The Department of Employment and Labour regulates diving operations in the Republic of South Africa. Thus, the new regulations apply to all commercial diving operations and all persons engaged in commercial diving operations in the country or its territorial waters.

Following the promulgation of the new commercial diving regulations on 20 May 2022, replacing the diving regulations promulgated in 2009. The new commercial diving regulations are intended to promote adherence to occupational health (OHS) and detect hazards before they occur.

On 18 July 2022, Jabulile Mahlope, from the Department of Employment and Labour Specialist: Occupational Health and Hygiene (OHH) was at Durban uShaka Marine for the Department of Employment and labour’s commercial diving workshop to discuss the recently unveiled sector regulations.

The workshops have helped in distinguishing between recreational and commercial diving activities. The commercial diving industry covers a broad spectrum of activities offshore and inland.

Mhlophe said, “The Department welcomes engagements with industry players and would consider their inputs to close existing gaps and deal with teething issues raised.’’

Nozi Maphoto, Principal Inspector at the Department of Employment Labour, presented the new diving regulations. In her presentation she addressed 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.

Visit the site and download a PDF file to read the 20 May 2022 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT, 1993 (ACT NO. 85 OF 1993) COMMERCIAL DIVING REGULATIONS, 2022: https://www.gov.za/documents/occupational-health-and-safety-act-regulations-commercial-diving-20-may-2022-0000

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