NEW CODE OF PRACTICE TO COVER WHITSUNDAY DIVE INDUSTRY

_{03 March, 2010}

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Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt has welcomed the release of a new diving industry code of practice which spells out the safety standards to be met by local dive operators.

Ms Jarratt said the new code of practice, released this week by Industrial Relations Minister Cameron Dick, would boost safety within the dive industry.

“This new code of practice is the result of significant co-operation between the government and the diving industry and unions,” Ms Jarratt said.

“This new code sends a clear message to everyone involved in the industry that safety is the main priority of the Queensland dive community.

“The Queensland dive industry has a world-class safety record but we strive to do more because tragically, between four and six people die while snorkelling or diving each year.

“While this is only a small proportion of the 1.2 million people who undertake recreational diving and snorkelling activities each year, the Queensland Government remains committed to improving safety.”

Mr Dick said the new recreational diving code introduced new provisions for dive training and solo diving, a compliance checklist for recreational diving and snorkelling, and provides safety advice for treating marine stings.

He said the Compressed Air Recreational Diving and Recreational Snorkelling Code of Practice 2005 and the Recreational Technical Diving Code of Practice 2002 had been combined in the new code.

For more information on the new Recreational Diving, Recreational Technical Diving and Snorkelling Code of Practice 2010, visit the WHSQ website www.worksafe.qld.gov.au or call the Workplace Health and Safety Infoline on 1300 369 915.

Media contact:

Jan Jarratt
4945 3343
whitsunday@parliament.qld.gov.au

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