Last week the ADCI issued its first Advisory Notice to industry stakeholders to provide the background, symptoms, and how the virus spreads.

As new information becomes available, the Association will continue to issue recommendations from the CDC and medical community.  This advisory notice will focus on:

·       Preventing the spread of the virus
·       Staying in the know
·       Managing stress and anxiety

Also included is CDC document on “15 Days to Slow the Spread” and a “COVID-19 UPDATE; Issues for Commercial Diving Operations in the Gulf of Mexico.” 

The ADCI would like to recognize and thank Robert Bourgeois, MD, MPH, FACOEM (ADCI Physicians Diving Advisory Committee) for providing industry with the “COVID-19 UPDATE; Issues for Commercial Diving Operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

General Prevention for the Spread of the Virus

As you know, globally we are experiencing many closures of schools, businesses, and places of work, and moving to remote options if possible.  These measures are crucial to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

However, there are commercial diving operations that have been deemed critical to the infrastructure and commerce of many regions worldwide.  The following are recommended ways to mitigate the spread of the virus:

• Stay away from individuals that are ill
• Stay at home if you are ill
• Avoid touching the face – nose, mouth, eyes before washing hands
• Handwashing should be conducted for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water
• Hand sanitizers should be at least 60% alcohol-based
• Cough or sneeze into elbow or tissue

Industry-specific Prevention for the Spread of the Virus

Screening Employee Health Questionnaire should be administered 4 days before crew change, 2 days and day prior to crew change

o   If positive on questionnaires – DO NOT TRAVEL TO JOB OR CREW CHANGE

• The goal is to keep sick employees away from well employees
• Do not infect others in crew vans, at the heliport, or boat dock
• Stay at home – call personal physician for instructions for screening or other care
• Do not return to work until cleared by your primary physician or company physician
• Clean / disinfect at least twice daily: Work areas, living areas, door knobs, handrails, tables, desks, phones, keyboards, faucets, toilets, light switches
• Disinfect the deck decompression chamber(s) – inside, controls, hatch, and comms
• Disinfect the BIBS, helmets and masks after each use
• Know EPA disinfectants for COVID-19:  https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
• Follow helmet and mask manufacturers’ recommendations for proper sanitization

Staying in the Know

Social media is not always a reliable source of information but can be a helpful resource to connect us all during times of crisis.  Consider following the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 from the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

While there may be some regional differences and logistical-specific approaches for the conduct of commercial diving operations during this period of the spreading of the virus, the ADCI, IMCA, and IDIF are working collaboratively to ensure that all guidance information on mitigating the spread of the virus is essentially consistent for all global stakeholders.

Managing Stress and Anxiety

The ADCI recognizes that this is an extremely stressful time.  It is natural reaction to feel confused and anxious in this rapidly changing environment. Here are some resources to use to cope with stress and anxiety associated with COVID-19:

•  “Managing Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Virus Outbreak” – created by the National Center for PTSD
• “Coping with Stress During the 2019-n-COV Outbreak” – infographic created by the World Health Organization (WHO)