| Guidance |
Diver Competence and Qualifications in the UK.
In the UK anyone diving behind the camera, i.e. not seen on screen, must be trained to HSE standards - sports qualifications are not acceptable. This includes standby divers, camera and sound operators etc.Actors, performers, and their associated safety divers such as stunt divers and presenters who regularly dive in front of camera as part of their work must hold a minimum qualification of CMAS 3* or equivalent and have a certificate of fitness from an HSE medical examiner. |
| Actors and performers whose main work activity does not normally involve diving do not need to hold an HSE approved qualification. However they must be competent to perform the task required underwater, have a certificate of fitness from an HSE medical examiner and the diving project plan/risk assessment must address any additional safety measures such as training and supervision. A qualification of CMAS 2* is acceptable for simple low risk dives in benign pools or tanks. This means an artificially constructed aquarium or swimming/diving pool where the diver is in full view from the surface at all times; there are no entanglement hazards; no scenery or set and the diver has no lights, camera or sound equipment or specially adapted diving equipment (e.g. bubble helmet). |
Dive Team
Every diver must have a dedicated qualified buddy, unless the BBC pre-vetted dive contractor determines otherwise. The size of the diving team will largely depend on the complexity of the production and the competence of the divers. As a benchmark the following is recommended:For a basic dive in open water - a minimum team of 4 comprising: - a diving supervisor to manage the dive from the surface;
- an operational underwater cameraman;
- a diving buddy for the cameraman;
- an additional dedicated person on the surface (fully aware of the dive plan - not necessarily a diver).
|
| NOTE: For each additional diver there must be a dedicated qualified dive buddy, e.g. presenter plus buddy. For benign swimming pools, and tanks or aquariums where the diving activity can easily be controlled (see above) - a minimum team of 3 comprising: - a supervisor on the surface;
- a diver in the water;
- a dedicated person on the surface (fully aware of the dive plan and qualified to lifesaver standards, not necessarily a diver).NOTE: If the person in the water is not qualified (i.e. an artiste or contributor) there must be a qualified buddy in the water with them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
