The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ismaila Abubakar, has stated that the Ministry will seek to uphold the highest professional standards within Nigeria’s diving industry.
The Permanent Secretary, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Diving Governing Board and a staunch advocate of upholding the highest professional standards within Nigeria’s diving industry stated this in Abuja at the diving summit for awareness creation on diving regulations, applicable fees and standard Operating procedures.
His words: “The Ministry is aware of some of the unethical and reckless practices by individuals and organisations going on in the industry, which adversely threatens the integrity of the Nigeria diving profession. These “quacks” jeopardize the safety of those who place their trust in them; it is also unfortunate that some professionals aid and abet these entities. Their reckless actions, such as failing to properly plan dives, monitor dive equipment, or follow pre/post dive procedures, can lead to catastrophic consequences like injuries such as decompression, sickness and, or fatalities. Their incompetence tarnishes the reputation of Nigerian Divers, thereby encouraging organizations to source all their diving personnel from outside the shores of Nigeria, which the Ministry strongly condemns.
“In the pursuit of ensuring professionalism, the Ministry collaborates closely with the National Association of Professional Divers (NAPROD), being the recognized professional body for the diving profession. You may wish to note that the Ministry is hoping to expand the membership of the Diving Governing Board in order to foster collaboration and strengthen the effectiveness of regulatory monitoring amongst stakeholders. This synergy shall therefore promote the seamless enforcement of the diving codes of practices, guidelines, standard operating procedures, and certifications that define the profession’s highest standards of practice.
“To IOCs, operators, and contractors, I urge strict adherence to due process, securing all necessary approvals and permits before any diving operation is undertaken within any Nigeria territorial waters. Ensure your dive plans meet or surpass regulatory requirements, calculate gas requirements, bottom times, and decompression stops based on the dive profile. Verify that all equipment’s like diving helmets, umbilicals, air panels, and compressors meet safety specifications. These measures safeguard the lives of personnel and operational integrity.
“Central to the Ministry’s shared excellence is the Approved Code of Practice – a beacon guiding contractors, operators, and personnel on responsible, sustainable practices prioritizing safety and environmental stewardship This comprehensive document covers dive planning, emergency procedures, equipment maintenance, diver medical standards, and much more.
“May I state here today that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment sternly warns against the use of Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) diving equipment for commercial diving operations within Nigerian territorial water. Recently, a diver was reported missing during a diving operation and was later found dead. Efforts to rescue him proved abortive because he carried out the operation using a SCUBA. This practice not only contravenes established regulations but also jeopardizes the lives of those involved and the integrity of dive operations. We implore all stakeholders to adhere to the prescribed standards and utilize the appropriate equipment designed explicitly for commercial diving endeavours.
“In this era of heightened environmental awareness and technological advancement, we must embrace a paradigm shift in our approach to diving operations. Let us collectively pledge to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethical conduct, and operational excellence. Together, we can forge a future where our underwater endeavours are not only economically viable but also environmentally sustainable and socially responsible, preserving the majesty of our water bodies for generations to come”, he added.
Earlier in her welcome address, Adogu, Lauretta Nneka (Mrs), Director, Occupational Safety, and Health Department, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment noted that the summit is intended to sensitize and create awareness on diving regulations, applicable fees and standard operating procedures.
Her words: “The diving industry plays critical role in our nation’s economy through the essential utilization of skilled manpower for various underwater works (a very hazardous terrain) across our inshore, offshore and onshore Nigeria territorial waters. Divers and other categories of workers within the sector provide indispensable services ranging from offshore oil and gas operations, maritime activities, and salvaging to civil engineering and maintenance works.
“The sector had been unregulated for a very long period, until 2018 with the advent of the Diving at Work Regulations, 2018. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment could not account for the occupational safety and health of the workforce within the sector considering how hazardous the industry is and how easy the Nation could lose its valuable skilled workforce to unwanted injuries and or fatalities.
“As the industry continues to grow in scope and application, the need to adequately monitor the activities of actors in the industry has become increasingly important. Therefore, it is paramount that we develop and maintain the highest standards of safety and ensure strict compliance with all regulatory provisions governing diving activities as negligence or non-adherence to these standards can easily lead to disastrous consequences.
“In this vein, we have brought together, knowledgeable stakeholders, industry experts and players here today – to sensitize and create awareness around the diving regulations, applicable fees that enable effective oversight, and standard operating procedures that must be followed to the letter to ensure we don’t record any incident during any diving operation within Nigeria’s territorial waters. This summit, therefore, aims to foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, and absolute commitment to safety within our diving sector.
“We will be delving into key areas such as the use of diving equipment, code of practice, equipment maintenance guidelines, dive planning and risk management frameworks, incident reporting procedures, and much more.
“It is crucial that all players – diving operators, diving contractors, company executives, diving safety specialists, dive supervisors, individual divers, regulators and other supports – are on the same page when it comes to upholding best diving practices according to National and International Standards. This promotes operational efficiency while safeguarding human life and equipment.
“So I urge you all to engage actively, participate with an open mind, and embrace this opportunity to elevate the Nigeria diving industry to world-class levels of safety and excellence. Together, we can position the nation as a shining example for the responsible and sustainable development of vital resources within our water bodies.
“Once again, welcome, and thank you for your attendance and commitment to advancing the professional growth of the industry. I wish us all a fruitful and insightful participation, “she also added.
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