industry; protecting cables from fishing gear also protects fishing gear from cables.

SUBMARINE CABLE RESILIENCE

Recent events around NordStream have drawn media attention to the vulnerabilities of seabed infrastructure and the potential threat that poses. There is a history of threats such as this.

In 1898, during SpanishAmerican War, the United States cut cables (some owned by British and French companies) connecting Cuba to Florida, Haiti, Jamaica, and St. Thomas, as well as cables connecting Philippines to Hong Kong. Then, in 1914, Britain used C.S. Alert to cut German cables, forcing the traffic onto British cables and increasing interception risk. Later in the First World War, in 1917-18, German submarines cut cables connecting the Azores, Britain, Canada, Gibraltar, Panama, Portugal, and USA. More recently, in 2013, SEA-MEWE-4 and other cables were cut near Alexandria, Egypt. However the primary causes of damage to submarine cable come from human activities,

10 PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023

DISCOVERAWORLDOFDIVING OPPORTUNITIESWITHPDA

TRAINING&CONSULTANCYSERVICES

TheProfessionalDivingAcademy(PDA),oneofthetwoleading UKoffshoreandinshoredivertrainingschools,isgearingupto celebrateits20thanniversaryin2024.Widelyrecognisedasa globalleaderinthedivingindustry,PDAiscommittedto producinghighlyskilledandprofessionaldiverswitharealistic outlookontheircareersandaburningdesiretocontinuously enhancetheirskillsbeyondgraduation.

Withitswealthofcommercialdivingexpertiseandsupport fromitssistercompanyShearwaterMarineServicesLtd,PDA canprovidefullsupportservicesforunderwaterprojects.

PDA'sdedicationtoproducingworld-classcommercialdivers withcutting-edgetrainingmethodshasmadeitatrailblazerin thedivingindustry.Jointheacademytodayandtakethefirst steponyourdivingjourneytowardsasuccessfulandfulfilling career.

DIVERTRAINING

PDAoffersinshoreandoffshore HSEcertifiedandIMCA recognisedcoursesthatextend todepthsof50msw,providing graduateswithaccesstoaworld ofopportunitiesinthediving industry.Furthertrainingis availablefordiversalreadyinthe industry,includingin-water riggingandhydra-tight equipmenttraining.

IN-WATERTRIALS

Forcompanieslookingtotest equipmentortrialtechniquesina controlledenvironment,PDA's divetrainingvessel'Sleat'is anchoredat35mofwaterand hasaplatformsecuredbelowat 8.0mfortrials.Thevesselisfully equippedwithwelfarefacilities, awetbellanddiver'sbasket,full airsupplieswithbackup,andhot watersuits.

CONSULTANCY

PDA'sconsultancyservicesare highlysoughtafterbyclientsand thedivingindustry.Theacademy hasbeenattheforefrontofthe drivetoincreasediversafetyin theAquacultureIndustry, developingmethodologiesand documentationtobenefitboth clientsandthedivingindustry.

Theacademy'sDiveSite Awarenesscoursesareproving popularandeffectiveforport managers,projectmanagers, masters,andchiefengineersin shippingandferrycompanies, projectmanagersinoffshore windoperations,construction sites,oilandgasfacilities,and utilitysites.

Formoreinformationvisit:professionaldivingaccademy.co.uk contact:+441369701701oremailinfo@professionaldivingacademy.co.uk

fishing (~60% of cable faults) and shipping (~10%), as well as natural hazards (~12%).

AREAS OF OPERATION

Cables are installed from the beach across the oceans. Although that is usually effected using specialist cable laying ships for deep water installation, shallow water installation work requires diver support for many activities including nearshore burial, articulated pipe application and inspections.

There has been and will continue to be a huge growth in Offshore Wind to meet ambitious climate targets and that has been accelerated by the British Energy Security Strategy. Shallow water cable repairs will involve divers down to less than 10-15 metres.

MARINE NET GAIN

With today’s focus on the environment, the expectation is that any process such as cable laying and maintenance should not damage and should preferably enhance the ecosystem in which it takes place. For subsea cables, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is the principle of leaving biodiversity in a better condition following an activity than it was previously. That is not to be confused with compensation but Terrestrial Net Gain is now a legal requirement for such activities. Biodiversity Net Gain requirements have been introduced under the UK Environment Act 2021 and will become a mandatory part of the planning system in England from November 2023, thereby including land down to the Mean Low Water mark, i.e., intertidal habitats. This will apply to cable laying and maintenance. Marine Net Gain

principles have been informed following a Defra consultation in 2022 and are on their way. Marine Net Gain will require action on environments such a seagrass beds, mussel/oyster restoration and others, providing many opportunities for diving.

