Film production
How to plan and execute safe underwater shoots that prioritize diver training, equipment redundancy, and crew safety.
This comprehensive guide outlines practical, repeatable processes for budgeting, training, on-set protocols, and contingency planning to ensure underwater productions protect divers, equipment, and crew while delivering compelling cinematic results.
Published by
Jessica Lewis
July 21, 2025 - 3 min Read
Dedicating effort to underwater production safety begins long before filming starts. The planning phase should establish clear safety objectives, measurable risk thresholds, and defined responsibilities for every team member. A robust risk assessment identifies hazards unique to submerged environments, such as low visibility, entanglement risks, and air supply management, while outlining mitigation strategies. From scouting locations to selecting wells, currents, or protected bays, every choice must support controlled, predictable conditions. Pre-briefings with the key departments—divers, direction, stunt teams, camera operators, and safety officers—set expectations and carve out decision points. Documentation and drill rehearsals convert theory into practiced habits, reducing uncertainty on set.
Training is the cornerstone of safe underwater shoots, and it should evolves from theory to simulated, escalating scenarios. Divers require not only technical diving credentials but also familiarity with the film environment, equipment quirks, and communications under pressure. Crew needs coaching on buddy systems, emergency ascent procedures, and rapid-deployment safety gear. Practicing controlled underwater camera moves helps prevent sudden, hazardous movements that could interfere with a diver’s breathing loop. A dedicated safety domain should monitor each diver’s workload, nitrogen levels, and fatigue, with stop signs for energy spikes or adverse weather. Regular refreshers ensure the team remains aligned and capable as stakes evolve during production.
Training, equipment, and procedures anchored in continuous practice.
The equipment plan must emphasize redundancy, compatibility, and fail-safes that work under water. Primary and backup lighting, camera power, and communications gear should be specified for quick swaps without compromising continuity or safety data. Breathing apparatus and gas sources require contingency valves, extra cylinders, and rigorous testing procedures. A critical element is the diver’s life support compatibility with filming rigs, including quick-release anchors and safer shutoff mechanisms. On-set technicians should perform weekly checks, document serials, and execute a simulated failure drill to validate response time. The goal is to keep scenes moving while guaranteeing that no single point of failure can endanger anyone involved.
Environmental control is as essential as technical readiness because water chemistry, temperature, and visibility dictate how safely performances unfold. Cold or chlorinated water can cause rapid fatigue and affect motor control, while poor visibility increases disorientation and communication challenges. The crew should implement real-time monitoring of water conditions, with thresholds that trigger protective actions such as rescheduling, scene modification, or additional divers’ support. Safe-diving practices, including appropriate surface intervals and decompression awareness, must be integrated into the production calendar. The design team should plan shot blocks that minimize time spent underwater and maximize the use of pre-lit areas to maintain consistency across takes.
Clear leadership, communication, and operational redundancy.
Diver training timelines must align with production milestones, not merely with general certification. A progressive training ladder helps new divers acclimate to the film environment while veterans refine complex operations like dynamic pool work or wreck penetration. In addition to core diving skills, emphasis should be placed on communication protocols under water, non-verbal signals, and rapid responses to equipment faults. Casting coverage needs to reflect divers’ strengths and risk profiles, ensuring that stunt demands stay within tested limits. The coaching staff should document every training session, track proficiency gains, and adjust assignments. By weaving skills development into daily routines, the team builds confidence that translates into calm, precise performances on camera.
Redundancy planning extends beyond gear to include human resources and decision-making processes. A clearly defined command chain prevents confusion during emergencies, while alternate leaders step in if a primary supervisor becomes incapacitated. The production should designate an on-site safety lead who can authorize suspended activity and trigger emergency responses without distracting the director. Cross-training for key roles—such as camera operators understanding dive safety or safety officers interpreting shot requirements—reduces bottlenecks. All crew members must know how to access safety data sheets, emergency contacts, and dive logs. In practice, redundancy means fewer single points of failure and a safer, more adaptable operation.
On-set culture that sustains safety through proactive, transparent action.
Pre-shoot briefings should cover the entire underwater plan, from dive profiles to camera routes and the sequence of contingency responses. The briefing must include per-dive risk ratings, entry and exit procedures, and the exact timing for surface rests to mitigate fatigue. Everyone should acknowledge the critical cues that indicate dangerous conditions, such as sudden changes in current or rising air consumption. On-set signage, color-coding, and separate communications channels help minimize misinterpretations. After the briefing, a brief walk-through with the dive team confirms that all participants understand their specific tasks, location boundaries, and the boundaries for any stunts. This preparation is essential for smooth, safe execution.
On-set safety culture sustains momentum by encouraging proactive reporting and rapid adaptation. Experienced divers should be empowered to pause scenes if equipment behaves oddly, if visibility deteriorates, or if signaling protocols feel compromised. Supervisors must model calm, decisive action, reinforcing that safety overrides storytelling pace. Debriefs after every failed or aborted shot translate lessons into future practice, not blame. The production should maintain transparent incident logs and share improvement plans with all departments. A strong safety culture helps attract skilled professionals who value responsible production and helps protect a company’s reputation in the industry.
Policy, legality, and proactive risk management underpin safety.
The creative team must translate the underwater environment into cinematic storytelling without compromising safety. Visual plans should include safe, repeatable camera moves that minimize risk while preserving the intended look. When possible, use dry-for-water setups, paddable platforms, or dry-tow techniques to reduce the complexity of underwater action. If stunts demand full underwater immersion, choreograph sequences so backup takes are readily available and decompression timelines are respected. Postures and movements should be rehearsed in a dry environment to reduce on-water confusion. The director’s vision can still emerge powerfully by leveraging controlled water isolation, careful blocking, and thoughtful lighting.
Insurance considerations and legal compliance provide a protective framework for underwater shoots. Policies should cover drownings, decompression illness, equipment failure, and environmental damage, with explicit exclusions or riders for stunt involvement. The production must obtain necessary permits, harbor clearances, and waterway permissions, plus ensure that local regulations govern emergency medical response capabilities. A documented safety plan, readily accessible to the crew, demonstrates due diligence. Regular audits by third-party safety professionals can help verify compliance and encourage continuous improvement. Financial planning should include contingency budgets for weather delays, equipment replacement, and medical readiness.
As filming concludes, a thorough post-mortem of underwater operations closes the loop on learning. Review the effectiveness of dive training, equipment redundancy, and response times in real scenarios. Gather input from divers, camera operators, and safety personnel to identify gaps and celebrate best practices. Archive all incident reports, training records, and equipment logs in an organized database for future reference. The post-production team should assess whether shot weight, lighting consistency, and water clarity met project standards, and propose adjustments for future shoots. Sharing these insights with the broader industry helps elevate safety standards and encourages ongoing dialogue around responsible underwater filmmaking.
Finally, the long-term success of underwater productions rests on sustaining a culture of continuous improvement. Invest in ongoing certifications, quarterly drills, and equipment upgrades that reflect evolving best practices. Build partnerships with marine professionals who can consult on environmental impact and diver welfare. Maintain open channels for feedback from every crew member, regardless of rank, so concerns surface early and are addressed. By embedding safety as a fundamental aspect of creative ambition, productions can push storytelling boundaries while protecting lives, ensuring projects endure beyond one successful shoot.
