In 1988 the Department of Energy through Norman Maggery, recognised the techniques of Rope Access for Offshore installations and a former North Sea diver now Managing Director of one of the few and successful dedicated training centres Total Access UK - suggested the concept of Divers using Roped Access techniques for the removal of a Spider deck, which was originally tried and used in the southern sector

Divers are already multi-skilled for such activities including inspections, non destructive testing and rigging, and with the close allegiance of these type of activities which are also conducted above the waterline the existing skills that they have invested in, can be put to more use using rope access techniques

The ability of diving companies to use their diving task force more efficiently, for example in short slack waters is now more apparent by using personnel who have been trained and assessed in industrial rope access techniques, these companies include:

Ocean Technical Services Limited, Oceaneering International Services Limited, Stolt Comex Seaway Limited, Cromarty Firth Diving Services Limited

These techniques are not restricted to the offfshore industry, in fact in 1994 total hours worked using Rope Access totalled over 300,000 hours with a ratio of 2:1 Offshore:Onshore Since then the figures have greatly increased and the ratio become more evenly split for an industry with an estimated turnover in excess of £30 million per year

Divers with rope access skills have been used in confined entry situations, as in "dry diving" for inspection and repair of large structures as in the Brent Refurbishments and B.P.'s Gravity base tanks at Largs.

Tradesmen currently being trained in Industrial Rope Access for Onshore works include:

Structural Engineers, Building Surveyors, Aerial Riggers, Steeplejacks, NDT Inspectors, Rope Rescue Teams, Window Cleaners, Painters and Pointers, Stunt Men of the Film and TV Industries, Scaffolders.

With no prior experience in using Rope Access Techniques successful candidates are able to reach the minimum qualification - Level I with four days training, and one day independent assessment including your Registration to the National Trade Association IRATA. (More details and advice are available by telephoning 01785 850333)

There are two other recognised levels of qualification, which take into account experience, with the logging of hours rigging and working on ropes The IRATA Levels 1, ll and lll are the only qualification recognised for working on ropes Offshore and increasingly becoming the recognised standard Onshore.