This code of practice gives examples of good practice and provides advice on ways in which inspection and testing of diving plant and equipment should be carried out.

The code is designed to assist personnel involved in diving operations, including client's staff, client and contractor representatives, and vessel owners and marine crews.

A number of countries in the world have national regulations that apply to offshore diving operations taking place within their waters. In such cases the national regulations take precedence over this code. In fact, this code, as with any code of practice, has no direct legal status. Courts may, however, use it as a guide of what is safe, accepted practice.