Safe Practice Manual for Diving Operations...(Commercial Diving Standards) Regulations, Marine...

January, 2012

Safe Practice Manual for Diving Operations

Marine Solutions, Inc. (MSI) 225 Industry Parkway Nicholasville, KY 40356 (859) 260-1055 office (859) 554-4100 fax

Safe Practices Manual For Diving Operations Marine Solutions, Inc.

Fayette County, Kentucky

z:\msi general office\safety\msi safe practice manual\2009\msi safe practice manual sept 2009.doc i

Table of Contents

Section Page No.

1. Introduction ................................................................................................. 1 2. Nature and Purpose of Dives ...................................................................... 1 3. Pre-Dive Procedures ................................................................................... 1

3.1. Personal Qualifications .......................................................................... 1 3.2. Medical Requirements ........................................................................... 2

3.2.1. General ...................................................................................... 2 3.2.2. Physical Examination ................................................................. 3 3.2.3. Re-examination After Injury or Illness ........................................ 3 3.2.4. Physician's Written Report ......................................................... 3 3.2.5. Disqualifying Conditions ............................................................. 3 3.2.6. Withdrawal from Hyperbaric Conditions ..................................... 4 3.2.7. General Recordkeeping ............................................................. 4

3.3. Emergency Aid ...................................................................................... 4 3.4. First Aid ................................................................................................. 5 3.5. Planning and Assessment ..................................................................... 5

3.5.1. Job Safety Analysis (JSA) .......................................................... 5 3.5.2. Hazards to Diving Operations .................................................... 6 3.5.3. Underwater Hazardous Conditions ............................................ 6 3.5.4. Record Keeping ......................................................................... 7

3.6. Assignments and Responsibilities ......................................................... 7 3.6.1. Diving Supervisor ....................................................................... 7 3.6.2. Diver .......................................................................................... 9 3.6.3. Standby Diver .......................................................................... 10 3.6.4. Tender ..................................................................................... 10

3.7. Hazardous Activities ............................................................................ 12 3.8. Dive Briefing ........................................................................................ 14 3.9. Equipment Inspection .......................................................................... 14 3.10. Equipment Certifications...................................................................... 14 3.11. Warning Signals .................................................................................. 15

4. Dive Procedures ........................................................................................ 15 4.1. General ............................................................................................... 16

4.1.1. Water Entry and Exit ................................................................ 16 4.1.2. Communications ...................................................................... 16 4.1.3. Decompression Tables ............................................................ 16 4.1.4. Dive Profiles ............................................................................ 16 4.1.5. Hand Held Power Tools ........................................................... 16 4.1.6. Welding and Burning................................................................ 16 4.1.7. Explosives ............................................................................... 17

Table of Contents (Continued)

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Section Page No.

4.1.8. Termination of Dive .................................................................. 17 4.1.9. Personal Protective Equipment ................................................ 17

4.2. Surface Supplied Air (SSA) ................................................................. 17 4.2.1. Limits of SSA ........................................................................... 18 4.2.2. SSA Procedures ...................................................................... 18

4.3. Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) ................. 19 4.3.1. Limits of SCUBA ...................................................................... 19 4.3.2. SCUBA Procedures ................................................................. 19

4.4. Confined Space Entry ......................................................................... 19 4.4.1. Common Conditions to be Aware of and Their Causes ............ 20

5. Post Dive Procedures ............................................................................... 21 5.1. Precautions ......................................................................................... 21 5.2. Recompression Capability ................................................................... 21 5.3. Record of Dive .................................................................................... 21 5.4. Decompression Procedures ................................................................ 22 5.5. Environmental Contamination Prevention ............................................ 22

6. Emergency Procedures ............................................................................ 22 6.1. Fire ...................................................................................................... 22 6.2. Equipment Failure ............................................................................... 23 6.3. Adverse Environmental Conditions ...................................................... 23 6.4. Medical Illness ..................................................................................... 23 6.5. Treatment of Injury .............................................................................. 23

7. References ................................................................................................. 24

List of Figures

Figure Page No.

Figure 1. Required Warning Flags ........................................................................ 13

List of Appendixes

Appendix

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Appendix E

Appendix F

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulations SubPart T – Commercial Diving Standards

Emergency Response Personnel

MSI Equipment and Safety Checklist

U.S. Navy Dive Tables

MSI Confined Space Entry Sheet

U.S. Navy Decompression Treatment Tables

Table of Contents (Continued)

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Appendix

Appendix G

Appendix H

Appendix I

MSI Dive Record

Line Pull Signals

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

Safe Practices Manual For Diving Operations Marine Solutions, Inc.

