NLIS 11
October 1, 2004
(Government Services)

 

Government considering changes to crew composition for diving operations

Government Services Minister Dianne Whalen announced today that she is willing to consider a more flexible configuration of the crew size component for diving operations, if it is sanctioned by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

The CSA Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations became effective in this province in September 2002, after years of consultations and discussions. The code sets the minimum operational requirements for crew size, as well as equipment requirements and emergency planning. This code governs occupational diving operations, including sea urchin harvesting.

The seafood harvesting industry has lobbied the CSA for more flexibility when it comes to crew composition for shallow-water operations. It appears the CSA is preparing to publish a revised Operations Code in January 2005 to address some of the concerns raised by the industry. Minister Whalen said government will adopt the standard if the CSA goes that route.

"I’m delighted that it appears the CSA technical committee has found a safe level of flexibility to address the concerns of the seafood harvesting industry," Minister Whalen said. "We have aligned ourselves with the national standards to ensure the safety of divers. If the CSA is comfortable with a more flexible approach, we will apply the standard in this province."

The revised code only affects the restricted scuba diver operating in less than 60 feet of water. For a crew of three, it would mean that two divers could be in the water at the same time, providing they follow the rules for buddy diving and they are in visual contact with each other in case one runs into difficulty. If visual contact is not possible, they must each be tethered to a buoy so that the tender/supervisor in the boat can easily locate them.

Under the current standard for a crew of three, the configuration provides for one diver in the water with a backup diver in the boat, as well as a supervisor.

There have been four diving deaths in this province since 1992, the latest being in August. After investigating the diving death of a sea urchin harvester in 1998, the province’s chief medical examiner recommended government adopt occupational diving standards.

The seafood harvesting industry has raised some concerns about the crew size requirements for diving operations, particularly from an economic point of view. The CSA has reviewed the requirements and has indicated its intention, after consultation with the committee’s technical experts, to revise the standard in January 2005 to provide more flexibility in the area of crew composition.

Minister Whalen said the indication from the CSA is that the changes will not compromise the safety of the divers in the water.

"We recognize the uniqueness of the sea urchin industry, and we have listened to the concerns of the people in the industry in this province, but we will not do anything that does not meet the minimum safety standard," Minister Whalen said. "We are prepared to adopt the changes recognizing this uniqueness, providing they have CSA approval."

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-4860 or 690-6157

2004 10 01                   5:25 p.m.


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