Diving regulations


Diving regulations are the stipulations of the delegated legislation regarding the practice of underwater diving. They apply within the national territory and territorial waters of a country. In most cases they apply to occupational diving, but in a few cases also to recreational diving. There are exemptions for recreational diving in some cases where it is recognised as a self-regulated industry. Offshore diving is generally outside the scope of diving regulations, and tends to be self-regulated through voluntary membership of industry organisations.

Scope

The scope of diving regulations is generally defined in each specific set of regulations and the statutory law which empowers them, which can vary considerably across jurisdictions. Diving regulations apply within the national territorial waters of the country.

Alternatives

Diving regulations apply within the national territorial waters of the country. In general they do not apply in international waters, but the commercial diving industry operates in international waters, in what is generally known as the offshore diving industry. In these waters the industry is largely self-regulated through voluntary membership of organisations such as the International Marine Contractors Association. Members of these organisations are required as a condition of membership to comply with their Codes of Practice.
In some jurisdictions specific exemptions and exceptions may be stipulated. For example:
In a few cases statutory law exists covering diving activities.
Australia
Canada
South Africa – Diving regulations to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, authorised by the Minister of Labour.
The South African diving regulations regulate professional diving using breathing apparatus, and specifically exclude instruction of recreational divers and recreational dive leadership. They apply only where the Occupational Health and Safety Act applies, so do not cover diving in minerals and energy industries, which have different safety legislation.
There have been two versions of the Diving Regulations, dated 2001 and 2009 (sometimes referred to as Diving Regulations 2010 at they were published in January 2010. New regulations are drawn up with input from the Diving Advisory Board, a body appointed in terms of the existing regulations.
Switzerkland – Verordnung 20.Jan.1961,SUVA Form 1526.d Publikation-Arbeitsmedizin Nr.8, Nov.1985 regulates inshore/inland diving.