Product Overview

Summary: This Drift Diving Techniques Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for planning and conducting drift dives safely in Australian waters. It helps dive operators and crews manage current-related risks, protect divers and customers, and demonstrate due diligence under WHS and maritime safety obligations.

Drift diving can offer exceptional underwater experiences and efficient coverage of large reef or seabed areas, but it also introduces unique safety challenges. Strong and variable currents, boat traffic, limited control over navigation, and the need for precise coordination between divers and surface support all increase the potential for serious incidents if not managed systematically. This Drift Diving Techniques SOP sets out a structured, repeatable process for planning, briefing, conducting and closing out drift dives in line with Australian WHS and maritime safety expectations.

The procedure provides detailed guidance on assessing environmental conditions, current strength and direction, vessel positioning, diver deployment and retrieval methods, use of surface marker buoys (SMBs), float lines and signalling devices, and clear communication protocols between divers and surface crew. It helps operators embed robust risk controls, from pre-dive checks and buddy allocation through to emergency response for missing or separated divers. By implementing this SOP, dive businesses and organisations can lift their safety performance, reduce liability exposure, and deliver consistent, professional drift diving experiences for clients, staff and contractors across Australian coastal and offshore environments.

Key Benefits

• Ensure drift dives are planned and conducted in line with Australian WHS and maritime safety requirements.
• Reduce the risk of diver separation, lost divers and boat strike incidents in moving-water environments.
• Standardise drift diving techniques, signals and communication between divers and surface crew.
• Improve incident preparedness with clear procedures for emergencies such as missing divers or sudden weather changes.
• Support effective training and competency assessment for instructors, divemasters and boat crew involved in drift diving.

Who is this for?

• Dive Operations Managers
• Dive Instructors
• Divemasters
• Commercial Divers
• Dive Boat Skippers and Coxswains
• WHS Managers for Marine Tourism Operators
• Recreational Dive Charter Operators
• Scientific Diving Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Diver separation from buddy, group or vessel due to strong or variable currents
• Diver becoming lost at sea or surfacing away from the vessel
• Boat strike and propeller injuries during diver pickup and surface operations
• Entrapment or entanglement in lines, buoys, nets or underwater structures
• Rapid gas consumption and out-of-air events caused by increased workload in currents
• Decompression sickness and barotrauma resulting from uncontrolled ascents or inadequate dive planning
• Exposure to adverse weather, waves and surface conditions while awaiting pickup
• Manual handling and slip hazards on vessels during diver entry and exit
• Fatigue, cold stress and reduced situational awareness during extended drift dives

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Drift Diving, SMB, DSMB, Shot Line, Pick-up Procedures)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Skipper, Dive Supervisor, Divemaster, Divers, Deckhand)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Company Policies
• 5.0 Competency, Training and Induction Requirements
• 6.0 Pre-Dive Planning and Risk Assessment for Drift Dives
• 7.0 Environmental and Site Assessment (Currents, Tides, Weather, Boat Traffic)
• 8.0 Equipment Requirements for Drift Diving (SMBs, Reels, Lines, Signalling Devices, PPE)
• 9.0 Vessel Preparation and Safe Diver Entry Procedures
• 10.0 Diver Briefing and Communication Protocols (Hand Signals, Surface Signals, Emergency Codes)
• 11.0 Step-by-Step Drift Diving Technique (Descent, Positioning, Buoy Use, Group Management)
• 12.0 Buddy System and Group Control in Currents
• 13.0 Surface Support and Boat Handling During Drift Dives
• 14.0 Diver Pickup and Retrieval Procedures
• 15.0 Hazard Identification and Control Measures Specific to Drift Diving
• 16.0 Gas Management, Depth and Time Limits for Drift Dives
• 17.0 Emergency Procedures (Lost Diver, Separation, Out-of-Air, Injury, Adverse Weather)
• 18.0 Post-Dive De-brief, Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
• 19.0 Equipment Inspection, Maintenance and Storage
• 20.0 Recordkeeping, Documentation and Audit Requirements

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 2299.1: Occupational diving operations – Standard operational practice
• AS 4005.1: Training and certification of recreational divers – Part 1: Dive skills
• National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) – Part C7A: Safety Equipment
• Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012
• Relevant state and territory marine safety regulations and codes for commercial vessels