Singapore’s Commercial Diving Industry: The Push for Enhanced Safety Practices
In the bustling warehouse of Pioneer, trainee commercial divers undergo rigorous training before braving the waters. One such company, Subsea Global Solutions, grooms around 40 divers to execute industrial or construction work underwater. This intense training, lasting several months, is imperative to prepare divers for the myriad challenges that await them.
Safety has been thrust into the spotlight following recent lapses within the industry. Industry players are now urging authorities to implement a licensing system for commercial diving firms due to safety concerns. The Ministry of Manpower’s recent announcement of penalties for 65 safety violations by 12 commercial diving companies and seven individuals from September to December 2024 underscores the urgency of the situation.
Tragedy struck last year when two commercial divers lost their lives in Singapore anchorages. This unfortunate incident was attributed to the use of recreational self-contained underwater breathing apparatus instead of the mandated commercial surface-supplied diving equipment. The latter provides commercial divers with a continuous air supply through a diving umbilical connected to a specialized helmet, enabling them to navigate through challenging environments.
The Commercial Diving Association Singapore’s chairman, Mr. Alexis Chee, highlighted a significant gap in the industry – the absence of a licensing regime for commercial diving companies. He emphasized that this lack of regulation might lead firms to overlook essential guidelines, potentially compromising safety standards.
Mr. Chee further speculated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was likely a lack of enforcement actions, allowing the industry to operate at its pace. This leniency may have paved the way for new entrants to establish businesses without adhering to stringent rules, ultimately cutting corners to maximize profits. He asserted that a licensing system could act as a catalyst to instill self-governance within the industry, fostering a culture of compliance and excellence.
Amidst these safety concerns, Subsea Global Solutions has taken proactive measures to ensure the well-being of their divers. Mr. Satnam Kumar, the company’s chief operating officer, emphasized the implementation of a dedicated safe practices manual to guide divers on conducting operations safely. Furthermore, the company ensures that specialized diving helmets undergo regular maintenance by certified professionals.
The company’s stringent training regimen allows novice divers to familiarize themselves with the equipment and safety protocols before embarking on site. Observational learning, spanning three to four months, precedes their official dive assignments, ensuring a thorough understanding of the complexities of commercial diving.
Subsea Global Solutions specializes in underwater welding, a critical operation to repair underwater damages in vessels. Mr. Kumar underscored the stark contrast between commercial diving and recreational diving, highlighting the challenging conditions divers face, including low visibility.
Rising costs have emerged as another significant challenge within the industry. Mr. Kumar noted a surge in equipment maintenance expenses, escalating by 5 to 10 percent annually, amounting to millions of dollars. These escalating costs, coupled with the need for ongoing training and certification, pose financial burdens on commercial diving firms.
With vessel arrivals at Singapore’s ports on the rise, the demand for commercial diving services has surged. This increased demand, coupled with the allure of a profitable industry, has attracted new entrants. However, the lack of stringent regulations could potentially jeopardize safety standards if not adequately addressed.
As the industry grapples with safety concerns and escalating costs, the call for a licensing system remains a pivotal step towards fortifying safety practices within the commercial diving sector. By establishing stringent guidelines and enforcing compliance standards, authorities can bolster safety protocols and safeguard the well-being of divers.
