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Canada Oil and Gas Diving Regulations (SOR/88-600)

Regulations are current to 2024-03-06

PART IIIDiving Contractors (continued)

Surface Compression Chambers

 No diving contractor who conducts a diving operation shall use or permit to be used a surface compression chamber in the diving operation unless the surface compression chamber

  • (a) meets the requirements of sections 14 and 15;

  • (b) contains at least two independently sealable compartments;

  • (c) contains sufficient space in at least one of its compartments to enable each occupant to lie down comfortably in the compartment;

  • (d) where a person will be in the surface compression chamber for a period of eight consecutive hours or less, has an internal vertical diameter of at least 1.5 m;

  • (e) where a person will be in the surface compression chamber for a period of more than eight consecutive hours, has an internal vertical diameter of at least 2 m;

  • (f) is equipped with a medical lock;

  • (g) where the surface compression chamber will be used for a period of more than 12 consecutive hours, has adequate sanitation facilities;

  • (h) if manufactured after December 31, 1990, is fitted with a through-hull connector suitable for medical monitoring of its occupants; and

  • (i) if manufactured on or before December 31, 1990, meets the requirements of paragraph (h) where the Minister so determines pursuant to paragraph 3.2(1)(b) of the Act.

Diving Bells

 No diving contractor who conducts a diving operation shall use or permit to be used a diving bell in the diving operation unless the diving bell

  • (a) meets the requirements of sections 14 and 15;

  • (b) is equipped to permit the safe transfer of persons under pressure to and from a surface compression chamber;

  • (c) is of a design that

    • (i) provides for an internal space of at least 2 m3 for two-person occupancy and 3 m3 for three-person occupancy,

    • (ii) enables divers to enter and exit without difficulty, and

    • (iii) allows at least two divers dressed-in for a diving operation to be seated comfortably therein;

  • (d) is equipped with valves, gauges and other fittings necessary to control the internal pressure and to indicate both inside the diving bell and at the diving station the internal and external pressures;

  • (e) is so equipped that any valve used to pressurize the diving bell is spring-loaded so as to close when not held in the open position;

  • (f) contains adequate equipment, including reserve facilities, for supplying the appropriate breathing mixture to persons occupying or working from the diving bell, which reserve facilities shall be protected against inadvertent operation and be capable of being brought on-line from inside the diving bell without the assistance of any other person;

  • (g) is equipped with a two-way oral communication system by means of which a person inside the diving bell can communicate with the diving supervisor of the diving operation and, via the diving supervisor, with other persons;

  • (h) contains equipment for lighting and heating the diving bell;

  • (i) is equipped with suitable emergency life-support equipment and provisions for each occupant of the diving bell;

  • (j) is equipped with a lifting device sufficient to enable an unconscious or injured diver to be hoisted into the diving bell by a person located in it;

  • (k) is provided with lifting equipment that enables the diving bell to be lowered to the depth at which the diving operation is to be conducted, to be maintained in its position and to be raised, all without excessive lateral, vertical or rotational movement;

  • (l) is provided with a means whereby, in the event of the failure of the lifting equipment referred to in paragraph (k), the diving bell can be returned to the surface and, where that means involves the shedding of weights, the controls for that shedding can be operated from within the diving bell, and a means is incorporated to prevent the accidental shedding of those weights;

  • (m) in addition to a primary lifting cable, is equipped with a suitable tag rope so designed that, in the event the primary cable breaks during a water-air interface transport, the tag rope will not permit the diving bell to descend to a depth greater than 25 m;

  • (n) is equipped with a secondary lifting eye, or similar device that is of at least the same strength as the primary lifting eye, and is provided with a secondary lifting cable that is readily available and that has at least the same strength as the primary lifting cable and is compatible with the secondary lifting eye or similar device;

  • (o) is fitted with equipment to enable occupants of the diving bell to monitor the temperature, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within the diving bell;

  • (p) is equipped with a stroboscopic light that is automatically activated in the water and a pinger that operates at a frequency of 37.5 kHz;

  • (q) where the Minister so determines pursuant to paragraph 3.2(1)(b) of the Act, is fitted with a relocation transponder system that operates at a frequency of 37.5 kHz;

  • (r) where appropriate, is fitted with hull integrity valves and non-return valves on all gas and, where practicable, hot-water circuits connected to the diving bell;

  • (s) if manufactured after December 31, 1990,

    • (i) is so designed that, if necessary, a diver within the diving bell can

      • (A) disconnect or shear the primary lifting cable and the umbilical,

      • (B) disconnect or shear any other attachments that might prevent ascent,

      • (C) start, accelerate, decelerate or stop the ascent, and

      • (D) where practicable, start, accelerate, decelerate or stop the descent, and

    • (ii) is fitted with a device to record continuously and to preserve at least the last recorded four hours of data respecting temperature, oxygen levels, depth, time, oral communications, internal and external ambient pressure, and the quantity of breathing mixture and electrical power available for use in an emergency and, where practicable, carbon dioxide and humidity levels; and

  • (t) if manufactured on or before December 31, 1990, meets the requirements set out in paragraph (s) where the Minister so determines pursuant to paragraph 3.2(1)(b) of the Act.

