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The new commercial diving regulations are intended to promote adherence to occupational health (OHS) and detect hazards before they occur, industry players were told.

Department of Employment and Labour Specialist: Occupational Health and Hygiene (OHH) Jabulile Mhlophe said the new Commercial Diving Regulations have assisted to provide a clear distinction between recreational and commercial diving activities.

Mhlophe was speaking today in Durban at uShaka Marine during Department of Employment and Labour’s commercial diving workshop to discuss the recently unveiled sector regulations.

The new commercial diving regulations were promulgated on 20 May 2022. They have replaced the diving regulations which were promulgated in 2009.

Following the unveiling of the new regulations the Department had conducted workshops in Gqeberha and Cape Town. Mhlophe said the Department welcomes engagements with industry players and would consider their inputs to close existing gaps and deal with teething issues raised.

“One of new significant inclusion in the regulations is the introduction of a registration certificate which will be valid for four years,” she said in the past industry players operated on certificate without validity period. Mhlophe said failure by a holder of the registration certificate to comply with any of the conditions required in regulations, risks withdrawal of registration.

The commercial diving industry covers a broad spectrum of activities both offshore and inland. It involves the activity where people need to go underwater to work.

The Department of Employment and Labour regulates only commercial diving operations in the Republic of South Africa or the territorial waters. These regulations ensure that the occupational health and safety of persons involved in the diving operations is promoted.

Department of Employment and Labour Principal Inspector: Diving, Nozi Maphoto presented on the new Diving Regulation on issues relating to: the definition of the word commercial divers; the scope of applications; registration; plant and machinery; risk assessment; medical surveillance; designated medical practitioners; information instruction and training; control of the diving operations; the client; training standards; and duties of employer.  

Maphoto emphasised the need for employers to ensure they have copies of risk assessment and these should be recommended by a competent person.  

Issued by Department of Employment and Labour