Behind every safe diving operation is rigorous technical assurance and experienced judgement. Simon Bradley, Apollo’s Diving Technical Authority, works closely with operators and contractors to ensure diving activities are planned, managed, and carried out safely. In this Q&A, Simon shares what the role looks like in practice, the responsibilities it carries, and how collaborative working improves outcomes across the sector.
What does a Diving Technical Authority actually do, and how do you support operators’ day to day?
At its core, the role of a Diving Technical Authority is about assurance. Making sure diving operations are planned, managed, and carried out safely, and in line with legislation and recognised industry standards.
Day to day, that means supporting and directing subsea teams on diving safety, reviewing and auditing diving management systems, and looking closely at procedures and risk assessments. If something doesn’t look right, I get involved early.
I also assess and assure the competence of Company Diving Representatives, monitor the safety and efficiency of operations, and provide specialist technical support if there’s a diving incident. That includes immediate response, supporting the investigation, and making sure lessons are properly captured and acted on.
When divers are in saturation, I’m on call 24/7 during DSV hire. If something happens, there’s no delay and no confusion.
When an operator brings you in as Diving TA, what are you specifically accountable for in terms of safety and assurance?
Ultimately, I’m accountable for giving the operator confidence that their diving operations are safe, compliant, and properly controlled.
That starts with assurance that the diving contractor and their management systems have been audited against recognised industry standards and found acceptable. It continues through pre and post contract audits of safety management systems, diving equipment, DSVs, and personnel competence.
If there’s a diving incident, I provide immediate specialist support. That includes helping classify the severity, ensuring appropriate actions are taken to contain the situation, and supporting recovery steps where needed. I also sanction, from a technical perspective, any subsequent return to work.
Beyond that, I’m involved in risk assessments, Company Diving Representative briefings, and annual engagement with the HSE regulator to review planned work scopes. I also oversee and approve dive system assurance ahead of each mobilisation, including third-party IMCA audits and automated control systems such as bell launch and recovery, saturation control, and associated PLC systems.
All of this sits within strict compliance with Diving at Work Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice, HSE guidance, and industry standards issued by IMCA, ADCI, and DMAC.
Can you share an example of where your involvement improved the safety, efficiency, or outcome of a diving campaign?
There are plenty, but a recent example stands out.
I worked with a Tier 1 diving contractor to amend their own safety management system around the reporting of diver occupational work-related illness and injury. As it stood, their process didn’t fully comply with the Diving at Work Regulations 1997.
The changes were practical, proportionate, and aligned with the regulations and they’re now embedded in the contractor’s system. That improves compliance, clarity, and ultimately diver welfare across every project they deliver, not just one campaign.
You’ve recently become Chairman of the North Sea Operators Diving Committee. What does this role involve, and why does it matter to the industry?
The Chairman role is elected by industry peers, typically for a three-year term. In simple terms, I act as the focal point for the committee.
That means facilitating quarterly meetings, coordinating with operators and industry bodies, organising venues and speakers, and making sure key information, minutes, and lessons learned are shared properly across the group.
As a practising Diving TA, I also bring real-world experience into the room. I share lessons learned from the operators I represent, so issues are discussed early and knowledge is shared across the sector. That collective learning is critical in an industry where the consequences of getting it wrong are high.
For an operator considering Apollo for a Diving TA, what should they expect from working with you and the wider placements team?
You’re not getting a single individual dropped into a role and left to get on with it.
Yes, I’m the named Diving TA, and I take full accountability for that position. But behind me is Apollo’s wider placements team and a full engineering office covering subsea, marine, structural, integrity, safety, and operations.
That means I’m never working in isolation. If a technical issue needs a second opinion or a different discipline’s input, it’s immediately available.
Favourite local restaurant and why?
Café Boheme. Best steak in Aberdeen. Top tip: in the winter always book the table in front of the fireplace.
If you need dependable, high-quality personnel to support your next project, get in touch at info@apollo.engineer