Media Dive Crewing – how does it work?

Underwater filming in the UK comes under the Health and Safety Executive approved code of practise for media operations, and whilst it can be a minefield for the inexperienced, it’s actually quite clear and straightforward.
We will guide you through this process as registered HSE Diving Contractors.

Any production that wants to film underwater in UK waters will need to appoint a Dive Contractor to cover the legal requirements outlined by our UK Health and Safety Executive. These are called the HSE Diving at Work Regulations and were created in 1997. Within these regulations any TV or Film production comes under the Media ACOP which stands for Approved Code of Practise, and you can find both these publications online to read more detail.

It is worth noting that as soon as your camera operator uses SCUBA to capture underwater images they come under the HSE diving at work regulations, and at this point your appointed Dive Contractor will advise the level of crew and equipment required based on the filming environment and the experience of your on-camera subject matter. In its simplest form, where the subject matter is wildlife for example, a minimum 3 person dive team will be required. If you wish to film presenters and / or artists in front of camera then the media safety crew numbers will increase correspondingly.

If you’re planning an underwater shoot in the UK and need some help putting together a team, finding a location, or just understanding what’s required from the outset, then the first thing to do is drop us a line and we will chat you through the process.

To read an article that Richard wrote on the legal and practical requirements for filming underwater in the UK please click here

Waterproof Media are a registered and insured UK HSE Diving Contractor and listed on the BBC and ITV Approved dive contractors list. The company has been independently vetted by the 1st Option Safety Consultants and carries public, product and employers liability insurance which covers all UK underwater filming activities.
Our aim is to make sure you get the best people for your particular shoot, so we will listen to what you’re aiming to achieve and then advise accordingly based on your requirements.
As we’ve been involved in diving and filming for many years we have a good idea of what’s required to make shoots efficient and safe without over complicating production.

Waterproof Media have a long track record working for the following Networks and Channels

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