IMCA warns on diver safety as Hormuz reopening drives hull-cleaning surge

The International Marine Contractors Association has warned vessel owners and operators about the risks of underwater ship husbandry as activity in the Strait of Hormuz picks up and idle vessels return to service. Demand for hull cleaning, inspection and maintenance has risen sharply, as these tasks restore vessel efficiency by removing marine growth and biofouling built up during long periods at anchor.

Roughly 600 vessels are estimated to have been trapped in the Persian Gulf during the recent conflict, and orders to clean fouled hulls have reportedly jumped more than thirtyfold since an interim peace deal reopened the strait. Heavy fouling reduces fuel efficiency through added drag and also risks spreading invasive species between regions, damaging marine ecosystems.

But underwater ship husbandry remains one of the most hazardous areas of commercial diving. IMCA says it has been made aware of multiple fatalities in recent years, frequently linked to unqualified or inexperienced dive teams and the use of unsuitable equipment such as scuba gear rather than surface-supplied systems. Diving manager Bill Chilton said the work continues to carry one of the highest fatality rates in the diving industry, and that serious incidents remain unacceptably high where operations lack proper planning, competent personnel or suitable equipment.

To help mitigate the risks, IMCA and industry partners have run an awareness campaign and, in January 2024, published guidance known as IMCA D082 on diving operations in support of underwater ship husbandry. The freely available document sets out a framework covering diver competence, planning, risk assessment and permit-to-work systems, and the appropriate use of equipment and diving systems. IMCA has urged all owners and operators engaging such services to ensure the work aligns fully with the guidance.