Over the past few years there have been a number of pieces of life support equipment (diving helmets and masks), underwater hand-held tools (burning torches), as well as rigging (shackles) manufactured in China that do not meet recognized industry standards.  

While this is not an indictment of all manufacturers in China, there have been enough reports and noted safety flashes on the above items having failings and subpar performances out in the field to warrant the issuance of this safety notice.

Some of these vendors and manufacturers have been reaching out to both offshore and inland stakeholders, seizing on cost-cutting initiatives being employed in response to the downturn in the oil and gas industry.

The ADCI strongly recommends that contractors, schools, and other industry stakeholders do their due diligence and research the quality and performance record of all equipment and rigging coming from China prior to any purchase.