Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Magazine The official magazine of the Canadian Association of Diving Contractors CADC Summer 2024 Where It All Began ROVs: A Diver’s Best Friend Who’s Responsible When Things Go Wrong?5 contents ON THE COVER: CADC works to ensure Canadian divers are safe both on and under the water by setting the standard as to what it takes to work safely in this industry. Photo courtesy of ODS. UP FRONT 7 A Message from the President of the CADC 9 Notes from the Executive Director of the CADC 11 A Message from the CEO of the Diver Certification Board of Canada 12 Why You Should Be a Part of the CADC 13 Become a Member ON THE COVER 17 CADC Sets the Standard FEATURE STORIES 21 Where It All Began 23 ROVs: A Diver’s Best Friend 25 Choosing a Diving Company CADC MEMBER PROJECT SPOTLIGHT 27 Aquatech: Diving Deep in the Heart of Alberta IMAGES OF INNOVATION 29 Our Members at Work NEWS 31 Who’s Responsible When Things Go Wrong? 33 CADC Membership Listings 38 Index to Advertisers CADC Magazine Published for: The Canadian Association of Diving Contractors 33 – 5490 Glen Erin Drive Mississauga, Ontario L5M 5R4 Doug Elsey, P.Eng., Executive Director Phone: (905) 542-7410 delsey@cadc.ca www.cadc.ca Printed by: Matrix Group Publishing Inc. 309 Youville Street, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2S9 Toll-free: (866) 999-1299 Toll-free fax: (866) 244-2544 sales@matrixgroupinc.net www.matrixgroupinc.net Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 President & CEO Jack Andress Operations Manager Shoshana Weinberg sweinberg@matrixgroupinc.net Senior Publisher Jessica Potter jpotter@matrixgroupinc.net Publishers Julie Welsh, Christine Scarisbrick Editor-in-Chief Shannon Savory ssavory@matrixgroupinc.net Editor / Social Media Manager Jenna Collignon / Paul Adair Finance / Administration Lloyd Weinberg, Nathan Redekop accounting@matrixgroupinc.net Director of Circulation & Distribution Lloyd Weinberg distribution@matrixgroupinc.net Sales Manager Jeff Cash Sales Team Leader Colleen Bell Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Account Executives Colleen Bell, Jackie Casburn, Rob Gibson, Jim Hamilton, Scott Hendren, Frank Kenyeres, Sandra Kirby, Charlie Langsford, Andrew Lee, Brian MacIntyre, Lynn Murphy, Caitlin Nakamura, Wilma Gray-Rose, Joseph Ukaoha Advertising Design James Robinson Layout & Design Kayti McDonald ©2024 Matrix Group Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Printed in Canada.7 up front Ryan Anderson, CADC President As I sit here to reflect on the content of the CADC Magazine cover story charting the more than 40-year journey of the Canadian Association of Diving Contractors (CADC), I’m filled with a sense of pride and optimism about what all we have accomplished. As the new CADC President, I recognize the association’s pivotal role in propelling Canada’s commercial diving industry forward, particularly when it comes to enhancing safety and advocating for compliance with our CSA Dive Standards. These standards set the minimum safety bar our members must meet– and are encouraged to surpass. Our roots are deep. The origins of CADC trace back to the early ‘80s when the National Energy Board (NEB) sparked our formation to provide a unified voice. This effort has not only forged a strong collective identity but has also positioned Canadian divers as the preferred choice for offshore oil projects, and our proactive approach has been crucial in maintaining and advancing employment for our skilled professionals. Former President Dave Geddes aptly summarized our mission, highlighting that CADC has consistently strived to elevate industry standards and competency. My own experiences echo this as we have championed our Canadian divers, ensuring their presence on offshore vessels and fiercely advocating for our highly qualified members. I think it’s fair to say that, without the work of the association, in many cases Canadian divers would be left dry on the beach. Insights from former presidents Garth Hiebert and Jeremy Leonard underscore our significant role in regulatory dialogues and the establishment of safety standards. Our proactive efforts have established benchmarks that not only meet but often exceed national and provincial standards, which underscores our commitment to lead rather than simply comply. The vitality and creativity of young, skilled divers are essential for our continued growth. Bringing fresh perspectives into our ranks will ensure our association’s longevity and ongoing relevance. Each member’s voice is crucial, and active participation is key to our collective success. Looking ahead, the future of CADC shines brightly, driven by unity, advocacy, and ceaseless innovation. I am thrilled about our direction and honored to be part of an organization that doesn’t just participate in the industry but leads decisively in enhancing diving safety and actively shapes its future. Let’s continue to advance together. I’m committed to doing my part, now I urge you to do yours. Engage, participate – after all, it’s your industry! We have championed the use of our highly trained Canadian divers, ensuring their presence on both inland and offshore projects. I think it’s fair to say that, without the work of the association, in many cases Canadian divers would be left dry on the beach. A Message from the President of the CADC Looking to the Past to See Our Future CADC is the glue that binds the diving community across Canada, acting as a unifying body that is able to communicate effectively across Canada and beyond. The CADC acts a watchdog for the industry and keeps a constant eye on regulations. Because of their diligence in monitoring standards and regulations for