Diving operations in exploration drilling
Every offshore drilling operation must include some possibility of underwater intervention. This may be required for a variety of routine tasks including re-entry, guide-wire or riser connection, riser inspection and scour examination. It may also be required in the case of accidental damage to the wellhead/BOP system or to the drilling unit itself, and to assist in the recovery of equipment from the sea-bed.
Only in exceptional circumstances should a manned diving operation be contemplated for an exploration operation. Most MODUs are fitted out for handling ROV equipment . . .