[Abstract] Technical advances in UK scientific diving operations.

Abstract

The introduction of new regulations in the UK governing all diving at work operations has had a significant influence on scientific diving practices.1 The framework of the regulations is based on risk-assessment and minimum competency standards without being overly prescriptive. As a consequence, since their introduction, the new regulations have permitted much more flexibility to employ differing diving techniques and practices. However, there is now increased legal accountability placed on the structure and supervision of diving operations that, in turn, is affecting changes in how they are undertaken. Analyses of diving trends in the scientific sector demonstrate significant changes in practices over the past 35 years. These changes were driven predominantly by shifting patterns of scientific focus rather than being of any direct consequence of top down regulation in response to any particular diving practices. In fact, the UK scientific sector possesses one of the best published diving safety records but there is now a requirement on any scientific institution undertaking diving to maintain best practice through a risk-management policy of continual review and evaluation of diving procedures. This account reviews the historical basis for changing practices in UK scientific diving in association with comparative analyses of other sectors. Advances in diving technology in the recreational, military and offshore sectors have increased the options by which scientific diving can be undertaken within the framework of the new regulations. These advances are reviewed and details of some of the evaluation programmes are given.