Regulations & Responsibility

Diving operations in Norway are regulated by several laws and regulations, including:

The Working Environment Act (§ 2-2), which imposes a responsibility on the client to ensure safe working conditions, also for hired workers.

Regulations on the Performance of Work, Chapter 26, which sets specific safety requirements for diving.

The Internal Control Regulations, which require businesses to systematically ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The client thus has a responsibility to ensure that contractors and diving companies comply with these requirements. Lack of presence from the client during diving operations can lead to serious consequences, such as liability in the event of accidents, loss of reputation, financial claims, and weakened trust. Despite the lack of legal obligation, serious incidents in the industry demonstrate the need for strengthened supervision and responsible follow-up.

NUI - An Independent Third-Party

NUI AS is an independent organization with 100% of its shares owned by the non-profit association OFHB (The Association of Operators for Hyperbaric Lifeboat Reception Facilities). This ownership structure ensures that NUI operates without commercial interests and that the business primarily focuses on safety, research, and development within hyperbaric technology, diving operations, and subsea services. As a neutral actor, NUI offers independent testing, verification, and advisory services to both national and international actors and serves as a respected third party in the industry.

Clients who purchase diving services have a significant co-responsibility for safety during diving operations, as described by Arbeidstilsynet. To effectively fulfill this responsibility, one can benefit from NUI Advisory Services, which offers specialized advice and support in underwater operations.

Strengthening Client Competence

Arbeidstilsynet recommends that clients have sufficient competence when purchasing diving services. NUI offers advice from experienced professionals in diving and underwater technology, which can help strengthen the client's understanding and ability to set relevant requirements for suppliers.

Planning and Follow-up of Diving Operations

NUI assists with the planning and execution of manned underwater operations, including the preparation of consent applications and follow-up of operations. This ensures that the operations are carried out in accordance with applicable regulations and best practices.

HSEQ and Risk Management

NUI offers advice on health, safety, environment, and quality (HSEQ), as well as risk management. This includes the assessment of safety procedures, emergency plans, and internal control systems, in line with Arbeidstilsynet’s recommendations for clients.

Client- and Company Representatives and Operational Support

NUI can provide client representatives to follow up on diving operations. This gives clients direct insight and control over the operations and ensures that safety and quality requirements are met. By using NUI Advisory Services, clients gain access to a wide range of expertise and support, which can help meet the requirements and recommendations set by Arbeidstilsynet when purchasing diving services.

Audits and Compliance Measurements

To ensure that suppliers comply with regulations, NUI offers audits of management systems and compliance measurements. This provides clients with assurance that the diving companies operate in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Medical Support and Diving Medicine

NUI has expertise in diving medicine and offers medical support for offshore and onshore operations. This includes advice from diving physicians, which can help ensure that health requirements for divers are met.

‍NUI Competence, Experience, Processes, and Requirements

Experience

NUI manages a resource base consisting of approximately 15 highly qualified advisors with expertise in diving and diving medicine.

Competence

NUI provides validated CVs to ensure that all advisors have relevant competence and experience. Before each assignment, the advisors must be well-prepared and well-acquainted with project-specific requirements.

Processes and Requirements

All processes follow our ISO9001:2015 certified quality management system. The advisors must always have valid and up-to-date certificates.

NUI Goal

To raisea wareness among clients about the value a diving advisor or client/company representative can add in terms of health, environment, and safety inconnection with diving.