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS

Increasing development of the seabed and emerging technology will requires proactive cross-industry engagement in order to protect the various installations on the seabed. Fishing and ships anchors remain the predominant threats to subsea cables, and Internet and Energy Security and Resilience which are driving DEFRA’s

Marine Spatial Prioritisation. ESCA also has to address Jurisdictional Creep and Sector Creep with the need to promote good sectoral knowledge and understanding.

SUMMARY

Cables, power and telecoms, are increasingly important for all aspects of modern life. Increased capacity demand and changing energy generation means an increased need for cables to be installed and maintained while conservation policy, aims and targets will also change the nature of some of the activities traditionally associated with subsea cable projects offshore.

12 PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023
“Fishing and ships anchors remain the predominant threats to subsea cables, and Internet and Energy Security and Resilience …”

ADC Members

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Arch Henderson LLP

BAE Systems Surface Ships Ltd

Bauer Kompressoren UK Ltd

BIM — Bord Iascaigh Mhara

C-Tecnics Ltd

Canal & River Trust

Commercial Diver Training Ltd

Commercial Rib Charter

Consortium Underwater Eng Ltd

Create Safe Ltd

DDRC Healthcare

Dive Safe Services Ltd

Dive Systems Technical Services Ltd

Diving Equipment Services Ltd

Environment Agency

Fairlocks Pool Products

Health & Safety Authority

Herbosch-Kiere UK Ltd

Hytech-Pommec

Interdive Services Ltd

iSubC Diving Equipment Ltd

JFD Ltd & National

Hyperbaric Centre

JW Automarine

KB Associates Europe Ltd

Namaka Subsea

Northern Rib Hire

O’Three Ltd

Prodive Consultancy Ltd

Professional Diving Academy

QinetiQ

RNLI

RPS Group Ltd

RWE Renewables UK Ltd

Submarine Manufacturing & Products Ltd

Submertec

The Superintendent of Diving

The Underwriting Exchange

Tritex NDT Ltd

Triton Grey Ltd

TWI Technology Centre

North East

Unique Seaflex Ltd (UK)

United Utilities

University of Plymouth

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS

Aquatec Marine Services Ltd

Brasal Marine Services CY

Deep-Marine Ltd

Dive Marine Services (Gibraltar) Ltd

Gulf Marine Contracting FZE

Hull Diving Services

Inter Dive Diving Services PVT Ltd

Inter Dive Marine Services LLC

ISAT Underwater Technologies

Kirby Morgan Dive Systems Inc

Leander Consultancy Ltd

Novel Marine Services LLC

Resolve Marine

SCAMP Contractors Ltd

SMARTDIVES LLC

Subsea Technology LLP

SUBSERVICES SL

Synergy Sub Sea Engineering LLC

Techno Marine Diving Services

LLC (TMDS)

UWPS — UnderWater Professional Services

FULL MEMBERS

ABCO Divers Ltd

Aberdeen Marine Ltd

Aegean Diving Services Ltd

Andark Ltd

Apex Diving & Marine

Associated Diving Services Ltd

Babcock Marine

Bridgeway Consulting Ltd

Briggs Marine Contractors Ltd

Caldive Ltd

CDMS Sub-Surface Engineering Ltd

Clyde Commercial Diving Ltd

Coastal Diving & Marine Services Ltd

Commercial and Specialised Diving Ltd

Commercial Diving and Maritime Ltd

Constructex Ltd

Dagger Diving Services

DCN Diving UK

Dive and Marine Contractors Ltd

DiveCo Marine Ltd

Divers UK (International) Ltd

DiveTech UK

DSMC

Durrant Diving & Engineering Services Ltd

Edwards Diving Services Ltd

Falmouth Divers Ltd

Gareloch Support Services (Plant) Ltd

Geomarine Jersey Ltd

Grampian Diving Services

Hughes Subsea Services Ltd

Hulltec Ltd

Inspire Structures Ltd

Irish Sea Contractors Ltd

Isle of Man Government

James Fisher Marine Services Ltd

Kaymac Marine & Civil Engineering Ltd

KBS Maritime Ltd

Kew Diving

Leask Marine Ltd

Lochs Diving Services Ltd

Malakoff Ltd

MCS Subsea Ltd (Marine & Civil Solutions Ltd)

Millennium Marine Contractors Ltd

MMC Diving Services

MSDS Marine Ltd

Norfolk Marine & General Ltd

Norfolk Marine Ltd

Jifmar Subsea Alba (North West Marine)

