{"id":2156,"date":"2025-08-11T16:03:23","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T21:03:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cadc.ca\/blog\/ontario%e2%80%99s-sector-based-diving-exemption-for-film-industry-undermines-safety-enforcement-and-national-standards"},"modified":"2025-08-11T16:24:31","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T21:24:31","slug":"ontario%e2%80%99s-sector-based-diving-exemption-for-film-industry-undermines-safety-enforcement-and-national-standards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cadc.ca\/blog\/ontario%e2%80%99s-sector-based-diving-exemption-for-film-industry-undermines-safety-enforcement-and-national-standards\/","title":{"rendered":"Ontario\u2019s Sector-Based Diving Exemption for Film Industry Undermines Safety, Enforcement, and National Standards"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong data-start=\"469\" data-end=\"504\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-1483\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cadc.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ddimage33.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"384\" height=\"192\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"469\" data-end=\"731\"><strong data-start=\"469\" data-end=\"504\">August 11, 2025 \u2013 [TORONTO, ON]<\/strong> \u2014 The Canadian Association of Diving Contractors (CADC) is raising urgent safety concerns over the Ontario Government\u2019s recent amendment to <em data-start=\"645\" data-end=\"681\">O. Reg. 629\/94 \u2013 Diving Operations<\/em> under the <em data-start=\"692\" data-end=\"728\">Occupational Health and Safety Act<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"733\" data-end=\"1133\">Effective July 1, 2025, <em data-start=\"757\" data-end=\"784\">Ontario Regulation 140\/25<\/em> amended <em data-start=\"793\" data-end=\"809\">O. Reg. 629\/94<\/em> to create a sector-specific exemption for the screen industry. The change removes the requirement for certain underwater roles to hold certification to the <em data-start=\"966\" data-end=\"1025\">CSA Z275.4-22 \u2013 Competency Standard for Diving Operations<\/em>, unless the diver is explicitly assigned to a safety-critical role such as a standby diver or supervisor.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1135\" data-end=\"1168\">According to CADC, this change:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1581\">\n<li data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1251\">\n<p data-start=\"1171\" data-end=\"1251\">Originated from requests and advocacy by representatives of the film industry.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1251\">\n<p data-start=\"1171\" data-end=\"1251\">Was implemented without formal consultation with the broader commercial diving sector.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1343\" data-end=\"1420\">\n<p data-start=\"1345\" data-end=\"1420\">Allowed only one week of public posting before the amendment took effect.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1421\" data-end=\"1581\">\n<p data-start=\"1423\" data-end=\"1581\">Mirrors a 2014 regulatory exemption granted to the aquarium sector \u2014 also introduced without sector-wide safety consultation \u2014 which remains in place today.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote data-start=\"1583\" data-end=\"2056\">\n<p data-start=\"1585\" data-end=\"2056\">\u201cThis is not modernization \u2014 it is the removal of a long-standing safety requirement that applied equally across all sectors,\u201d said Doug Elsey, P.Eng., Executive Director of CADC. \u201cWater doesn\u2019t care if you\u2019re filming a movie or repairing a bridge \u2014 the hazards are the same. By removing the requirement for CSA-certified competency in certain roles, Ontario is creating a two-tier safety system and shifting the legal burden from regulation to individual supervisors.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"2058\" data-end=\"2061\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2063\" data-end=\"2120\"><strong data-start=\"2067\" data-end=\"2118\">From Uniform Safety to Sector-Driven Exceptions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2121\" data-end=\"2404\">Until now, Ontario\u2019s diving regulation applied equally to construction, inspection, salvage, research, and screen industry diving. All divers had to meet the same baseline for competency, medical fitness, equipment, and emergency protocols \u2014 regardless of employer or project type.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2406\" data-end=\"2707\">By carving out exemptions based on sector identity rather than operational risk, the Ministry has replaced a consistent safety framework with selective exceptions. CADC warns this approach sets a precedent for other sectors to seek similar carve-outs without a technical or risk-based justification.