The IMCA-CDAS Underwater Ship Husbandry (UWSH) Seminar in Singapore brought together over 200 professionals from 13 countries, creating a unique platform for industry discussions on safety and efficiency in UWSH. Organized by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) and the Commercial Diving Association Singapore (CDAS), the event gathered regulators, industry leaders, and commercial divers to exchange insights on the future of UWSH.
The day opened with remarks from IMCA CEO Iain Granger and ADCI Executive Director Phil Newsum, highlighting their commitment to eliminating SCUBA diving in UWSH to improve diver safety. A keynote from Mr. Silas Sng, Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health at Singapore's Ministry of Manpower, set the stage by focusing on workplace safety advancements within the diving industry.
CDAS Chairman Alexis Chee shared Singapore's journey over the past decade in raising commercial diving safety standards, emphasizing the importance of consistent high standards. Later, Lewis Beddows shared his personal experience with decompression illness (DCI) and its long-term impact on his life, while his father, Derek Beddows, reflected on the lessons learned from his son's experience. Their story was a strong reminder of the importance of strict safety protocols and emergency preparedness.
Other speakers, such as Simon Binsted from Subsea 7 and Desmond Goh from GAC Singapore, provided insights into operational safety and practical measures for maintaining safety standards in UWSH operations.
The day closed with a panel discussion, where all speakers answered questions from attendees on topics ranging from regulatory compliance to new technologies. This session allowed for valuable exchanges and practical insights directly from industry leaders. Watch video highlights from the seminar here:
In case you missed the session, you can also view recordings of each of the speakers in the links below:
- Iain Grainger - IMCA CEO
- Commitment to stop SCUBA Diving on UWSH (https://youtu.be/3ufYj8bIxqg)
- Phil Newsum - ADCI Executive Director
- Commitment to stop SCUBA Diving on UWSH (https://youtu.be/ldwR4Po4x6w)
- Silas Sng - Commissioner of Workplace Safety and Health Council
- Keynote speech (https://youtu.be/al4PgLl5lGk)
- Alexis Chee - Chairman, Commercial Diving Association (Singapore)
- Commercial Diving Safety Journey in Singapore (https://youtu.be/_bXmjkLSNfE)
- Desmond Goh - QHSE, GAC
- Underwater Ship Husbandry in Singapore (https://youtu.be/kV1cmr59EFQ)
- Nick Laker - Operations Director, Seatec
- UWSH Cleaning / brush carts / use of ROVs for UWSH cleaning ops (https://youtu.be/W3trzSFVtbE)
- Simon Binsted - Diving Operations Authority, Subsea 7
- Trust Nothing – Check Everything (https://youtu.be/JSRRNrIq26E)
- Darren Loh - Senior Assistant Director, Ops (General Workplaces) Ministry of Manpower
- Enforcement actions taken – case studies (https://youtu.be/kLc48HfOEXA)
- Phil Newsum - ADCI Executive Director
- Emergency Response Planning and Practice (https://youtu.be/e7q44ActbJA)
- Jord Lucas - TOTAL Energies Head of Underwater Operations (ROV and Diving)
- UWSH from an operators’ perspective (https://youtu.be/G6cYXLw-Dqo)
- UWSH24 Panel Discussion
- https://youtu.be/_31YbUaYugU