Northern Divers (Eng) Ltd

Ocean Kinetics Ltd

Port of London Authority

Quay Diving Services

Quest Underwater Services Ltd

Reach Engineering & Diving Services Ltd

Red7 Inshore Diving Ltd

RockSalt Subsea Ltd

RS Divers Ltd

Salvage & Marine Operations IPT

Salvesen (UK) Ltd

Sea-Lift Diving Ltd

Sealane Inshore Ltd

Seatec UK Ltd

Seatech Commercial Diving Services Ltd

Seawide Services Ltd

Seawork Marine Services Ltd

Sellafield Ltd

Serco Ltd

Shearwater Marine Services Ltd

Specialised Diving Services

Sub Aqua Diving Services Ltd

Subsea Marine Ltd

SULA Diving Ltd

Teignmouth Maritime Services Ltd

The SMS Group Ltd

UK Diveworks Commercial Ltd

Underwater Construction

Corporation UK Ltd

Underwater Diving Services Ltd

UXO Groundworks

Valkyrie Diving Services

Wessex Archaeology

Xeiad Ltd

PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023 13

Commercial Diver Training, CDT

Learn about training to keep up with the latest requirements, safety and equipment

Commercial Diver Training Ltd. are proud to support the ADC at Seaworks this year at the EDS Dive Tank. The dive training year is well under way with all courses full, which is just as well as the demand for trained commercial divers’ is high. If you are thinking of starting a career in commercial diving or want to send existing staff on a course, here’s a

Pre-requisites

• There is no minimum age but at CDT we train divers from the age of 18.

• You must hold an entry level recreational diver certification (PADI Open Water or BSAC Ocean Diver).

• You must have an HSE Diving medical for air diving to 50m

Courses

HSE Professional SCUBA

Duration 4 weeks. This course teaches you all the basics before you progress to surface supplied diving as well as full-face masks, emergency procedures, hard wire and through water comms, chamber operations, first aid at work, oxygen administration, and basic tasks.

SCUBA can be used for searches (large area or mobile), Media, Archaeological and Scientific, and Shellfish diving but not if there is an overhead environment, the risk of entrapment or using tools other than basic hand tools (not power or airlift).

There is a shorter course called an Experience related Commercial Assessment (ECA); this is

14 PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023

for divers who already have experience using underwater communications and full-face masks. Although accepted, it should not be considered a short cut to the Surface Supplied course.

HSE Surface Supplied

Duration 5 weeks. This course teaches you all the procedures associated with Surface Supplied diving such as Kirby Morgan Band masks, Kirby Morgan helmets, ‘Call-out’ procedures, rescue procedures, in water and surface decompression, chamber operations, and diving from a LARS and cage. During this course the students will also use and gain experience of using a variety of tools such as Airlifts, lift bags, basic underwater rigging, hydraulic tools, inspection tools and BROCO (underwater thermic lance).

An additional week has been added this year to teach the students basic Supervisory skills such as dive spread set up, understanding RAMS, supervising a task from set up, briefing, panel operation and managing the dive team. In conjunction with this the students also have to do their rotation as the team’s standby diver whilst the working diver completes a minimum 90-minute dive on the task. This gives the student divers more confidence and understanding for future situations where they are stepping in on the panel for the supervisor.

HSE Offshore Top-up (Surface Supplied)

Duration 1 week. This course builds on the Surface Supplied course and teaches the use of the Wet Bell, hot water systems, Bell rescues, dynamic positioning and Offshore procedures. The three courses together make the Air Diver package which also includes:

• Equipment package (Drysuit, undersuit, waterproofs, lifejacket, manuals, logbook, coveralls and CDT T-shirt.

• RYA Powerboat Level 2.

• Kirby Morgan Helmet and Band mask Inspector/maintenance course (covers basic hat checks, monthly, tuning, comms replacement etc.).

Accommodation is provided throughout the course and is included in the course fees.

Newly qualified Divers are easily finding work at present and the demand continues to be high which is promising news. CDT runs four courses a year (12 students) with former students gaining

employment ranging from UK inshore civils to overseas and offshore projects. For more information and prices please visit our website www.commercialdivertraining.co.uk or come and see us at the dive tank.

