What is the scope of this code?

It covers safety for divers using standard diving dress (metal helmet, waterproof suit, weighted boots) for civil engineering works. It does not cover SCUBA diving.

What is the minimum team size for a diving operation?

A minimum of five persons: a supervisor, the diver, a stand-by diver, a diver's attendant, and an air pump/compressor operator (Clause 5).

Are decompression procedures included?

Yes, Clause 7 and Table 1 provide detailed decompression procedures and schedules to prevent decompression sickness.

What is a 'stand-by diver' for?

The stand-by diver must be fully dressed and ready to enter the water immediately to provide assistance or rescue the primary diver in an emergency (Clause 5.3).

IS 10291

: 1982

Safety code for dress divers in civil engineering works

CurrentSpecializedSafety CodeWater Resources · Construction Management incl. Safety

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This standard provides safety regulations for civil engineering works involving divers using standard 'dress' diving equipment. It covers personnel qualifications, medical fitness, equipment specifications, operational procedures, manning levels, communication signals, and decompression schedules to ensure diver safety during underwater construction, inspection, and repair.

Safety code for dress divers in civil engineering works

Quick Reference Values

Maximum normal working depth55 metres

Maximum exceptional working depth60 metres

Minimum air supply per diver42.5 litres/minute at Normal Temperature and Pressure (NTP)

Minimum personnel for diving operation5 (Diver, Stand-by Diver, Diver's Attendant, Supervisor, Compressor Operator)

Rope signal for 'Pull up'4 pulls from diver

Rope signal for 'I am fouled and need assistance'4 pulls, 4 pulls, 4 pulls from diver

Practical Notes

This code pertains to traditional 'heavy gear' or 'dress' diving, a practice now largely replaced by modern Surface Supplied Diving Equipment (SSDE) and SCUBA in many applications.

The principles of manning levels, standby divers, communication protocols, and decompression management remain fundamental to all commercial diving operations, even with modern equipment.

Always cross-reference with current national and international commercial diving regulations (e.g., from IMCA - International Marine Contractors Association) which may be more stringent and reflect modern practices.