This database is a personal compilation of information gathered from the public domain by Tim Cheshire, incident reports and personal communications. Although it focuses on 'divers at work', there are many entries that are included that provide additional information relevant to working divers and others entries simply because they are interesting (to Tim!) in terms of putting diving in perspective.

Although I have tried to verify details, accuracy is not guaranteed. There are omissions, typos and errors, and it is incomplete. Clarification, input, corrections are very welcome. Wherever possible, sources are quoted (The quoted source may not have all the information but should provide a starting point for those wishing to research further details).

It is an ongoing project in which information is constantly being added (and subtracted!) and modified on a daily basis.

The intention is NOT to apportion blame or responsibility but to record the basic information on accidents, injuries and fatalities to divers at work - though some entries are of more general interest.

What has become clear during the gathering of this information is that very many incidents have been forgotten, lost, or simply not reported.

The only reason for gathering this information is that we owe it to all those affected in any way by any incident not to be judgemental but to remember the facts, understand the causes and put in place measures to ensure it doesn't happen again. Hopefully, for those new - and not so new - to the industry, it will put modern diving standards in perspective and give a better understanding of just why we have regulations and guidance.