SEAWORK DIVE TANK PROGRAMME 2023

Contact for Activity Taira Caton – ADC

Tel: 0333 121 5474, visit: www.adc-uk.info

13-15 June: Daily Programme

1000-1030 Diver rescue

1030-1100 DX300 magnetometer

1100-1130 JWA Lift Bag Demo

1130-1200 Tritex Multiguage 3000 UT

1200-1300 STRAUB pipe coupling

1400-1430 Diver rescue

1430-1500 DX300 magnetometer

1500-1530 JWA Lift Bag Demo

1530-1600 Tritex Multiguage 3000 UT

1600-1700 STRAUB pipe coupling

On Display

Submertec Spyball Camera Equipment

ROV • Helmet testing

SUPPORTED BY Dive Tank - Edwards Diving Services Ltd

Dive Team - Commercial Diver Training Ltd

Association of Diving Contractors UK & Ireland

PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023 15

A wreck recovery on an epic scale

Recovering and removing the wreck of the Betelgeuse from where it lay by the oil terminal jetty was the largest and most complex recovery ever at the time

Whiddy Island in Bantry Bay, County Cork, Ireland, is the site of a major oil terminal with a jetty where vessels can discharge their cargo. That might not seem very unusual but Whiddy Island was also where one of the worst ever tanker wrecks occurred; a wreck that tested the ingenuity and capability of not only the salvage company whose job it was to salvage the wreck but also of a whole raft of firms in the oceanic engineering sector.

On January 8 1979, French Tanker Betelgeuse 61,766 tonnes gross and carrying 115,000 tonnes of crude oil, sustained two explosions while discharging cargo at the Whiddy Island terminal. The first explosion broke the ship in two with a second more powerful explosion following almost immediately. As soon as the news broke, Smit Tak International salvage company of Rotterdam set about the task of salvaging the stricken vessel sending the salvage vessel Barracuda to Bantry Bay where only the bow of the Betelgeuse was visible above the water with two thirds of the ship sunk in deep water next to the Jetty.

FIRST INSPECTIONS

When the first inspection team went to the vessel, they found crude oil covering the decks and gas in the remaining tanks that threatened a further and worse explosion. To stabilise the fore section of the ship and to protect the jetty, a tow line was fixed from the fore section to a salvage tug. Thus began the largest wreck removal ever undertaken at the time and it was started while the condition of the sunken part of the ship was still unknown. All that was clear

16 PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023

was that crude oil was leaking from the ship’s ruptured cargo tanks with all of the pollution threat that posed. So, oil booms were deployed to contain the leaked oil slick for a skimming vessel to collect.

Divers went down forty feet to examine the groaning hull and inform the tactics to be used in the salvage operation. This was dangerous work requiring expert diver skills. They found that the hull had broken into three sections with the aft section, including the engine room, sunk into 15 metres of mud. Taking advantage of the calm conditions, valves, hoses, high pressure hydraulic lines and special cargo safety pumps were deployed.

THE BOW SECTION

Meanwhile, the divers continued their inspection of the wreck and discovered that the bow section was only lightly attached to the rest of the ship. Ballast pumps were used to adjusts the trim of that bow section and the tug prepared to attempt to tow it away from the jetty. However, that section was still entangled with the rest of the wreckage and so an alternative plan was put into action. The remaining crude oil in the bow section had first to be discharged but the wreck

was 500 metres from the tank farm on Whiddy Island. A floating hose was rigged to pump the cargo to the oil terminal which lightened the bow section, minimised further pollution and saved 10,000 tonnes of cargo. When the crude oil had been pumped out, seawater was pumped in to break the bow section free. However, as the section broke loose, plates in the hull were ripped open, seawater rushed in and the section developed a dangerous list to port with the risk that it might flip over and into the jetty. Compressed air was pumped in to correct the list and bring the section under control: then the bow section was towed safely away, closing the first stage of the job.

PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023 17

THE MID-SECTION

It was decided to raise the mid-section using a combination of compressed air, shear legs and polystyrene spheres. But first, the crack splitting the mid-section from the aft would have to be completely cut through. Divers placed explosives to force apart the two remaining sections before also cutting access holes to get the polystyrene spheres into the hull and for the compressed air to escape during the raising. At the same time, divers also patched some other holes in the mid-section prior to pumping in the polystyrene and air. It was a tricky job at up to 40 metres depth in poor visibility.

Pumping the polystyrene into the mid-section continued for two weeks until the required buoyancy was achieved and a heavy anchor chain was used to saw through any remaining steel links between the mid- and stern sections. Divers went down to check whether the two remaining parts of the wreck had been separated and, finding that they had, then looped the chain under the mid-section to assist in the lifting. Air hoses were coupled for compressed air to be forced into the hull. Finally, seven months after the explosion, the mid-section was floated but because of the tanker’s draft and instability, a submersible pontoon was brough in to take the mid-section out of Bantry Bay. Water was pumped out to raise the mid-section as far as possible before the pontoon was submerged and the midsection towed into position.

