US-based diving expert Phil Newsum praised the efforts of the government and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OSHA) in Trinidad and Tobago to implement diving regulations, following the tragic death of four divers in Pointe-a-Pierre in February 2022.
During a public stakeholder consultation hosted by OSHA, Newsum, who is also the executive director of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI), described the incident at the Paria Fuel Trading Company as “avoidable.”
He emphasized that commercial divers should limit the use of scuba equipment, especially in offshore applications, and ensure they are equipped with proper communication devices while working.
Newsum acknowledged that blame for the incident could be shared among the divers, contractors, and individuals overseeing the operations.
While some attendees advocated for the occasional use of scuba equipment in commercial diving, Newsum stressed that untethered scuba diving poses significant risks in the industry, citing higher fatality rates in such scenarios.
Labour Minister Stephen Mc Clashie emphasized the need to remember the names of the divers who lost their lives and urged stakeholders to prevent such tragedies in the future by implementing proper regulations.
Following the stakeholder consultation, Newsum commended the initiative as a “wonderful start” in developing regulations to ensure safety in high-risk industries.
He encouraged stakeholders to engage in regular reviews and updates of the regulations to enhance safety measures and address any potential loopholes.
In closing, Newsum emphasized the importance of continued engagement and collaboration among contractors, divers, and regulators to uphold safety standards in commercial diving operations.
