Report: Fatalities in Commercial Diving by the Institute of Energy and Environmental Flows, University of Cambridge
March 3rd, 2023

A REPORT ON FATALITIES IN COMMERCIAL DIVING
Professor Andy Woods
Institute of Energy and Environmental Flows
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
In this study, Professor Andy Woods (Institute of Energy and Environmental Flows, University of Cambridge) discusses some of the historical data concerning fatalities and serious injuries during commercial diving operations.
The risk of death as a commercial diver is extremely high, being one of the most dangerous professions, even though there are very comprehensive safety protocols from both national and international organisations. Professor Woods assesses the risk of a fatality in commercial diving in the context of UK HSE guidelines including the level of investment required to prevent fatalities, injuries, and long-term illness at work.
He also observes that some of the reports summarising fatal events in commercial diving suggest a more rigorous implementation of safety protocols or minimising diving exposure would reduce the risks significantly. There is a role for technology to help reduce the risks for work where diving has been traditionally considered as the preferred option.
Click here to download the full report.