The Bahamas chairs the group developing the new IMO Diving Code

We are delighted to announce that the new 2023 Diving Code has now been published by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). This was officially shared with some of the contributors on 25 April 2024, at the IMO.

The Bahamas are honoured to have chaired the Revision of the 1995 Code of Safety for Diving Systems Group at the IMO, which involved engagements with a host of fellow IMO member states, Flag states and industry partners (specifically IMCA), all under the guidance of the IMO Secretariat. The contribution of all concerned resulted in the long-awaited revision of the 1995 code, which has been developed to better serve the industry, with further emphasis on safety. The specific resolution was adopted in June 2023 and entered into force on 1 January 2024

The 2023 Diving Code expands the scope of both the 1995 Code of Safety for Diving Systems (resolution A.831(19), as amended) and the Guidelines and specifications for hyperbaric evacuation systems (resolution A.692(17)).

The International Code of Safety for Diving Operations, 2023 (2023 Diving Code) has been established to provide an international standard of safety for diving units, the application of which will result in a level of safety for a diving operation on a diving platform equivalent to that required by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS).

The goal of the 2023 Diving Code, especially where diving safety issues are not adequately addressed by other instruments of the IMO, is to provide a minimum international standard for the design, construction, installation and survey of diving systems integrated on ships, floating structures and MODUs (diving platforms) engaged in diving operations. It also aims to facilitate safe diving operations from diving platforms and achieve a level of safety equivalent to that required by SOLAS for ships engaged on international voyages; finally it will enable the international movement and safe operation of diving units.

Captain Ghulam Hussain, Deputy Director Maritime Affairs at The Bahamas Maritime Authority, said: “The Bahamas was very pleased to chair this vital project which will help to ensure the safety of divers and those operating the related equipment.  We will continue to engage and contribute towards the various needs of the maritime industry in whatever capacity we can.”