THE AFT SECTION

Now came the most difficult part; to deal with the aft section which weighed 7,500 tonnes. The weight was largely the heavy machinery in the engine room and, because the machinery filled the section, there was not enough space left to use the polystyrene method this time. It was decided to bring in four lifting barges with a combined lifting capacity of 11,000 tonnes but first, the 15 metres of mud into which the aft section had sunk had to be dredged away which took thirty days, removing 15,000 cubic metres of mud. Meanwhile, custom-designed equipment was being manufactured for the four hoisting barges on an unprecedented scale for any salvage operation. Even the hydraulic pulling machines were custom-made for this extraordinary lift.

Three sets of eight slings were pulled underneath the wreck and connected up again to the four lifting barges anchored in position above the aft section. The next job was to assemble the super-sized lifting tackle and gear on the lifting barges and then to ballast the barges prior to hoisting. Steel plates were lowered between the wreck and the cables to prevent the cables from biting into the weakened hull. Transducers were attached to the wreck by divers to register all movement during the lifting from 40 metres below the surface. The very, very slow lift began with the four barges carefully synchronised to avoid any risk of the wreck sliding out of the sling of cables lifting it.

Once the wreck was clear of the seabed, the barges, with the still submerged wreck suspended beneath them, were able to be moved away from the jetty and to a better position for the rest of the lift. The partially submerged wreck was towed by a team of tugs to a more sheltered anchorage where divers went down to patch cracks in the hull so that the engine room could be pumped dry to create more buoyancy. Pumps were lowered into the wreck and started to work until, slowly but surely, the combination of hoisting and pumping brought the wreckage to the surface and far enough out of the water for the final stage.

The semi-submersible pontoon was brought into position and sunk in 23 metres of water before, assisted by the tugs, the pontoon was positioned under the aft section and raised to bring the final part of the wreck out of the water more than a year and a half (573 days) after the explosion that wrecked the Betelgeuse in the largest wreck removal ever at the time.

18
SCAN CODE TO WATCH

Birmingham, November 2022

ADC AGM 2022

An annual event where the Inland/Inshore Industry representatives and Members have the opportunity to catch up with their peers, network, and to share ideas and best practice.

Our most recent AGM had the highest attendance we have seen. It was fantastic to see lots of new faces and members really keen to be more involved with the Association and the industry as a whole. The 2022 AGM was held across two days with a packed and varied agenda.

SPEAKERS

As always, it was great to welcome Judith Tetlow, the HSE Chief Inspector of Diving, to our annual event and to obtain an insight into the challenges and feedback from the HSE Diving Division. The ADC was able to update its members on the progress of the Association over the past year and discuss any challenges. And, as always, we were pleased to welcome some great speakers to our AGM this year.

John Wrottlesley who represents ESCA ‘The European Subsea Cables Association, provided an update on how ESCA prevents cable failures, engages with other regulatory bodies and how they address the overall environmental impact of subsea cables. It was a great presentation with an awareness of a subject matter that is seldom thought about.

We were really excited to introduce our Guest Speaker — John Volanthen. John along with Rick Stanton played a leading role in the Tham Luang Cave rescue back in 2018. Their skills and knowledge helped save 13 children from the Tham Luang Cave when it flooded. This amazing rescue story, so well told by John had the audience captivated.

Shane Begley from BIM the Irish National Fisheries and Diving College, who recently joined ADC as a Member, provided an overview of their operations and commercial diver training programme in the republic of Ireland which ADC had the pleasure of attending earlier on in the year. Shane followed his overview with a presentation on ‘The Whiddy Island Disaster’ in

1979 and the salvage operation that followed. One of the key take-aways being how much the diving industry has moved forward and improved since.

Craig English from Briggs Marine and our Vice Chairman shared his insights on a known health issue that is raised on a regular basis in the diving industry and is related to PFO. patent foramen ovale, a heart condition affecting 1 in 4 people which generally is not an issue but has been known to cause issues when diving.

THE 2023 AGM

2023’s AGM will be held in Birmingham on the 28th and 29th of November.

PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023 19

Nuclear Diving at Sellafield

Working safely in a nuclear pond

Diving in nuclear ponds, while novel at Sellafield, is a widely accepted and mature technique for conducting this type of work worldwide and is a recommended technique within the International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) guide to pond decommissioning. After a fact-finding mission to Sizewell was undertaken a trial of nuclear diving on the Sellafield Site has been conducted and has proven that the use of commercial divers in a nuclear pond is a viable option for decommissioning.

The trial was performed in a pond that had already undergone a significant amount of clean up works using ROV’s and other methods, and several hundred tonnes of waste material had already been successfully exported from the pond. The major challenge for achieving the best possible clean-up of the ponds is that there are many integral structures on the floor of ponds which cannot be easily accessed.

