Association formed to bolster safety

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Manpower, the commercial diving industry has come together to set up the Commercial Diving Association (Singapore), CDAS.

 

The association, set up and run by prominent members of the diving industry, has set out to improve standards, promoting professionalism and safety, by identifying and promoting best practices. In this way, the industry as a whole will be in a better position to compete in regional and international markets.

“We are very excited about the possibilities,” says Mr Edwin Tan, chairman of the first executive committee. “Currently, standards vary across the board. Some well-established players adopt offshore diving standards and some others might only have sport diving as a background. Our aim is to establish standards and encourage improved standards throughout the industry, which would benefit all of us as well as our clients.”

 

CDAS will put in place best practices and promote these standards across the industry. Eventually it will phase in certification standards for divers and operators. “Currently, we will recognise certifications for divers and operators from international bodies. Eventually, the association might set up more stringent standards and even handle certification.”

The purpose of it all is summed up in the association’s motto: “Safety through Professionalism”. “Singapore has one of the largest marine industry in the world and diving services are a major support for the industry. It is crucial for the industry, and for Singapore’s future, that we lead in safety and professional standards.”

 

While rankings vary from year to year, and also depending on the measure used, Singapore is one of the top two busiest ports in the world. It also has a driving marine industry to support this as well as regional oil and gas.

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