After rounds of public forums, research and industry consultation, the Dive Safety Reference Group have amended Queensland’s dive safety regulations.

The Safety in Recreational Water Activities Regulation 2011 and the Recreational Diving, Recreational Technical Diving and Snorkelling Code of Practice have been amended. They will now include improved head count procedures, restricted medical requirements for entry-level divers, and better access to information and guidance on emergency signalling equipment.  

The Dive Safety Reference Group was established to review the recreational diving and snorkelling industry and ensure that Queensland continues to have a nation-beating dive industry safety regime.

Significant public and industry consultation processes were undertaken including invitations for written submissions on the information paper and final report. Public forums were also held in Cairns, Townsville, Airlie Beach, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

The amendments have come into effect this month, more information is available on the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website.