FG calls for adherence to diving regulations

THE Federal Government has called for strict adherence to the Diving at Work Regulations, 2018, and the adoption of established good practices, aimed at eliminating hazards associated with diving operations.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, made the call at a National Stakeholders’ Awareness and Sensitization on the Diving at Work Regulations workshop, organised for stakeholders in the Diving sector.

Represented by the Director, Human Resources Management in the Ministry, Ajibola Ibrahim, the minister stated that despite the high risk nature of diving operations, Nigeria had hitherto lacked a Diving Regulation.

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He however noted that the Diving industry in the country would henceforth be fully regulated, with the coming on stream of the Diving at Work Regulations, 2018.

Describing diving as a highly hazardous activity conducted in a non-respirable environment, with the divers risking drowning, injuries, diseases and death, Ngige noted that “the development and adoption of the Diving at Work Regulations 2018 will provide the much needed Safety and Health guidance to the diving industry.”

The Diving Regulations will provide the legal framework to regulate all diving operations carried out offshore, inshore and onshore within the territorial waters of Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, William Alo, said  in his own speech that the Diving at Work Regulations would provide the needed Occupational Safety and Health guidance to the diving industry with regard to policy and procedures for the elimination of hazards associated with diving operations.

In their goodwill messages, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Nigerian Navy, Department of Petroleum Resources, Lagos State Safety Commission, and National Association of Professional Divers (NAPD) pledged support to the Ministry of Labour and Employment in driving the implementation of the Diving at Work Regulations, 2018.