Diving operations are covered in detail in Part 3 of the WHS PAGEO Regulations. Before any diving can be undertaken, the diving contractor must have a diving safety management system (DSMS) in force that has been accepted by the regulator and also a diving project plan (DPP).

It is important that operators ensure that divers and other workers are involved in the development of the DSMS and the diving project plan. It should be noted that the registered operator/contractor bears duties under Part 2 of the WHS Act and the responsibility for the safe conduct of all activities and ongoing safety and health of all persons connected to diving operations.

A key element of the diving operations is that the operator must complete and submit a start-up notice to the regulator at least 14 days before diving is scheduled to commence. No diving is permitted on a diving project prior to this occurring.

Further information

• Petroleum and geothermal energy operations interpretive guidelines
  These interpretive guidelines will assist onshore and offshore petroleum, pipeline and geothermal energy operators in the development and submission of a safety case.
• Petroleum and geothermal energy operations guides
  Guides to support and assist onshore and offshore petroleum, pipeline and geothermal energy operators to meet their commitments under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 and Work Health and Safety (Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Operations) Regulations 2022.
• Human factors for major hazard facility, petroleum and geothermal energy operations information sheets