The photo above shows a typical uncleaned pond floor.

The image below shows the floor layout which has proved difficult to clean using conventional techniques.

The scope of the Nuclear Diving Project was to prove that commercial nuclear diving reduces time at the work face and gives an overall reduced dose uptake, as well as a cleaner state, to base future decisions on. Extensive optioneering was undertaken on possible methods to clean up the pond. Internal and external professionals with backgrounds in sludge and debris retrieval, various industries, and ponds decommissioning were involved in this exercise. This concluded that divers provided a potentially game-changing opportunity to expediate pond floor clean up. An ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) assessment confirmed that diving represents the most effective overall option to further remediate the bays. A detailed safety assessment has been completed to confirm this can be achieved safely. The project team have designed and installed new equipment to facilitate the divers, modified plant infrastructure, undertaken a HARR (Hazardous Activity Readiness Review) and worked with a plethora of stakeholders to get to where they are today.

The trial work involved removing the remaining residual sludge and debris from areas which have been difficult to reach using the many tools developed to clear the bays to date. This material is in troughs, around encast steelwork and at the pond edges which make it very difficult and time consuming to deploy remotely operated equipment. Diving is the

20 PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023

deployment of divers has confirmed that divers offer much greater working efficiency compared to other available techniques, due to their:

• Versatility to perform multiple operations during a single dive.

• Ability to improvise, problem solve and apply their experience to deal with the different scenarios.

• Ability to operate in a low visibility environment (e.g. algal blooms).

• Greater dexterity when deploying equipment.

• Ability to offer a platform for deployment of a range of tooling rather than the design, development, manufacture and installation of numerous separate machines, most of which can only be operated in isolation.

In December 2022, the divers were successfully deployed following the facility being granted the licence instrument. The diving project has provided invaluable learning to shape the future remediation strategy of the site facilities and to ponds across the site. This pilot project has:

• Significantly accelerated the remediation schedule. The increased effectiveness can undoubtedly reduce the overall schedule for remediating the pond. Evidence from other nuclear dives in the UK suggests two years were saved from their baseline plans.

• it is clear that a different approach to traditional decommissioning is required to remove lower hazard inventory and commercial diving is a valid method of performing this work.

• Minimised the risk associated with pond side operations. While the risks associated with diving in a nuclear pond are obvious, the

alternatives are far from risk free. The majority of operations carried out to date have been done by operators standing at the pond side manipulating pond tools on 5m long poles. These operations are time consuming and physically demanding and by their nature have to be carried out in higher dose areas. Even working with Remotely Operated Vehicles requires significant time to be spent local to the workface to allow deployment, commissioning, maintenance and removal which can take more time than the operation due to each job having unique requirements, requiring bespoke solutions.

The radiation dose uptake from the diver’s project is significantly less than estimated for continued use of existing techniques and this could be amplified across future remediation projects. There are also wider benefits, as divers could enable other programmes across UK nuclear sites to reduce their dose uptake impact, costs and schedule accordingly.

This pilot project has successfully demonstrated that we can deploy nuclear divers in a facility to rapidly accelerate decommissioning and remediation. This not only allows for tasks to be accomplished that couldn’t before but also changes the thinking for future projects and the wider site approach to decommissioning with this new capability. Putting a human at the workface, is an overall ALARP solution recommended within the International Atomic Energy Authority guide to pond decommissioning. It provides greater dexterity and, therefore, quicker operations allowing us to make decommissioned nuclear facilities safer sooner.

PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023 21

The impact of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) in diving

A heart condition that can be easily diagnosed which might save a life

A PFO AND WHY IT MATTERS

A Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is the opening between the two upper chambers of the heart — Atria Septum — the point at which a baby, while developing, is connected through the umbilical. Post birth this normally heals sealing both atria.

gas safely passes into blood stream after which the lungs perform to filter inert gas from body. However, PFO leads to inert gas shunting, passing between right to left Atria, and this circulates the same gas around the body again. The lungs are not able to filter gas bubbles effectively, compounding gas build up and pushing more gas into the saturated tissue increasing the risk of decompression illness.

