Guidance on the selection of vessels of opportunity for diving operations

Version history

August 2024 Rev. 0.2 – Section 4.2 Freeboard / Stability updated

April 2024 Rev. 0.1 – Page 2, classification societies and layout updated; no change to content

September 2004 – Initial publication

Summary

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to both clients and contractors when selecting a vessel of opportunity for diving operations. The guidance provided is not designed to be exhaustive but is intended to cover the minimum requirements that should be satisfied.

Many countries do not have specific regulations that govern offshore diving operations and in such cases best practices should prevail which incorporate the clients requirements and specifications together with the diving contractor’s safety management systems and IMCA codes of practice/guidelines.

This document provides generic guidance on assessing the suitability of ‘vessels of opportunity’ for diving operations and provides an indication of factors to be considered in selection of the diving support vessel (DSV).

This guidance is broad-based and should be considered in conjunction with specific project requirements such as:

• type or nature of tasks to be undertaken – construction, inspection, repair or survey, e.g. deck space, cranage, access at site, considerations, etc.
• depth of operation
• duration of diving operations – the DSV should have sufficient catering supplies, fuel, fresh water, diving gas storage capability for the expected period of operation taking into account any logistical arrangements for re-supply
• environmental conditions – the DSV needs to be capable of providing the expected workability in the prevailing environmental conditions (wind, waves, currents, sea and air temperatures, fog, ice, etc.)
• suitability of accommodation and messing facilities to support the diving operation.

From a marine perspective, it is recommended that the DSV be inspected in accordance with guidance document IMCA M149 Common Marine Inspection Document [Ref. 1] and the results of the audit reviewed to assess its suitability for the required operation.

Contents

• Introduction
• Scope
• Safety
• Deck and Working Areas
• Mooring/Positioning
• Accommodation and Messing Facilities
• Medical Facilities
• Additional Services
• References