Unintentional release of diving helmet – neck dam/helmet securing arrangements
- Safety Flash
- Published on 2 August 2016
- Generated on 14 February 2026
- IMCA SF 20/16
- 1 minute read
A Member reported two incidents in which there has been unintentional release between neck ring and helmet on a KM17C diving helmet during saturation diving operations.
What happened?
Members are encouraged to ensure that diving personnel are aware and that they check the interface between helmet and its securing arrangement towards other equipment supporting the diver. Working conditions could also give same results, e.g. working close to (taut) wires or large insertion bolts, etc.
Our member identified the following corrective actions:
- Verify that interface between helmet and other diving equipment is such that it cannot hook up the release mechanism.
- Be aware of the potential of release such that operational measures could be taken to prevent this.
- Report any further problems (with helmet and locking mechanisms) immediately.
Incident details
The manufacturer has developed a pull pin sleeve, which may also work to prevent this from recurring. See the Kirby Morgan website for more details.
A series of photographs follows for illustrative purposes:
Diver’s equipment interfacing with harness and jump jacket
Kirby Morgan 17C divers helmet with Jewel 601 reclaim hat
Clash between diver helmet pull pin and jump jacket
Helmet/neck ring pull pin securing mechanism (L) closed position (R) open position
Evaluation of the bail-out system – position of helmet/neck ring pull pins in relation to diver’s harness (L) head in normal upright position (R) head bent forward, looking down
Position of helmet/neck ring pull pin in relation with bailout/jump jacket equipment with head bent forward looking down
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.