The Working Environment Act and related regulations provide the main framework for commercial diving in Norwegian territorial waters. Since 1 July 2024, the Act has applied to almost all inshore commercial diving, including diving from vessels.

The main requirements are set out in the Working Environment Act, Regulations concerning the Performance of Work, Chapter 26, the Internal Control Regulations and, when relevant, the Construction Client Regulations (Byggherreforskriften).

The Construction Client Regulations may also apply when diving is part of construction or civil engineering work, such as work on foundations, pipelines or underwater structures.

Clients must confirm that the diving contractor is properly registered, manages the relevant risks and coordinates its internal control system with site activities and hazards.

Petroleum-related Inshore Diving (NORSOK U-103)

Petroleum-related inshore diving may also be subject to industry-specific requirements. NORSOK U-103 – Petroleum Related Manned Underwater Operations Inshore provides a recognised framework for planning and carrying out these operations. The standard defines expectations for organisation, planning and execution, and connects regulatory requirements with established industry practice.

NUI Advisory Services

NUI Advisory Services supports clients in planning, procuring and carrying out inshore diving operations. We turn regulatory and industry requirements into practical project controls.

Regulatory and Standards Support

NUI identifies the requirements that apply to each operation. These may include Norwegian diving regulations, Chapter 26, the Internal Control Regulations, the Construction Client Regulations, NORSOK U-103 and relevant industry guidance.

Procurement of Diving Services

NUI supports clients throughout the procurement process, from defining the scope of work and technical requirements to preparing tender documents and evaluating bids. We help ensure that safety, competence, equipment and regulatory requirements are clearly stated, enabling clients to select a qualified contractor on a sound and transparent basis.

Contractor Qualification and Verification

NUI assesses whether diving contractors have the management systems, competence, equipment, procedures and documentation required for the operation. Our support may include pre-qualification, reviews of documents and procedures, organisational audits, verification and compliance assessments. The aim is to identify gaps before they become operational or safety-critical issues.

Planning, HSEQ and Risk Management

NUI reviews project procedures, risk assessments, emergency plans, SIMOPS, contractor interfaces, competence requirements and HSEQ systems.

Client Representatives and Operational Follow-up

NUI provides experienced Client Representatives and Diving Advisors for independent technical and operational follow-up before, during and after diving operations.

Audit, Verification and Compliance

NUI audits and verifies diving organisations, management systems, equipment, competence and operational arrangements. Assessments can be based on Norwegian legislation, NORSOK standards, client requirements and agreed industry standards. Clients receive a clear overview of risks and required measures.

Diving Medicine and Medical Support

NUI combines operational diving expertise with specialist knowledge of diving medicine. This allows operational, physiological and medical factors to be assessed together.

Independent Diving Expertise

NUI has decades of experience in commercial diving, hyperbaric operations and manned underwater operations. Our specialists cover diving operations, technology, HSEQ, project management and diving medicine. We select the right expertise for each assignment. Our advisory services are supported by NUI’s ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system.

Our Objective

We help clients understand, manage and document their responsibilities for inshore diving operations.

Through independent advice, verification and operational follow-up, NUI helps clients turn regulatory requirements and industry standards into safe operations.

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