Canadian Association of Diving Contractors

The CSA Diving Standards Group has unanimously approved the final and immediate amendment to the Diving Operations standard Z275.2-15 that eliminates the clause 8.2.1.2 in that standard that allowed for the use of a minimum three-man dive crew (plus an “emergency assistant”) in low-risk surface supplied diving operations. This comes into effect Nov 1st, 2018.

It is important to realize that this is not really an increase in the crew sizes under the Z275.2-15 Dive Operations Standard as there always was a requirement to have four people on the dive crew. The controversial loophole in the standard was that the fourth person – who had to be on site and essentially make up the four-man crew – did not have to be competent and qualified in diving operations.

Competency is defined in the standard as “capable and qualified because of knowledge and skills to perform the diving, tender, or supervisor duties as specified in CSA Z275.4.”

Effective immediately on publication (Oct 31^st), only a qualified minimum crew of FOUR competent dive personnel (Diver Supervisor / Diver / Standby Diver/ Dive Tender) will be allowed for surface supplied diving operations by the standard.

Originally scheduled to be eliminated in the next revision of the standard in 2020, the excessive use of what could be called a “loophole” clause by industry allowed utilizing of a three-man crew without a competent fourth person in attendance warranted the immediate issuance of an amendment to eliminate the unsafe practice.

It had been determined by CADC, Dive Supervisors, Regulatory Inspectors and others working in the field (or knowledge of it) that the clause 8.2.1.2 was being severely abused and was being used to justify the use of three-man crew in operations in ALL operations (not only low-risk) – thereby skirting the intent of diver safety as it allowed the use of a non-competent person 4^th person to be used –if at all. (Client supplied / incompetent etc.)

The practice usually was based on succumbing to economic pressures for low bid and ignored recognized safe practice in diver safety. The contractor did it simply because they legally could by virtue of its inclusion in the 2015 version of the standard and jurisdictions either recognizing that section in that standard in regulation – or in their regulations.

The removal of clause 8.2.1.2 in Z275.2-15 clarifies the unsafe practice and will now prohibit the use of a minimum three-man dive crew in ANY surface supplied operation operating under or recognizing the Standard. The CSA Dive Standards are a minimum safety standard by design and recognized and cited by nearly a third of all regulatory authorities across Canada.  

In plain language, the practice of using a three-man dive crew in surface supplied dive operations – under CSA Dive Standards – is over. Period. If there is a surface supplied dive operation being conducted in ANY situation, there are to be FOUR qualified and competent diving personnel onsite. (Dive Supervisor, Diver, Standby Diver and a Tender.)   No exceptions. (No crane operator, boat operator – or someone’s mother – as the “fourth” person unless they are competent in diving operations as defined in CSA Z275.4 – Competency Standard. Four competent dive personnel are to be onsite while operating – no exceptions.) However, justification for an exemption to this requirement can be made by applying for a variance to the Authority having Jurisdiction in the area.

With the CADC and DCBC goal to recognize One Dive Standard for One Country (CSA Dive Standards) as a minimal dive safety standard – it is anticipated that this will become a national practice. All current dive schools practice and train to these standards. It is expected in the field.

In recognition of the safety arguments made for the four-person competent crew in surface supplied diving, the CSA Dive Committee will be debating the logic of carrying over this requirement for a minimum four person competent crew in ALL Occupational diving operations – including minimum competent crew sizes – are to be reviewed this year by the CSA Dive Standards Group. It is anticipated that ALL occupational diving operations will require a competent four-man minimum dive crew – regardless of method of operation.) 

It’s about time. It’s about safety.