Technical Forensic Investigation, Gatun Lock, Panama

Following a request from ABL USA Inc, Dive Safe Services® (DSS) supported an investigation relating to an incident which involved complex engineering and diving operations. Due to the nature of the incident presence on site was required at short notice and DSS were mobilised to Panama, South America within two weeks of receiving the notice to proceed.

Post investigation and root cause analysis, DSS produced a factual technical diving specific incident report which was used to support ABL engineering findings. This report was then delivered to the Chairman and senior board of directors for the Panama Canal.

Category: Accident, Incident, Near Miss Investigation Support, Diving Specialist

Location: Panama, South America

Date: July-August 2025

Project Overview

Following an incident at the Gatun Lake lock along the Panama Canal during maintenance activity the Panama City branch of ABL USA Inc were asked to conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify the root cause of the incident and propose suitable remediation actions to findings identified.

As the incident involved diving aspects ABL contacted Dive Safe Services for support providing diving specialist knowledge. They were aware of DSS long standing project with Talleres Industriales S.A also located in Panama S.A.

ABL gave DSS an overview of the requirement to conduct a root cause analysis of the diving activities and they would support locally by way of interpreters and engineering Class Surveyors. A contract was drawn up and signed, and mobilisation was completed two weeks later.

DSS Lead Auditor, Andy Brown, carried out extensive auditing on the processes and procedures of the contractor and supporting agencies resulting in a comprehensive list of non-compliance to diving standards namely Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).

ABL delivered the final report and briefing to the Panama Canal Authority Chairman who commissioned the investigation. DSS joined the brief via conference call facilities from the UK advising on diving specific findings.

Key Tasks

• Support an in-person site visit to the location of the incident at Gatun Lock, Panama, South America;

• Conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to identify any potential root cause;

• Working with ABL determine through root cause analysis the cause of the incident;

• Suggest, from a diving perspective, suitable measures to prevent further incident occurrence;

• Produce and deliver a close out report with findings articulated; and

• Present findings to the Chairman at the close out meeting.