Important Notice
Friday the 13th of February 2026
The Commercial Diving Association (Singapore) (CDA(S)) has recently been approached regarding the applicability of Singapore Standard SS511:2018 Code of Practice for Diving at Work versus Singapore Standard SS623:2016 Code of Practice for Scientific Diving.
CDA(S) hereby formally clarifies that we represent the commercial diving industry. We do not represent or regulate for scientific diving activities.
For the avoidance of doubt, SS511:2018 is the governing Code of Practice for inland and inshore commercial diving operations in Singapore. It sets out the mandatory safety, operational, competency, and management requirements that commercial diving contractors must comply with under the prevailing legal regulatory framework. CDA(S)’s position is that where diving is performed for commercial work purposes, it falls under commercial diving.
CDA(S) unequivocally advises all members and commercial diving contractors to strictly adhere to SS511:2018 in the conduct of all commercial diving works. Any deviation from, or misapplication of, alternative standards in place of SS511:2018 may result in non-compliance with Singapore’s legal and regulatory requirements.
CDA(S) further urges companies engaging, appointing, or contracting commercial diving services to obtain and review SS511:2018 together with the relevant WSH Council Technical References. These documents outline the statutory expectations, duty of care obligations, risk management controls, and competency requirements necessary to lawfully execute commercial diving operations.
Compliance with SS511:2018 is not merely procedural it is a legal and governance obligation. Both contractors and hiring entities share responsibility to ensure that all commercial diving works are conducted in full compliance with Singapore’s regulatory standards.
CDA(S) remains committed to upholding industry governance, legal compliance, and the highest standards of safety within the commercial diving sector.
Thank You,
Dr Shahril
Chairman
Commercial Diving Association (Singapore)