Dennis Erezi
The Federal Government has warned against the use of self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving equipment for commercial diving operations within Nigerian territorial water.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ismaila Abubakar, who gave the warning in Abuja, during a one-day summit on Diving Regulations, with the theme, ‘Improving the Nigeria Diving Sector’ organized by the ministry, lamented that there are rising cases of Nigerians divers drowning as a result of usage of SCUBA.
Abubakar said: “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.”
The Permanent Secretary, was represented by the Director of Occupational Safety and Health Department in the Ministry, Adogu Lauretta, maintained that the practice does not only contravenes established regulations, but also jeopardizes the lives of those involved and the integrity of dive operations.
He urged stakeholders to adhere to the prescribed standards and utilize the appropriate equipment designed explicitly for commercial diving endeavours.
He also raised alarm on the rise in the number of Nigerians dying from water travels as quacks take over underwater diving sector.
Abubakar, who also serves as the Chairman of the Diving Governing Board, expressed concern over the unethical and reckless practices by individuals and organizations in the diving industry.
He accused unscrupulous professionals from aiding and abetting unprofessional misconduct by “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.”
The Permanent Secretary noted that the ministry is working towards expanding the membership of the diving governing board to foster collaboration and strengthen the effectiveness of regulatory monitoring amongst stakeholders.
He urged International Oil Companies, operators and contractors to adhere strictly to due process, secure all necessary approvals and permits before any diving operation is undertaken within any Nigeria territorial waters.
In his address, the President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Festus Osifo, emphasized the importance of ensuring that divers acquire necessary safety skills irrespective of status.
Osifo, who was represented by the Principal Assistant secretary, ORG/IMD, TUC, Ibrahim Audu Manpaa, commended the organizers for taking the initiative to educate and empower the diving community, and expressed confidence that the workshop will promote best practices, enhance occupational safety, and strengthen the overall diving ecosystem in Nigeria.
He said: “It is therefore imperative that all diving practitioners, whether professional or recreational, are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills to operate safely and in compliance with established regulations and standards.
“This workshop will present a valuable opportunity to create widespread awareness on the applicable diving rules, fees, and standard operating procedures.”
