Since the 1970s it has been common practice to carry out diving operations from vessels operating on dynamic positioning (DP). Several incidents have occured world-wide, so IMCA has published this guidance covering all aspects of diving operations from DP vessels.

The guidance is designed to ensure that valid and reliable controls are in place during diving operations from DP vessels, and that personnel are competent to discharge their responsibilities in a safe and effective manner. To achieve these aims the document highlights the need for:

• an adequate safety management system
• hazard identification and an appropriate level of risk assessment
• approved working procedures
• adequate briefings before operations begin.

The latest (May 2008) revision reflects additional operational experience, places increased emphasis on the risks of diving within anchor patterns (section 9) and includes further clarifications in sections 3, 7 and 8. The new version also reflects updated guidance contained in IMCA M 103 Rev. 1 - Guidelines for the design and operation of dynamically positioned vessels - and the outcomes of extended umbilical trials undertaken in January 2008.