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Resources for diving supervisors

The supervisor is where the regulations meet the dive site. Here are their duties by jurisdiction, the industry certification scheme, and practical templates.

Built from
8 primary sources Law Guidance
Sources last checked
28 Sep 2026
Editorial check
28 Sep 2026
How to read this page: four kinds of statement
Law Law / regulation
Legislation: Acts, regulations and statutory instruments. It has the force of law in its jurisdiction.
ACOP / code Approved Code of Practice or code with legal status
A code the law itself gives special status (for example an HSE Approved Code of Practice). Following it is one way of complying; alternatives must be at least as good.
Guidance Regulator or industry guidance
Guidance, industry codes and standards. No legal force by itself, although clients, contracts or regulators may call it up.
Explanation Marine Deep explanation
Our own plain-English explanation. It is not a requirement and not legal advice.

Every law, code and guidance statement links to its primary source. Read the source before relying on it: our summary is not a substitute.

Great Britain

  • LawBefore each diving operation starts, the diving contractor must appoint a supervisor, record the appointment in writing and give the supervisor the part of the project plan relating to that operation. DWR 1997, reg. 6(2)(b)
  • LawA supervisor must be competent and, where appropriate, suitably qualified for the operation they are appointed to supervise. DWR 1997, reg. 9(2)
  • LawBefore an operation starts, the supervisor must make sure everyone taking part knows the parts of the project plan relating to it. DWR 1997, reg. 10(1)(b)

United States

  • LawThe regulations define the diving supervisor as the person with complete responsibility for the safety of a commercial diving operation, including the safety and health of all diving personnel. 46 CFR 197 Subpart B, § 197.204
  • LawThe vessel's master is the person-in-charge, or the owner or agent designates one in writing; the diving supervisor for each operation must be named in writing and given to the person-in-charge before diving begins. 46 CFR 197 Subpart B, § 197.208; § 197.210

Canada

  • LawThe diving supervisor has to prepare a detailed plan of the diving operations and give it to the worksite employer before diving starts. BC OHSR Part 24, s. 24.18(2)

Netherlands

Norway

IMCA supervisor certification (industry scheme)

  • GuidanceIMCA's diving supervisor certification has run since 1987 and covers personnel supervising in-water dives using air and bell diving techniques. IMCA Diving Supervisor, Introduction
  • GuidanceBell diving supervisors must pass both the IMCA Air Diving Supervisor and Bell Diving Supervisor examinations, in that order. IMCA Diving Supervisor, FAQ — Air and Bell Diving Supervisor certification
  • GuidanceIMCA requires certified diving supervisors to complete CPD every year for their certification to remain valid. IMCA Diving Supervisor, FAQ — I'm successfully certified
  • GuidanceThe minimum requirements for IMCA supervisor and life support technician certification are set out in IMCA D013. IMCA Diving Supervisor, FAQ — Where can I find out more?
  • GuidanceCandidates for IMCA supervisor certification must pass an approved preparatory course and complete a minimum number of on-the-job hours as a trainee diving supervisor. IMCA Diving Supervisor, Candidate requirements

Templates for the diving day