Who has ultimate responsibility for safety during a commercial dive?

• A. The Dive Supervisor
• B. The Diver
• C. The Site Safety Officer
• D. The Client Representative

Answer: (A)

In commercial diving, the Dive Supervisor has the final say on the safety of the diving operation. They own the dive plan and must assess hazards, approve contingencies, and ensure all safety systems are in place—from equipment readiness and gas quality to decompression schedules and emergency procedures. They monitor weather, currents, and surface support, coordinate communications, and have the authority to halt or modify the dive if conditions or procedures become unsafe. This role is the point of accountability for making go/no-go decisions and for implementing safety measures across the operation.

The Diver contributes to safety by following the plan, maintaining equipment, monitoring gas and depth, and reporting hazards or concerns, but ultimate responsibility rests with the Dive Supervisor. The Site Safety Officer provides safety oversight and can initiate safety actions, yet the Dive Supervisor retains final authority over the dive. The Client Representative oversees project safety from a contractual or program perspective, but does not supersede the Dive Supervisor’s control of diving decisions.