Head counts

Tragically, divers and snorkellers have been left behind by dive and snorkelling vessels. Anyone who uses a vessel to transport people to a diving or snorkelling site must be certain that all people on board are accounted for before the vessel departs from each site.

Recreational diving and snorkelling

Before the vessel departs to the site, ensure that:

• every person on board is counted twice and independently by different crew persons
• a written record of the count is made
• the count is verified by signing the record.

Any changes to the numbers of persons on board during the trip (e.g. by people joining the vessel from another vessel) must be counted, verified and a new total on board recorded.

Before each vessel departs from the site, ensure that:

• every person on board is counted twice and independently by different crew persons
• a written record of the count is made
• the count is compared with the previous count to ensure they agree
• the count is verified by signing the record.

A headcount should be recorded and verified by at least two crew members. A copy of the headcount must be kept for 1 year. A headcount record template is available for use in Appendix 1 of the Recreational Diving, Recreational Technical Diving and Snorkelling Code of Practice 2024.

Where possible, use active counts, such as roll calls or signature sheets, because they involve the people being counted. Passive counts, such as a head count, do not involve the people being counted and are more likely to fail if not carried out diligently by the crew. Using different counting methods is a way of cross checking the counts.

All counts work best if they are explained in advance to the people being counted. Advice should be available in other languages if required. The relevant crew should be trained in the counting procedures to be followed and supervised to ensure counts are carried out diligently.

If a count reveals that someone is missing, the missing person emergency plan should be followed.

Occupational diving

If conducting occupational diving from a vessel, vessel master must comply with Marine Order 504 in relation to the counting and recording of persons on board.

Additionally, if conducting general diving work from a vessel, the dive supervisor must make and verify entries into the dive safety log of the number of workers and other persons on board before the diving work commences and before the vessel leaves the location after diving work has been completed.