1. Scientific diving regulation

Yes – the Diving at Work Regulations 1997 and corresponding Northern Ireland regulations form the core occupational diving framework.

2. Officially designated expert(s) and authority

UK Scientific Diving Supervisory Committee (SDSC).

3. National certification organisation / authority

SDSC / UK scientific-diving occupational framework.

4. National governmental agency providing legal background

Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

5. National licence for scientific diving

UK occupational scientific-diving competency within the Diving at Work framework.

6. National regulation

Diving at Work Regulations 1997 and HSE Approved Codes of Practice relevant to scientific diving.

7. ESD/AESD issuing authority / equivalence list

SDSC is the UK national authority representing the scientific and archaeological diving sector; ESD/AESD equivalence framework applies.

8. Acceptance of scientific diving licences from other European countries

European equivalence applies subject to UK occupational and local requirements.

9. Contact persons

Jon Chamberlain
Email: x
Website: https://uk-sdsc.com

10. Further information / Remarks

Historical ESDP status: Statutory Member. Current UK parliamentary evidence confirms the Diving at Work Regulations 1997 and HSE ACoPs as the backbone of the framework.