Why it is relevant for diving is that, as we know, diving saturates the tissues with gases and, subject to the decompression tables, saturated

22 PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023

NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WITH PFO

How many readers, I wonder, have a PFO? A 1984 study at the Mayo Clinic (Hagen et al.) took 965 autopsy specimens of normal hearts to determine the incidence and size of patent foramen ovale during the first ten decades of life. The findings included that the prevalence of PFOs is evenly distributed by sex over all age groups but that there are age related variations.

with no previous history of sustaining a bend. The incident happened during a dive at a remote location with a maximum depth of 18m. There was, according to USN no.7 table, no decompression profile and the diver’s last dive under pressure had been seven days previous. The diver’s last Gym session had been three days before the dive and had consumed no alcohol nor had he experience any in-water exertion. The water temperature was 15 degrees but the diver reported feeling unwell overnight, with the sensation of pins and needles on the arm. He was treated on USN table 6 with a further 2 Table 6 treatments, then an additional table five treatment prior to repatriation to UK. On return to UK, diagnosed with a PFO.

Incident 2

PROPOSAL

Each Dive team in the UK is highly likely to have at least one diver with a PFO but DCI (Decompression Illness) incidents reduce confidence in the industry and are turning clients away from diving. On top of that, HSE requirements are becoming ever more onerous and incidents are penalised at the highest level. Technology has enabled PFO scans to be readily available and inexpensive so we propose that, at the time of issuing first diver medical, the diver is scanned for a PFO and that the Certificate of PFO is maintained as part of diving documentation.

INCIDENT EXAMPLES

Here are a couple of examples of incidents that were found to have been caused by previously undetected PFOs.

In this second incident, the diver was aged 27, male and experienced but with a previous history of sustaining a bend three months prior to the incident but that was not recorded. Again, the location was remote, Skye. The maximum diving depth was 27m. There was, according to USN no.7 table, no decompression profile for the diver whose last dive under pressure had been five days prior to the dive. His last physical exercise had been more than five days before the dive but no alcohol had been consumed and no in-water exertion had been experienced. The water temperature was 14 degrees. The diver reported feeling unwell post shower with a rash on his shoulder and chest. He was treated with O2 immediately then transferred to ABZ Royal Infirmary where he was given one USN Table 6 treatment. He was later diagnosed with a ‘Large’ PFO. The consultant was very surprised on that two DCI events were experienced.

PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023 23
“… PFO leads to inert gas shunting, passing between right to left Atria, and this circulates the same gas around the body again. The lungs are not able to filter gas bubbles effectively…”

The ‘Diving Supervisor’

Diving Supervisors carry out a safety critical role as they are responsible for all aspects of the diving operations they supervise.

The diving supervisor is in charge of the planning and execution of the diving operation including the responsibility for the health and safety of the dive team.

The ADC Supervisors Scheme was set up by the Association on behalf of the industry in 2000, as an action to promote a broader understanding of the importance of the role of the Diving Supervisor and to assist with the on-going development of Supervisors.

The certification is seen by the industry as an indication of competence.

These certificates are only issued by ADC.

The ACoP requires that the Diving Contractor appoints a Diving Supervisor that they consider to be competent.

Diving Supervisors (Regulation 10)

Supervisors have a duty to ensure the diving operations for which they have been appointed as supervisor are carried out without risk to the Health and Safety of those taking part (and others).

• Must be issued with a copy of the Dive Project

Plan / Risk Assessment;

• Does not need to have a valid diving medical if not diving;

• Must be qualified in the diving techniques being used in the operation. (Must hold a surface-supplied diving certificate);

• Must be ‘competent’ – have a combination of training, knowledge & experience to do the job required in a safe and efficient manner;

• To complete and sign the Dive log / Divers Log Book (ACoP Annex 3);

• Should ensure to have at least two members of the team with valid First Aid Certificates and arrange for the provision of one to be ‘available’ during a dive i.e. acting as a tender;

• Should have signed the Approval to Dive (Assuming this is required);

• May need to update / revise RA’s as work progresses on-site;

• Be satisfied that any support personnel are competent, properly briefed and immediately to hand.

The ADC Supervisors scheme was set up as a way of assisting Diving Contractors in establishing the competency of persons they are considering appointing as a supervisor.

24 PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023
The ADC Diving Supervisor Scheme

The presence of a valid ADC Supervisor Card indicates that the holder has demonstrated a broad range of knowledge across all aspects of the skills that may be required on an Inland / Inshore dive site by studying for, sitting and passing the exam.

The Supervisor certificate only remains valid if the holder completes Continuous Professional Development (CPD) on an annual basis. This is to ensure the certification is not held by persons who can no longer demonstrate a current awareness of the challenges of supervising on an inland/inshore diving site.

The Association does not mandate but recommends that ADC Certificated Supervisors are used for diving operations in the UK and Ireland. However, the prime responsibility for appointing the Diving Supervisors they consider to be competent, remains with the dive contractor.

Candidate Entry Criteria

Applications to enter the scheme will not be accepted from individuals under any circumstances.