Fayette County, Kentucky

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1. Introduction

In accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Subpart T (Commercial Diving Standards) Regulations, Marine Solutions, Inc. (MSI) has prepared this safe practices manual. The purpose of this manual is to provide guidance on dive procedures to ensure the safety of MSI employees involved in underwater projects. A copy of the OSHA Subpart T - Commercial Diving Standards is included in Appendix A of this manual.

Each employee to be involved in underwater work must read and understand all aspects of this manual and abide by OSHA Subpart T-Commercial Diving Standards as well as U.S. Coast Regulations concerning commercial diving operations when applicable. Each employee must also constantly assess situational conditions that will affect their safety, and decide how to proceed in the safest manner -- or in some cases even not to proceed because of the risk involved. MIS wants its employees to dive safely at all times.

2. Nature and Purpose of Dives

MSI is involved in many fields of underwater work including structural inspections of bridges, dams, barge and port facilities, the cleaning and repair of underwater structures such as intake structures, valves and discharge facilities, the construction of intake facilities, zebra mussel diffusers and piping, and the salvage of barges and other marine equipment as well as many other underwater projects. Equipment used in these underwater projects includes Surface Supplied Air (SSA) using compressors or compressed gas cylinder banks as well as Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) if conditions dictate. Conditions encountered include highly turbid (no visibility) waters, deep dives, cold water dives, heavy current, heavy marine traffic, confined spaces, contaminated water, night dives and multi-personnel dives.

3. Pre-Dive Procedures

3.1. Personal Qualifications

Each person engaged in diving operations shall possess the necessary qualifications for his/her job assignment. Designation of skill levels in these standards incorporates three primary elements:

• Technical Proficiency;

• Field Experience;

• Diving Proficiency.

Persons assigned to specific diving activities shall possess the following:

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1. Knowledge and skills gained through training or experience in the following:

• Diving Procedures and Technique;

• Emergency Procedures;

• Physiology as it Relates to Diving;

• Diving Equipment; and,

• First Aid and CPR.

2. Familiarity with procedures and proficiency in the use of tools, equipment and devices associated with the assigned tasks.

3. For persons engaged as divers or otherwise exposed to hyperbaric conditions, physical qualifications for such activities as outlined in Section 3.2, “Medical Requirements”.

4. For persons who operate decompression chambers, knowledge of chamber operations.

A person lacking the required experience and proficiency outlined above may be assigned limited tasks, under the direction of an experienced and qualified individual, in order to obtain the experience and level of proficiency required.

3.2. Medical Requirements

3.2.1. General

For persons engaged as divers, or otherwise subjected to hyperbaric conditions, the following ADC medical examinations are required.

1. An initial medical examination excerpt as provided in paragraph 3.2.2. "Physical Examination" is listed below.

2. Periodic re-examinations:

• The dive medical examination will be repeated every 12 months.

3. A re-examination after a diving-related injury or illness as needed to determine his/her fitness to return to diving duty.

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3.2.2. Physical Examination

1. For persons engaged as divers, or otherwise subjected to hyperbaric conditions, the initial examinations, and periodic medical re-examinations, include the following:

• Work History

• Any tests deemed necessary to establish the presence of any of the disqualifying conditions listed in paragraph 3.2.5. "Disqualifying Conditions" of this section

• Any additional tests the physician deems necessary to prepare the written report required by paragraph 3.2.4. "Physicians Written Report" of this section

2. If, within one year, the person has had a comprehensive medical examination comparable to the initial examination specified by this section, and if the results of this examination did not indicate the presence of significant abnormalities affecting the organs, systems, or general health of the person, or any of the conditions in paragraph 3.2.5. "Disqualifying Conditions" of this section, said examination will be deemed to have satisfied the requirements for the initial examination.

3.2.3. Re-examination after Injury or Illness

1. Any person engaged as a diver, or otherwise exposed to hyperbaric conditions, will have a medical examination following a known diving related injury or illness which requires hospitalization of 72 hours or more, (unless state or local laws dictate otherwise) or known decompression sickness with audio-vestibular or central nervous system dysfunction.

2. The person should not be permitted to return to work as a diver, or otherwise be subjected to hyperbaric conditions until he is released by a physician to do so.

3. The examining physician should determine the scope of the examination in light of the nature of the injury or illness.

3.2.4. Physician's Written Report

A written report outlining a person's medical condition and fitness to engage in diving or other hyperbaric activities should be provided by the examining physician any time a physical examination is required herein.

3.2.5. Disqualifying Conditions

A person having any of the following conditions, as determined by a physician's examination, shall be disqualified from engaging in diving or other hyperbaric activities.