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2709\" data-end=\"2712\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2714\" data-end=\"2769\"><strong data-start=\"2718\" data-end=\"2767\">The Risks of Lowering Competency Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2770\" data-end=\"3019\">The <em data-start=\"2774\" data-end=\"2789\">CSA Z275.4-22<\/em> standard is Canada\u2019s nationally recognized <strong data-start=\"2833\" data-end=\"2844\">minimum<\/strong> competency benchmark for occupational divers. It ensures divers have the documented training, skills, and capability to safely operate in high-risk underwater environments.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3021\" data-end=\"3139\">Allowing uncertified divers to work in non-safety-critical roles in the screen industry increases the likelihood of:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3140\" data-end=\"3520\">\n<li data-start=\"3140\" data-end=\"3291\">\n<p data-start=\"3142\" data-end=\"3291\"><strong data-start=\"3142\" data-end=\"3174\">Use of unqualified personnel<\/strong> lacking critical knowledge of decompression, emergency procedures, contamination hazards, and equipment operation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3292\" data-end=\"3420\">\n<p data-start=\"3294\" data-end=\"3420\"><strong data-start=\"3294\" data-end=\"3318\">Higher accident risk<\/strong>, where inadequate response in an emergency can endanger both the diver and others in the operation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3421\" data-end=\"3520\">\n<p data-start=\"3423\" data-end=\"3520\"><strong data-start=\"3423\" data-end=\"3453\">Erosion of professionalism<\/strong>, reducing the value placed on proper training and certification.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"3522\" data-end=\"3525\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3527\" data-end=\"3570\"><strong data-start=\"3531\" data-end=\"3568\">Shifting Liability to Supervisors<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3571\" data-end=\"3859\">Under the amended regulation, supervisors may be required to oversee uncertified or underqualified divers. This substantially increases both legal and ethical liability, as they must now assess and mitigate the risks posed by divers whose competencies are not verified to CSA standards.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3861\" data-end=\"4061\">In the event of an incident, supervisors could face prosecution under <strong data-start=\"3931\" data-end=\"3944\">Bill C-45<\/strong> (the <em data-start=\"3950\" data-end=\"3963\">Westray Law<\/em>) if it is determined they failed to take all reasonable steps to protect the safety of workers.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"4063\" data-end=\"4311\">\n<p data-start=\"4065\" data-end=\"4311\">\u201cA supervisor\u2019s role assumes the divers under their control are already competent,\u201d Elsey said. \u201cWhen that assumption is removed, supervisors become the last barrier to systemic failure \u2014 without the tools or authority to guarantee competence.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"4313\" data-end=\"4316\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"4318\" data-end=\"4360\"><strong data-start=\"4322\" data-end=\"4358\">Weakened Enforcement and Clarity<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4361\" data-end=\"4547\">Previously, enforcement officers could confirm compliance by checking for valid CSA Z275.4 certification. The new exemption forces inspectors into case-by-case determinations, such as:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4548\" data-end=\"4738\">\n<li data-start=\"4548\" data-end=\"4607\">\n<p data-start=\"4550\" data-end=\"4607\">Is the diver\u2019s role \u201csupporting the safety\u201d of another?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4608\" data-end=\"4690\">\n<p data-start=\"4610\" data-end=\"4690\">Is the dive \u201cfor screen purposes\u201d or incidental maintenance during production?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4691\" data-end=\"4738\">\n<p data-start=\"4693\" data-end=\"4738\">Does the diver qualify under the exemption?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4740\" data-end=\"4870\">This ambiguity creates inconsistent enforcement and the potential for work to be misclassified to avoid competency requirements.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4872\" data-end=\"4875\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"4877\" data-end=\"4917\"><strong data-start=\"4881\" data-end=\"4915\">Undermining National Standards<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4918\" data-end=\"5151\">The CSA Z275 series of diving standards are the product of decades of work by regulators, industry, safety experts, and medical professionals. They establish the <strong data-start=\"5080\" data-end=\"5091\">minimum<\/strong> \u2014 not the maximum \u2014 safety baseline for diving in Canada.