Withdrawal of Key IMCA and DMAC Guidance Documents relating to COVID-19

The Diving Division of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) and the Diving Medical Advisory Committee (DMAC) have jointly decided to withdraw their key guidance documents relating to COVID-19.

This means that with immediate effect the following documents will be removed from the IMCA and DMAC websites:

• IMCA Information Note 1563 – Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Guidance for Diving Contractors; and
• DMAC 33 – Return to Diving after COVID-19

The documents are being withdrawn because:

• The lower virulence of the current SARS-CoV-2 variants mean that the challenge Covid-19 poses to healthcare systems is reduced.
• In most countries, particularly where the vaccination rate is high, Covid-19 is no longer considered a severe threat to public health, and restrictions have been lifted.
• Medical opinion is that COVID-19 can now be managed in the same way as other respiratory diseases.

Please note that, should circumstances require it in future, an IMCA/DMAC Pandemic Workgroup will be quickly re-established and appropriate guidance, intended to safeguard the offshore diving industry and its workforce, will be produced without delay.

For more information, please contact Bryan.McGlinchy@legacy.imca-int.com