The offshore commercial diving industry, while providing services to the oil and gas industry, can be the subject of various regulations and standards imposed by national governments, clients, insurers and other outside bodies. In some areas of the world, however, there is little or no outside control of diving activities.

This code provides advice on ways in which diving operations can be carried out safely and efficiently. As such, it is a key document for contractors and clients working in unregulated areas of the world; and it has been instrumental in improving diving safety. While national regulations naturally take precedence, the code may be used in a court of law to define good practice.

Recommendations have also been included that will help clients and contractors to analyse the safety implications of commercial considerations. The minimum standards it outlines also creates a safe 'level playing field' for all diving contractors.

The code, produced under the direction of the Diving Division Management Committee, represents the substantial experience and expertise of IMCA members. This October 2007 edition has been thoroughly reviewed and updated to include reference to other IMCA guidance published since the code was originally produced in 1998 and to reflect developments in good practice and technology.