Diving

All diving for favour or reward (i.e. ‘at work’) is subject to the Diving at Work Regulations 1997 (DWR 97) and the associated Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP). This involves any diving carried out by a private individual who may wish to work for favour or reward for a boat owner. 

Diving at work may only be carried out by a diving contractor approved by the Health and Safety Executive in compliance with the provisions in DWR 97, and dives may only be carried out in accordance with the legal requirements. Additionally, the River Hamble Harbour Authority requires that divers at work apply for prior written consent from the Harbour Authority before undertaking a dive. Details can be obtained by contacting the Harbour Master. 

While the use of snorkelling or freediving to undertake commercial activities falls outside of the Diving at Work Regulations 1997, such activities are covered under Section 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Breath hold/freediving to undertake work tasks presents a high risk of drowning and should not be undertaken.

The River Hamble Harbour Authority requires that all diving (whether the diver is at work or not – including recreational diving) meets the requirements set out in the appropriate Approved Code of Practice. Sport or recreational diving which does not meet the above requirements will not be deemed safe. This is because of strong tidal flows, underwater obstructions and moorings, and the numerous vessel movements on the river.