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5153\" data-end=\"5224\">By allowing certain sectors to bypass these standards, Ontario risks:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5225\" data-end=\"5483\">\n<li data-start=\"5225\" data-end=\"5293\">\n<p data-start=\"5227\" data-end=\"5293\">Undercutting CSA\u2019s role as a unifying national safety benchmark.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5294\" data-end=\"5371\">\n<p data-start=\"5296\" data-end=\"5371\">Encouraging other provinces to weaken their alignment with CSA standards.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5372\" data-end=\"5483\">\n<p data-start=\"5374\" data-end=\"5483\">Sending the message that safety compliance can be negotiated rather than determined by operational hazards.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"5485\" data-end=\"5488\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"5490\" data-end=\"5521\"><strong data-start=\"5494\" data-end=\"5519\">CADC\u2019s Call to Action<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5522\" data-end=\"5561\">CADC urges the Ontario Government to:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"5562\" data-end=\"5940\">\n<li data-start=\"5562\" data-end=\"5644\">\n<p data-start=\"5565\" data-end=\"5644\"><strong data-start=\"5565\" data-end=\"5576\">Rescind<\/strong> the sector-based exemption in section 4.1(8) of <em data-start=\"5625\" data-end=\"5641\">O. Reg. 629\/94<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5645\" data-end=\"5734\">\n<p data-start=\"5648\" data-end=\"5734\"><strong data-start=\"5648\" data-end=\"5660\">Reaffirm<\/strong> a task-based, risk-driven approach that applies equally to all sectors.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5735\" data-end=\"5827\">\n<p data-start=\"5738\" data-end=\"5827\"><strong data-start=\"5738\" data-end=\"5748\">Ensure<\/strong> enforcement clarity by requiring all divers to meet <em data-start=\"5801\" data-end=\"5813\">CSA Z275.4<\/em> competency.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5828\" data-end=\"5940\">\n<p data-start=\"5831\" data-end=\"5940\"><strong data-start=\"5831\" data-end=\"5841\">Engage<\/strong> in open consultation with the diving industry before making regulatory changes affecting safety.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<blockquote data-start=\"5942\" data-end=\"6202\">\n<p data-start=\"5944\" data-end=\"6202\">\u201cOntario has been a leader in aligning diving regulations with national standards,\u201d Elsey added. \u201cThis amendment reverses that leadership and opens the door to lobby-driven exceptions. We can modernize the regulation \u2014 but not at the cost of diver safety.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong data-start=\"369\" data-end=\"384\">Disclaimer:<\/strong><br data-start=\"384\" data-end=\"387\" \/><em data-start=\"387\" data-end=\"977\">This statement reflects the position of the Canadian Association of Diving Contractors based on its interpretation of Ontario Regulation 140\/25, Ontario Regulation 629\/94, and the CSA Z275.4-22 \u2013 Competency Standard for Diving Operations. The information provided is accurate to the best of CADC\u2019s knowledge as of the date of publication and is based on the text of the regulation, publicly available information, and CADC\u2019s expertise in commercial diving safety. CADC will update its position if further clarification or amendments to the regulation are issued by the Ministry of Labour.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>August 11, 2025 \u2013 [TORONTO, ON] \u2014 The Canadian Association of Diving Contractors (CADC) is raising urgent safety concerns over the Ontario Government\u2019s recent amendment to O. Reg. 629\/94 \u2013 Diving Operations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Effective July 1, 2025, Ontario Regulation 140\/25 amended O. Reg. 629\/94 to create a sector-specific exemption [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,51],"tags":[66],"class_list":["post-2156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-latest","category-press-release","tag-divesafety"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cadc.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2156","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cadc.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cadc.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cadc.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cadc.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2156"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.cadc.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2156\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2164,"href":"https:\/\/www.cadc.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2156\/revisions\/2164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cadc.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2156"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cadc.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2156"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cadc.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2156"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}