Dive Support Vessel (DSV) Operations Safety Checklist
This Dive Support Vessel (DSV) operations safety checklist ensures compliance with the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) D 014 (Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Electricity Underwater), IMCA D 043 (The Management of Diving Operations), Offshore Industry Standards for commercial saturation diving, Dynamic Positioning operations for station keeping during diving, and flag state commercial diving regulations.
- Industry: Maritime
- Frequency: Per Dive
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Role: Diving Supervisor / Master / DP Operator
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: IMCA D 043 Management of Diving Operations, IMCA D 014 Safe Use of Electricity Underwater, ADCI American Diving Contractors International Safety Code, DPVOA DP Vessel Operations Association Guidelines, IOGP Report 411 Diving Operations Standards
Pre-Dive Safety Meeting
Before any diving commences.
- Pre-dive safety meeting conducted with all diving team members?
- Dive task, hazards, and emergency procedures briefed to all personnel?
- Client/contractor approval for dive operation received?
- Diving permit and all required concurrent permits issued?
- Work site cleared of other subsea activities during dive window?
Dynamic Positioning and Station Keeping
DP operations during diving.
- DP system class appropriate for diving operations (DP2 or DP3 for SAT)?
- DP capability plot generated for current environmental conditions?
- All DP redundancy systems operational before divers in water?
- DP position excursion alarm limits set and tested?
- Dive abort criteria for DP degradation defined and communicated?
Diving Equipment Checks
Equipment readiness.
- Diver umbilical inspected - no damage, kinks, or abrasion?
- Primary and bailout gas supplies checked, labeled, and quantities verified?
- Diving helmet/mask pressure tested and communications checked?
- Standby diver dressed and ready throughout working diver's water time?
- Approved decompression tables or dive computer verified for planned dive?
Hyperbaric Chamber Readiness
Chamber and medical readiness.
- Deck decompression chamber ready and tested before dive?
- 100% oxygen for chamber treatment available and quantity checked?
- Dive medic or DMT (Diver Medical Technician) on board?
- TMAS (Telemedical Assistance Service) contact confirmed?
- Medevac plan for diver emergency including nearest hyperbaric facility?
Environmental Monitoring
Weather and current watch.
- Current weather within vessel and diving operational limits?
- Subsea current measured and within diver capability limits?
- Subsea visibility assessed and dive plan adjusted if poor?
- Weather forecast monitored - abort criteria defined for deterioration?
- Vessel traffic in area monitored and safety zone established?
Dive Records
Diving operations documentation.
- Dive log completed with times, depths, gas, and decompression?
- Pre-dive medical fitness questionnaire completed by each diver?
- Any dive incident or near-miss formally reported to diving supervisor and client?
- Post-dive debrief conducted and work completed status confirmed?
- Dive Operation Notes
Related Maritime Checklists
- Underwater Hull Inspection and Fouling Assessment Checklist
- Ship-Shore Interface and Tanker Terminal Safety Checklist
- Enclosed Space Rescue and Emergency Response Checklist
- Fishing Vessel Safety and Torremolinos Protocol Checklist
Why Use This Dive Support Vessel (DSV) Operations Safety Checklist?
This dive support vessel (dsv) operations safety checklist helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for diving supervisor / master / dp operator professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per dive.
Ensures compliance with IMCA D 043 Management of Diving Operations, IMCA D 014 Safe Use of Electricity Underwater, ADCI American Diving Contractors International Safety Code, DPVOA DP Vessel Operations Association Guidelines, IOGP Report 411 Diving Operations Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Dive Support Vessel (DSV) Operations Safety Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Pre-Dive Safety Meeting, Dynamic Positioning and Station Keeping, Diving Equipment Checks, Hyperbaric Chamber Readiness, Environmental Monitoring, Dive Records. It is designed for maritime operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per dive. Each completion takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Who should use this Dive Support Vessel (DSV) Operations Safety Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Diving Supervisor / Master / DP Operator professionals in the maritime industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.