New guidance from the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has been published to support the increase in diving work associated with subsea power cables.
IMCA D 079 Subsea Power Cables is intended to assist IMCA Members in the identification and mitigation of potential risks when planning their diving projects on, or in connection with, subsea power cables. Typical subsea work undertaken by divers on or in close proximity to subsea power cables may include installation activities, inspection, or remedial works. D 079 provides useful background information on subsea power cables, identifies the main components on different types of cables, and describes the factors which should be considered when planning, managing, and conducting diving operations on, or close to, high voltage subsea power cables.
In addition, IMCA D 045 Code of Practice for The Safe Use of Electricity Under Water has been revised to include a new section entitled, ‘Diving on High Power Cables.’ The new section gives advice on when diving can be permitted in close proximity to live subsea high power cables, referencing DNV GL report 2018-0239 Probability of Failure in Subsea Power Cables. It also includes guidance on evaluating the condition of subsea power cables greater than 30 years old, as well as advice on what to consider when planning diving on or close to the dynamic sections of subsea power cables.
