In deepening its key role in the commercial diving industry, the Department of Employment and Labour is to host an occupational health and safety (OHS) underwater conference.

The objective of the OHS underwater conference is: to share good practices and experiences amongst stakeholders in order to implement effective preventative measures and to explore areas for commercial diving technical cooperation among the different stakeholders.

Department of Employment and Labour plays a key role in ensuring that there is economic growth in the diving industry, hence the certification of the diving schools as well as the development of the training standards.

The Department is a member of the International Diving Regulatory and Certification Forum (IDRCF). This ensures that the class II South African diving qualification is recognized internationally, therefore local diving schools attract a number of local and international learners.

The assembly will be held under the theme: “Exploring technological advancement and ensuring Decent Work in the Underwater World of Work".

The event will be attended by the Department of Employment and Labour, industry, and professionals for the technical presentations that will address commercial diving operations, remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) activities, and the application of OHS principles during commercial diving operations.

There will also be speakers from the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA); the Navy; the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA); Health, Safety and Environment (HSE); Association of Inspection Authorities (AIA); Advanced Driver Assistance Systems; Southern African Underwater and Hyperbaric Medical Association (SAUHMA) among others.

Some of the issues that will come under the spotlight include – the relevance of the OHS strategy in the Commercial Diving Sector; SA regulatory framework in commercial diving; implementation of international and national regulations relating to the maritime industry; diver training and certification of Navy divers; new developments in international codes; developing OHS management system for commercial diving; evolution of commercial diving safety; commercial diving incidents and lessons learned; application of occupational hygiene principles in the commercial diving sector; use of Ergonomics; and uses of different equipment. 

Media is invited to attend and cover the event:

When: 20-22 November 2024

Where: Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town

Time: 09:00

For attendance, media may RSVP with: Jason Lloyd at email – Jason.Lloyd@labour.gov.za / 082 728 5476

For more information, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ Teboho.Thejane@labour.gov.za

-ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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