The Professional Boatman’s Association represents commercial dive boat operators working throughout the United Kingdom’s coastal waters, inland waterways and offshore environments.
Dive boat operations support a wide range of activities including recreational diving, technical diving, commercial diving projects, underwater surveys, marine conservation work and training programmes. These operations often face unique challenges that differ significantly from other commercial vessel sectors.
The PBA works to ensure the needs of dive boat operators are recognised and considered when changes affecting marine access, safety, regulation and operational practices are proposed.
Supporting the Diving Industry
Dive boat operators rely on safe access to dive sites, suitable launching facilities, harbour infrastructure and effective communication between regulators and marine stakeholders.
The Professional Boatman’s Association represents experienced dive boat operators across the United Kingdom. Our members operate a wide range of vessels supporting commercial diving, recreational scuba diving, training, survey work and specialist marine operations.
Dive boats play a critical role in UK maritime activity, providing safe, stable and MCA-compliant platforms for divers and marine professionals. PBA members operate to high standards of safety, seamanship and regulatory compliance, supporting everything from wreck diving and scientific surveys to offshore inspections and marine construction projects.
This page highlights dive boat operators within the association and showcases the professionalism and capability of the UK’s commercial diving support fleet.
The Association seeks to represent members’ interests in discussions relating to:
- Access to dive locations
- Marine conservation measures
- Harbour regulations
- Safety requirements
- Navigation restrictions
- Environmental policies
- Maritime legislation
- Coastal development projects
- PBA’s Technical Working Group works directly with the Maritime Coastguard Agency
Understanding Operational Challenges
Professional dive operations require careful planning, specialist equipment and strict safety procedures. The PBA recognises these unique operational requirements and works to ensure they are understood by policymakers and relevant authorities.
By gathering feedback directly from operators, the Association helps ensure practical industry experience contributes to future decision-making processes.
British Diving Safety Group BDSG – British Diving Safety Group – Working together to make recreational diving safer
Join the PBA
Professional dive boat operators are encouraged to become members and contribute to a stronger voice for the diving industry across the UK.