Diving coordination
Trusted by leading productions worldwide for all disciplines of underwater filming.
Trusted by leading productions worldwide for all disciplines of underwater filming.
All diving in the UK is strictly regulated by the Health and Safety Executive Diving at Work Regulations 1997.
Underwater Filming falls under the HSE Media approved code of practice.
Underwater Construction falls under the HSE Inland Inshore Commercial Diving approved code of practice.
Both exist to make sure diving projects are carried out in a safe, controlled and properly documented framework.
Diving Services UK works in conjunction with these codes daily. We are a HSE-registered diving contractor, insured for media operations worldwide, and are preferred suppliers for many productions. We can guide you through what’s legally and practically required, and how to deliver your underwater sequences on schedule and on budget, in a safe and controlled manner.
Diving Services UK pioneered the role of the Diving Coordinator within the media industry, and over the years we’ve developed it into the model the industry now follows. The Diving Coordinator oversees the entire diving project from the earliest concept and discussion stage all the way through the shoot to strike. They are the single conduit of clear, concise information for every department.
The Diving Coordinator’s responsibilities:
Our process for developing an underwater sequence onto the screen safely follows a 10-step pattern:
Discussions with the heads of department to understand the sequence, the schedule and each departments’ needs. If required we will recce the location.
R&D of bespoke items if required.
From the initial discussions we will forward a clear, line-item quote covering crew, equipment, and any specialist rigging.
Once approved, we put the HSE contractual paperwork in place so the production has a properly appointed Diving Contractor as per the regulations.
We produce the Diving Project Plan, Risk Assessment and Method Statement, and can assist with HSE Diving Medicals for artists and crew that use SCUBA.
For productions involving custom rigs we can assist with the prototyping and testing, and underwater set construction.
We carry out in-water training for performers and stunt doubles to ensure that they understand their role within the project and are comfortable and competent to carry out the task.
We conduct full rehearsals of the sequence in a controlled environment.
The Diving Coordinator works alongside the 1st AD and Director. Our diving supervisors and safety divers run the in-water operation.
Upon successful completion of filming we then coordinate the de-rig, strike and clear up of the underwater set.
Cast safety is non-negotiable. We can help to organise HSE Diving Medicals, carry out our own in-house training programmes, and rehearse every underwater sequence with performers and doubles prior to filming. We do this to ensure that artists and stunt performers have rehearsed and are competent and confident to carry out the task.