A diving contractor must countersign all applications.

The nominated candidate must meet the following entry criteria:

Age: Must be a minimum of 24 years old.

Qualifications: Must have held at least HSE Surface Supplied (or an equivalent) for two years.

Experience: Must have completed at least 200 commercial dives (not including training dives) using surface supplied equipment. At least 100 of these must have been inland / inshore dives carried out in the UK or Ireland. Dives carried out offshore or in other countries may count towards the 200 total but not towards the 100 inland dives.

Training: While candidates may have attended and passed a formal training scheme run by a training school, this is not a mandatory requirement of the scheme. ADC will make available an Inland / Inshore Diving Supervisors Manual and a guidance document that will contain guidance to the sources of all of the theoretical and practical knowledge required in relation to the ADC scheme.

Sponsorship: A senior person in an Inland/ Inshore diving contractor must sponsor Applications. In the case of ADC members this should be the formal ADC point of contact. If an application is received from a non-ADC member company, then the management committee will decide on the detailed level of support and recommendation required.

a 50-question examination set by ADC. This will be one of the formats outlined in the How The Scheme Works guidance.

Costs: The registration fee includes all costs associated with the administration of the scheme up to and including the issue of certificates to successful candidates, where the on-line or scheduled exam formats are required.

Any additional costs associated with making special arrangements or coordinating independent invigilation of exams to meet the requirements of specific candidates or contractors will be in addition to the initial registration fee and be payable in advance of the exam sitting.

The Association publishes the current charges annually.

Failures: Should a candidate fail the exam they will be allowed to re-sit after a gap of at least 1 month. Should they fail the re-sit, the candidate must wait at least 6 months before trying / attempting a further exam and they will be expected to pay the full cost associated with making an initial application.

Any person who fails at the third attempt will not be permitted to sit the exam again for a minimum period of 2 years and will again be expected to apply to be entered into the scheme in the normal way.

Chambers: Chamber operation does not form part of the basic supervisor exams; however, Supervisors should be aware that they have a requirement to know and understand the operation of chambers and may be required to control the operation of them in an emergency situation.

Competence in the operation of chambers should however be sought separately by all Certificated Supervisors.

PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023 25

contractors are confirming that they have checked relevant documents, are aware that the candidate meets the criteria and is competent to be entered into the scheme. The scheme administrator may be expected to conduct secondary checks but will generally be reliant on the signed form as the instruction to enter the candidate to the scheme.

Records: ADC will retain records relating to all candidates for future reference. Candidates should refer to the ADC Privacy Policy on the ADC website www.adc-uk.info.

Summary

1. This review of the ADC Supervisors Scheme is seen as an opportunity to refresh and update the scheme to ensure that it remains an industry-leading requirement that seeks to continually improve the quality of personnel placed in the highly responsible position of Diving Supervisor.

2. The CPD element and validation assessment every fifth year, seeks to ensure that all supervisors actively work to develop and maintain their competency and that those who do not complete the sessions or who withdraw from the industry are no longer able to retain a valid ADC certificate.

3. ADC is seeking to keep the cost of administration of the scheme to a minimum, and as a result mitigate the cost of initially obtaining and retaining a valid certificate.

4. The role of Diving Supervisor is one of significant responsibility. Those Supervisors who are unable to effectively manage their own time to complete one CPD session per year, put into question their ability to manage an active site where many activities may be occurring simultaneously.

5. ADC will continually strive to improve the standard of supervisors that are available for Inland / Inshore operations, by refreshing and updating the scheme arrangements periodically.

NEW MEMBERS

Please welcome the following recent new members to the Association.

UXO Groundworks

Full Member

Dagger Diving

Full Member

Create Safe Ltd

Associate Member

Submertec Ltd

Associate Member

Brasal Marine (Cyprus)

Corresponding Member

Subsea Technology

Corresponding Member

ISAT Underwater (Istanbul)

Corresponding Member

SCAMP Contractors (GIB)

Corresponding Member

Members contact details new and old can be found on the ADC website: www.adc-uk.info/find-a-member/

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES

26 PROFESSIONAL DIVER • SUMMER 2023
13-15 June 2023: Seawork 2023 Southampton
14-15 November 2023: Global Offshore Wind, Excel London
November
• 28-29
2023: ADC AGM, Birmingham

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DiveWork at Seawork is a showcase for the professional diving and subsea industries.

DiveWork consists of a pavilion and a trail, with a Dive Tank on the Quayside where all the latest underwater equipment and services can be demonstrated.

Look for the Diving & Underwater Services, Hydrography category on Seawork.com to connect with this industry sector all year.

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