Under the WHS PAGEO regulations no diving is permitted on a diving project unless a start-up notice has been given to the regulator at least 14 days before diving is due to commence [r.94(2)].

The operator of the diving project must provide a start-up notice to the regulator. If there is no operator, the diving contractor must provide a start-up notice to the regulator.

A start-up notice is a written notice that must be completed and signed and dated by or for the person giving it and contain the following information [r.94(1)]:

• the name, address and telephone number of the diving contractor conducting the project
• the name, address and telephone number of a person who can be contacted by the regulator at any time during the project
• the date when the first diving operations that is part of the project is expected to begin
• the expected duration of the project
• the location of the project
• the depth to which it is expected that divers will dive
• the purpose of the diving project
• the estimated number of people to take part in the project
• the breathing mixture to be used
• the title, document number and revision number of the applicable DSMS and DPP

A guide providing information to diving contractors on the preparation and lodgement requirements of diving start-up notices is currently being drafted and will be available shortly.

In accordance with r.77, the regulator keeps a register of each DSMS and revised DSMS received