commercial diving across Canada, the industry has become a much safer place. Join the ranks to take advantage of these perks! • Weekly or biweekly tender information • Access to www.UnderwaterJOBS.com • Members mail-list server that connects you with all CADC members • Diving insurances exclusive to CADC members • Reduced rates on gear from our associate members • Free subscription to CADC Magazine • And more! Join Learn more at www.cadc.ca!9 up front Doug Elsey, P.Eng. CADC Executive Director PHOTO CREDIT: DougElsey.com It’s summer 2024 and it’s busy – but in a good way! We are hearing from the members Canadian Association of Diving Contractors (CADC) that it’s already been a hectic season while, at the same time, the crazy period we saw last year with the shortage of divers is finally leveling off. Even so, some infrastructure projects that fired up in 2023 are continuing and crews and contracts are in place, so it promises to remain steadily busy for the next while, with some indications that things are about to get even busier yet. It’s really the same here at the CADC office as we deal with various meetings on regulatory changes and initiatives – namely, stressing to regulators that they need to get up to speed on current best practices and change the regulations. But, as usual, we are running into the same red tape on change, and regulators seem to be focusing more on drifting along rather than moving along. You are right if you detect frustration in my words. In the cover story of this issue, ‘CADC Sets the Standard,’ we trace the association’s journey from the beginning as a response to the National Energy Board’s call for a unified voice to our ongoing work in improving standards, regulations, and industry representation within our industry. It’s been a long road to travel, but we are making significant strides in our efforts to contribute to our occupational / commercial diving sector. The CADC has a crucial role ensuring safety and competency nationally across the industry, and hearing from our present and past presidents showcases their impression of our efforts. (Spoiler Alert: We are getting it right) Notes from the Executive Director of the CADC in his feature, ‘Where it All Began,’ Parkes recounts the founding of DCBC following the National Energy Board’s announcement and details its establishment of national standards and international collaborations. His narrative provides a comprehensive overview of DCBC’s significant impact on the diving industry over the past two decades. On a side note, David was honoured this year by CADC for his significant contribution to the diver certification process in Canada and promoting that process internationally for recognition. Afloat in Alberta Our member spotlight this issue presents the inspiring story of Alberta’s Aquatech Diving & Marine Services Ltd. Founded by John Dickau and now owed by Steve Berube, Aquatech has evolved from its humble beginnings into becoming a leading provider of industrial hazmat, search and recovery, and potable water diving services. The article highlights Aquatech’s unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and community service, and emphasizes its growth and success in the competitive diving market. In ‘ROVs: A Diver’s Best Friend,’ Chad Gillen from Deep Trekker Inc. discusses the integration of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in diving operations. Gillen emphasizes the complementary roles of ROVs and divers, showing how technology can enhance safety, efficiency, and data acquisition in various underwater tasks. This article paints a compelling picture of the future of diving, where human ability and technological innovation work hand in hand. These articles collectively reflect our ongoing commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence in the commercial diving industry. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, I hope these stories inspire and inform your work. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to advancing our field. It’s a long journey to make our industry safe, efficient and professional. We are all part of it. Participate – it’s your industry. Change is in the air The new CEO of the Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC), Tracy Childs, also shares her personal reflection on the DCBC journey and vision for the future. With extensive experience in Canada’s diving certification process, she emphasizes the continuity of DCBC’s mission to enhance safety and competency. Her message offers a glimpse into the CEO’s visits to accredited schools and international collaborations, highlighting a strong commitment to supporting high standards. The DCBC is in good hands with Tracy. This next piece – ‘Who’s Responsible When Things Go Wrong?’ – is a heads up for the ‘owner’ when hiring a diving contractor. Ontario Ministry of Labour’s Matthew Neundorf’s insightful feature delves into the Internal Responsibility System under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act. As a Provincial Specialist, he carefully clarifies the shared responsibilities among divers, employers, and insurance companies. This article serves as a crucial reminder of the legal and ethical duties necessary to ensure safe diving practices by the owner as well as the contractor. If you are an owner – you bear responsibility for what happens on a dive site, and that includes diver safety. The former CEO of DCBC, David Parkes, takes us on a historical journey through the organization’s evolution As usual, we are running into the same red tape on change and regulators seem to be focusing more on drifting along rather than moving along. Also – if you detect frustration in my words, you are right.Next >