Occupational Diving

Diving is a particularly hazardous activity and requires all those involved to be competent and medically fit. The Department of Labour administers the health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and Regulations 1995. These determine the requirements for certification of occupational divers. Occupational Diving is defined as diving that is carried out at work, for gain or reward. It Involves the diver breathing gases (usually air) at greater than atmospheric pressure under water.

The Regulations require that Occupational Divers be "Medically Fit" to dive at the time of diving (Reg 49) and be the holder of a Certificate of Competence in the category of diving in which they are diving (Reg 48). The Certificate of Competence is issued by the Department of Labour.

Medical Fitness to Dive

A medical clearance to dive is important for all divers, but more so where a diver is engaged in a physical activity underwater. The Department of Labour has a close working relationship with the experts in "diving health" at the Devonport Naval establishment where a joint arrangement provides independent advice to back up medical examinations carried out by a Designated Diving Doctor (DDD).

To ensure safe work practices and to satisfy the "all practicable steps" process in the Health and Safety in Employment Act a "Diving Medical Clearance" is required for ALL categories of Occupational Diving.

This is issued by the Diving Hyperbaric Medical Service (DHMS) located in Auckland.

After a diver has been medically examined by a DDD, he/she will send the completed medical examination papers, within 28 days, directly to the DHMS with the appropriate fee. A DDD is a doctor who has completed specialist training in hyperbaric medicine (most likely not your GP). The diver will receive a medical clearance to dive directly from the DHMS. This medical clearance will need to be submitted, along with an application from for a Certificate of Competence, to the Department of Labour, National Diving Co-ordinator.

Certiftificate of Competence

A Certificate of Competence will be issued when the applicant has obtained the required Diving Medical Clearance and has completed the relevant training for the category of diving in which he/she intends to work. As evidence of experience the applicant will need to provide their "Dive Log Book" showing the number and types of dives completed. The minimum number of dives required to obtain a Certificate of Competence is 100.

Currently Certificates of Competence for Occupational Divers are issued in the categories of Construction, Scientific, Instructor/Tutor, Tourism, Aquaculture and Film and Photographic. The certificate remains valid for five years provided the holder has an "in date" Medical Clearance to dive. After completing a full medical check carried out by a DDD, there is provision to use a self-check medical questionnaire. There is a need to complete a full medical every five years (go to http://www.divemeds.co.nz/).

Gain or Reward

This includes payment but could also include other services such as where a diver is given a "free trip" in return for providing the work.

Place of Work

A place of work is defined as a place where people work for gain or reward. This could be a beach, boat or pool.

Volunteers

Volunteers who receive no gain or reward are considered to be an employee when they are in a "place of work" on a regular basis.

Recreational Diving

This is diving carried out by individuals or groups for their own pleasure and without receiving gain or reward, which would not involve any commercial activity at a place of work.

Further information

Guidelines for Occupational Diving 2004, published by the Department of Labour. This publication is available in hard copy and as a pdf on the OSH website. www.osh.dol.govt.nz

Further information can also be obtained by ringing the Department National Diving Co-ordinator on (07) 957 3560 or by emailing clive.macgregor@dol.govt.nz.