Subsea Diving Operations Safety Quiz

Diving Operations Incident

• Divers were pulled rapidly from the seabed to a height of 18m, risking pressure-induced injuries.
• The bridge communication system was silenced, delaying response to divers' recovery.
• Incorrect assumption made that the Dive Supervisor was aware of the taut wire recovery; no final clearance was given.
• Taut wire recovery was conducted under the assumption that divers were in a 'Position of Safety' without verbal confirmation.
• Management systems lacked coverage for taut wire lifting operations.
• An internal diving information notice mandated divers to return under the bell and clear umbilicals before taut wire activities.
• Lift plans now include confirmation of divers' safety positions before operations.
• Improved diver awareness on umbilical management is necessary to avoid entanglement.
• Operational communication instructions emphasize clarity and verification of commands.

Saturation Divers Hot Water Leak

• Leak discovered in Divers Hot Water Unit #2 during saturation diving.
• Initial investigation revealed a small hole; further inspection showed significant corrosion underneath.
• Diving operations were suspended due to the lack of a backup Hot Water Unit.
• Limited access hindered inspection of the closed circuit pipework.
• Corrosion over years led to complete deterioration of a small section of pipe.
• Remedial actions included welding over the corroded area and thorough inspection of the remaining Hot Water Unit.

Hoist Equipment Malfunction

• A defective “pay-out” push button on the electric winch caused continuous hoist operation.
• Operator mistakenly believed button functionality was restored after it repeatedly stuck.
• Failure to engage the emergency stop enabled further uncontrolled payout, resulting in motor burnout.
• Hoist equipment was not properly stowed as per standard procedures.
• Corrective actions include training crew on OEM manuals, reviewing hoist control functions, conducting regular visual and functional tests, and increasing maintenance frequency.

Workboat Collision with Wind Turbine Platform

• A workboat collided with a turbine platform, injuring a crew member during offshore maintenance tasks.
• The collision occurred as the master became distracted by administrative work and lost track of the vessel’s course.
• Impact sustained mainly on the workboat's protected bow section, resulting in minor damage.
• One crewman suffered broken ribs and required evacuation for medical treatment.
• The incident highlights the risks of distraction and loss of situational awareness in marine operations.

Test your knowledge on the safety protocols and operational procedures involved in subsea diving operations. This quiz focuses on the Life Saving Rules and the risks associated with rapid changes in depth. Enhance your understanding of dealing with emergency situations while diving.