Near-miss incident involving a diver’s umbilical
- Safety Flash
- Published on 5 March 2009
- Generated on 8 November 2026
- IMCA SF 03/09
- 1 minute read
Attached is the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) note ‘Flyer to the shipping industry’ entitled ‘Hazardous incident Norma – 21 June 2008’.
This incident was reported in the UK Association of Diving Contractors (ADC) Safety Alert 3/08 Very near-miss incident involving a diver's umbilical, which was reproduced and circulated to members under IMCA Safety Flash 15/08 (Near-miss incident involving a diver’s umbilical).
As previously stated, although the incident occurred during a diving operation being carried out in UK territorial waters, the lessons learnt are relevant world-wide to both inshore and offshore diving operations.
Members are again reminded of guidance note IMCA D035 The selection of vessels of opportunity for diving operations, which discusses isolations and vessel permit systems.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.