Diving Submersibles

 No diving contractor who conducts a diving operation shall use or permit to be used a diving submersible in the diving operation unless

  • (a) the compression chamber of the diving submersible meets the requirements of sections 14, 15 and 17, except paragraphs 17(k) to (n) and subparagraph 17(s)(i);

  • (b) during any period in which the diving submersible is in use, it is

    • (i) resting on the bottom,

    • (ii) firmly secured at or near the work site where it is to be used, or

    • (iii) secured in such a manner as the Minister determines pursuant to paragraph 3.2(1)(b) of the Act or as approved in accordance with section 5 for the diving program of which the diving operation is a part;

  • (c) there is a means of maintaining at a safe level the body temperature of a person in the compression chamber of the diving submersible and a person in the water making a dive from the diving submersible; and

  • (d) a diver is present in the compression chamber of the diving submersible at any time that a dive is in progress.

Oxygen Supply Systems

  •  (1) Where an oxygen supply system is to be used in a diving operation, the diving contractor who conducts the diving operation shall use or permit to be used only an oxygen supply system the design of which complies with the requirements that:

    • (a) the use of hoses and piping be kept to a minimum;

    • (b) the materials used be compatible with oxygen at the pressures and temperatures for which the oxygen supply system is designed;

    • (c) the possibility of contamination of the oxygen by other gases, and vice versa, be minimized;

    • (d) high-velocity flows of oxygen be avoided;

    • (e) the differential pressure throughout the oxygen supply system be kept as low as is practicable; and

    • (f) quick-shut-off valves not be installed in the oxygen supply system except for one-quarter-turn valves that are connected to lines with reduced oxygen pressure and that may be used in an emergency.

  • (2) A diving contractor who conducts a diving operation shall ensure that

    • (a) any oxygen storage area for the diving operation is

      • (i) adequately ventilated,

      • (ii) properly identified with warning signs,

      • (iii) equipped with a fire suppression system,

      • (iv) kept clear of and located as far as practicable away from combustible materials, and

      • (v) if located in an enclosed area, equipped with an oxygen detector and an alarm designed to give warning of oxygen levels in excess of the concentration of oxygen in the ambient air;

    • (b) any person responsible for handling or otherwise dealing with oxygen is specially trained in that work; and

    • (c) oxygen is transferred using only pumps, compressors or pressure differential systems that are

      • (i) recommended for that purpose by the manufacturer,

      • (ii) operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and

      • (iii) operated by a person authorized to do so by the supervisor of the diving operation.

Breathing Mixture Supply Systems

 A diving contractor who conducts a diving operation shall use or permit to be used in the diving operation only a breathing mixture supply system that is so designed that

  • (a) any interruption of the supply of breathing mixture to a person will not affect in any manner the supply of breathing mixture to any other person; and

  • (b) any failure of the primary supply of breathing mixture to a person will not affect in any manner the supply of breathing mixture to that person from that person’s bale-out gas bottle or from the reserve referred to in subparagraph 22(1)(a)(ii).

 No diving contractor who conducts a diving operation shall use in the diving operation an on-line gas blender or diver’s gas recovery system unless, at all times that the blender or recovery system is in use,

  • (a) there is a buffer tank in use downstream of the blender or recovery system, as the case may be;

  • (b) the blended breathing mixture is constantly analysed for its oxygen content; and

  • (c) the quantity, referred to in clause 22(1)(a)(iii)(C), of appropriate breathing mixture bypassing, in an emergency, the blender or recovery system, as the case may be, is available for immediate use.

Quantity and Quality of Breathing Mixture

  •  (1) No diving contractor who conducts a diving operation shall conduct or permit the commencement or continuation of the diving operation unless

    • (a) the total quantity of appropriate breathing mixture that is available at any time during the diving operation consists of

      • (i) an adequate quantity to complete the diving operation,

      • (ii) a reasonable quantity for a reserve supply, and

      • (iii) for use in an emergency, an additional supply that is

        • (A) in the case of a diving operation in which a diving bell is used, a sufficient quantity to meet the needs of the occupants of the diving bell for a minimum of 24 hours,

        • (B) in the case of a diving operation in which an ADS is used, a sufficient quantity to meet the needs of the occupants of the ADS for a minimum of 48 hours,

        • (C) in the case of a diving operation in which an on-line gas blender or diver’s gas recovery system is used, a sufficient quantity to allow the divers to continue, interrupt or discontinue the diving operation safely, and

        • (D) in the case of a diving operation in which a surface compression chamber is used, a quantity that is twice the amount required to pressurize the surface compression chamber to a pressure equivalent to the pressure at the greatest depth in respect of which the surface compression chamber will be used in the diving operation;

    • (b) the purity of the breathing mixture is of an acceptable standard; and

    • (c) the quantities referred to in subparagraphs (a)(ii) and (iii) are available for immediate use at a flow rate, temperature and pressure that are safe for the user.