• History of seizure disorder other than early childhood febrile convulsions;

• Cystic or cavitary disease of the lungs, significant obstructive or restrictive lung disease, or recurrent pneumothorax;

• Chronic inability to equalize sinus and middle ear pressure;

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• Significant central or peripheral nervous system disease or impairment;

• Significant cardiac abnormalities;

• Chronic alcoholism, drug abuse or history of psychosis;

• Significant hemoglobinopathies;

• Significant malignancies;

• Grossly impaired hearing;

• Significant osteonecrosis;

• Chronic conditions requiring continuous control by medication; and,

• Pregnancy.

3.2.6. Withdrawal from Hyperbaric Conditions

It shall be determined on the basis of the physician's examination, whether a person's health will be materially impaired by continued exposure to hyperbaric conditions. The physician should indicate any limitations or restrictions that would apply to the person's work activities in his written report.

3.2.7. General Recordkeeping

• An accurate medial record for each person subject to the medical specifications of this section should be established and maintained. The record should include those physical examinations specified herein including the physician's written reports.

• The medical record shall be maintained for a minimum of 5 years from the date of the last hyperbaric exposure unless otherwise prescribed by law.

3.3. Emergency Aid

In general, the telephone number of locally available rescue-response personnel will be kept available for emergency use. In the United States of America (USA), most emergency services can be reached by dialing 911, where 911 services are available. If 911 service is not available, telephone numbers for personnel and agencies that can provide assistance (emergency transportation, access to hospitals, physicians and the nearest decompression chamber, etc.) will be acquired prior to project mobilization. Appendix B of this manual contains the telephone numbers for the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centers and their locations and the emergency number for the Divers Alert Network (DAN), which will provide emergency service telephone numbers on a need-to-know basis. Emergency telephone numbers for specific decompression chamber locations are not released by DAN unless there is an actual emergency. Appendix B also contains phone numbers and locations of hyperbaric chambers. This list is reviewed and updated with additional states work is to be performed.

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3.4. First Aid

Whenever dives are being conducted, an American Red Cross first aid book, a bag-type manual resuscitator, and a physician approved first aid kit will always be available at the dive location. When used in a decompression chamber, the first aid kit shall be suitable for use under hyperbaric conditions. In addition, each member of the dive team shall have a current certification in CPR, First Aid and use of emergency oxygen system by an accredited organization such as the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute.

3.5. Planning and Assessment

Prior to initiating any dive operation an assessment of the health and safety aspects of the following items shall be discussed:

• Job Safety Analysis (JSA);

• Site assessment;

• Diving mode;

• Means of water entry and exit;

• Surface and underwater hazards;

• Breathing gas supply (including reserves);

• Diving equipment and systems;

• Dive station setup

• Thermal protection (all dive team members);

• Dive team assignments and physical fitness of dive team members;

• Repetitive dive classification for each diver;

• Communication procedures and methods of all personnel involved in the operation;

• Decompression and treatment procedures; and,

• Emergency procedures;

• Modifications to safe practices/operations manual. These items will have been considered by MSI while planning for the dive project and will be discussed prior to the dive. As part of the planning process, a Job Safety Analysis shall be completed prior to mobilization to a project site for each project. Any employee who has any questions or concerns is urged to speak to his supervisor.

3.5.1. Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

A JSA shall be prepared for each project prior to mobilization to a project site. The purpose of the JSA is to provide a written document identifying hazards associated with each step of the project and develop solutions which will reduce, eliminate, or guard against hazards on the job. A copy of a JSA is included in Appendix I of this manual.

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• Sequence of Basic Steps – Break the project into observable steps.

• Potential Hazards – Identify possible hazards associated with each of the basic steps and list that hazard opposite of the basic step.

• Consider potential causes of accidents (slips, trips, falls, strain, ect.).

• Consider environmental and health hazards (vapors, gasses, heat, noise, ect.).

• Recommend Safe Procedures and Protection – Develop solutions for each potential hazard and list the solution opposite the hazard.

• Detail controls, i.e., lock out, secure, train, guard, ect.

• List Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required, i.e., gloves, safety glasses, steel toed boots, personal flotation device (PFD), ect.

• Assign Responsibility – Assign a specific team member the responsibility of implementing the safety procedures with the appropriate PPE required.

• Personnel Involved

• Identify who prepared, reviewed and is approving the JSA.

• Distribute the JSA to all personnel involved in the job prior to beginning the project to ensure each is familiar with the JSA and has no question.

• Revising the JSA – The JSA should be reviewed and updated whenever a change in the project arises including equipment, scope, personnel, ect. The JSA should also be updated and revised if an accident has occurred on a task for which a JSA has been performed.

3.5.2. Hazards to Diving Operations

• Surface vessel, vehicular traffic, or aircraft operations;

• Overhead crane/gentry operations;

• Pedestrian traffic;

• Displayed diver signals;

• Vessel and dive equipment weather limitations.