  • (2) No diving contractor shall conduct a diving operation unless

    • (a) any breathing mixture to be used in the diving operation is

      • (i) analysed for the accuracy of its oxygen content and, where practicable, its other contents immediately prior to the commencement of the dive that is part of the diving operation, and

      • (ii) supplied at temperature and humidity levels that are safe; and

    • (b) the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the breathing mixture to be used in the diving operation are maintained at levels that are suitable for the type, depth and duration of the diving operation.

Evacuation, Rescue and Treatment Facilities

  •  (1) A diving contractor who conducts a diving operation shall provide for the availability of evacuation, rescue and treatment facilities and devices that

    • (a) are suitable for the type, depth and duration of the diving operation and for the environmental conditions under which the diving operation is conducted; and

    • (b) have been approved in accordance with section 5 for the diving program of which the diving operation is a part.

  • (2) The evacuation, rescue and treatment facilities and devices referred to in subsection (1) shall be available

    • (a) for use by persons involved in the diving operation as quickly as possible and within the period of time for which the life-support system of the surface compression chamber, diving bell or ADS used in the diving operation is capable of maintaining the life of the occupants; and

    • (b) where practicable, on site.

Medical Services

 A diving contractor who conducts a diving operation shall

  • (a) ensure that at all times during the diving operation each diving crew involved in the diving operation includes a hyperbaric first-aid technician available on the craft or installation from which the diving operation is conducted;

  • (b) arrange for the services, on a 24 hour a day basis, of a specialized diving doctor, referred to in paragraph 4(3)(d), who is familiar with the diving procedures to be used in the diving operation and who is within a travelling distance of the diving operation that is acceptable to the Minister, to provide medical assistance in the event of an emergency;

  • (c) ensure that an adequate means of communication exists on a 24 hour a day basis between

    • (i) the diving station, or

    • (ii) the craft or installation from which the diving operation is being conducted

    and the specialized diving doctor referred to in paragraph (b); and

  • (d) locate the nearest surface compression chamber that is compatible with the equipment used in the diving operation and that is suitable for the type, depth and duration of the diving operation to be conducted and shall make arrangements for the use of that surface compression chamber in the event of an emergency.

Craft in Dynamically Positioned Mode

 No diving contractor who conducts a diving operation shall use or permit to be used a craft in the dynamically positioned mode in the diving operation unless that use was specifically approved in accordance with section 5 for the diving program of which the diving operation is a part and the following requirements are complied with:

  • (a) the craft is so designed and constructed that

    • (i) more than one prime mover is available for each fore, aft and thwartship thruster,

    • (ii) in the event of the failure of any prime mover or manoeuvring unit of the craft, the position of the craft can be maintained during the period it would take for the safe recovery of divers,

    • (iii) the arrangement of the thrusters and their size and number enable, in the event of the loss of any thruster of the craft, the heading and the position of the craft to be maintained within the environmental and operational capacity limits of that craft for the time it takes to safely recover any skip, diving bell or ADS used in the diving operation,

    • (iv) for each manoeuvring unit necessary to maintain the craft in the dynamically positioned mode, other than the propellers and energy plant units, there is a reserve duplicate unit and an automatic and a manual system to switch from the on-line unit to the duplicate unit,

    • (v) the supervisor on duty at the diving station on the craft can, by means of an alarm system connecting the bridge of the craft to the diving station on the craft, be kept informed by the person who controls the dynamic positioning system of any station-keeping problems or any other problems that might affect the safety of the diving operation,

    • (vi) a computer system controls the dynamic positioning of the craft and another independent, duplicate computer system is available to take over control automatically in the event of failure of the on-line computer system,

    • (vii) there are on line at least two reference systems independently linked into each computer system referred to in subparagraph (vi),

  • (b) during any time that a person involved in the diving operation is in the water

    • (i) a person who is responsible for the navigation of the craft and a person who is responsible for the control of the dynamic positioning system are in the control room of the craft,

    • (ii) the machinery spaces of the craft, except those in the pontoons of a semi-submersible craft, are manned, and

    • (iii) in any one manoeuvre, the craft is not moved more than 5 m or the heading of the craft is not changed more than 5°, whichever is the lesser movement in relation to the location of the dive site of the diving operation; and

  • (c) any person who is responsible for the control of the dynamic positioning system of the craft has at least six months experience using both the manual and the automatic modes of that particular system or, where that is impracticable, of a similar system, and at least two weeks briefing by the designer or manufacturer of the craft on the behaviour and hydrodynamics of that craft when operating in the dynamically positioned mode.

 

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