3.5.3. Underwater Hazardous Conditions

• Umbilical fouling and/or entrapment;

• Differential pressures;

• Lockout/tag out;

• Contaminated or toxic liquid;

• Limited access/confined space/penetration

• Use of explosives or seismic activities;

• Underwater sonar;

• Cathodic protection;

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• High currents/severe tidal conditions

• Foreign waterborne materials such as logs, ice floe, ect.

3.5.4. Record Keeping

• Project description/accomplishment records completion;

• Diving and treatment records, accident reports;

• Individual dive and ROV logbook entries appropriate to the intended operation.

3.6. Assignments and Responsibilities

All personnel assigned to a diving operation shall be qualified by training and/or experience to perform the tasks they are assigned. The following designations indicate the minimum duties and responsibilities of dive team members.

3.6.1. Diving Supervisor

A qualified person shall be designated in writing, to be in charge of each diving operation.

The Diving Supervisor is in charge of the planning and execution of the diving operation, including the responsibility for the safety and health of the dive team. In carrying out these responsibilities, his duties shall include but not necessarily be limited to the following:

• Be fully cognizant of all relevant governmental regulatory agency regulations that apply to the diving operation and the diving mode employed, and the employer's Basic Safe Practices/Operations Manual. See that all rules and regulations are followed.

• While actually on duty, be in immediate control and available to implement emergency procedures. The dive supervisor is not permitted to dive unless another qualified supervisor or lead diver is present who has also been appointed and designated to assume responsibility.

• Ensure prior to diving, in addition to parties directly involved in the diving operation, that masters of craft, pilots of submersibles, harbor masters, managers of offshore installations, pipelines, civil engineering sites and inland waterways, and all persons responsible for anything that affects the diving operation are advised that diving operations are to be undertaken.

• Ensure diving operations are carried on from a suitable and safe location on the surface.

• Develop or modify and produce pre and post dive check lists for his operation.

• Develop and implement emergency/contingency procedures.

• Be aware of the procedures to follow to obtain medical support in the event of an accident, either diving or non-diving related. Ensure a two-way communication system is available at the dive location to obtain emergency assistance.

• Perform a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for each task undertaken.

• Establish a dive plan ensuring that sufficient breathing mixtures, supplies and proper equipment are available for safe and timely completion of the job task.

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• Personally verify that all personnel in the dive team are qualified and physically able to perform tasks assigned. He must make an assessment of the physical condition of the divers prior to each dive to determine if any physical impairment is present which would be detrimental to their health and safety in the water or under hyperbaric conditions.

• Assign the duties of all members of the dive team and personally direct them throughout the diving operation.

• Ensure that the diving equipment designated for use is:

o suitable for the planned diving operation

o sufficient to regulatory requirements for the diving mode used

o inspected prior to each dive and in good working order

• Ensure that all relevant operating instructions, manuals, decompression tables, treatment schedules, and regulatory publications are available at the dive location and are maintained to reflect current changes and/or developments.

• Ensure the detailed briefing of his diving team and support personnel including:

o tasks to be undertaken

o unusual hazards or environmental conditions

o modifications to standard procedures or safety procedures necessitated by the specific diving operations

• Maintain a depth, bottom time and breathing mix profile at the dive location for each diver during the dive.

• Ensure that each diver is continuously tended while in the water.

• Ensure the dive is terminated when:

o The diver requests termination

o The diver fails to respond to communication or communication is lost between the diver and dive team members at the dive location.

o Communication is lost between the person in charge and the diving supervisor during live boating operations.

o The diver begins to use his diver-carried reserve breathing gas supply.

• Ensure after every dive:

o The physical condition and well being of the diver is checked by visual observation and verbal questioning.

o The diver is instructed to report any physical problems or symptoms of decompression sickness or arterial gas embolism.

o The diver is advised of the location of the nearest operating decompression chamber.

o The diver is acquainted with the dangers of flying after diving or traveling to altitudes higher than the dive site.

• Ensure after any treatment or dive outside the no decompression limits:

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o The diver is instructed to remain awake and in the vicinity of a decompression chamber for at least one hour.

o A trained dive team member is available to operate the decompression chamber.

• Report all accidents or incidents involving personnel as required by employer rules and relevant governmental regulations.

• Maintain and submit reports required by employer and relevant governmental regulations concerning diving operations and equipment maintenance, testing or repair.

3.6.2. Diver

The diver is assigned by the supervisor to perform specific tasks underwater and topside.

A diver shall be at least 18 years old, be medically certified "fit to dive", have a knowledge of diving theory and practice, a full understanding of the diving equipment in use, and of the tasks assigned. All divers should be in possession of an up-to-date diver's log book which can be used to establish levels of experience.

Each diver in the carrying out of his duties and responsibilities shall:

• Accomplish all tasks assigned by the diving supervisor. In the event he is assigned a task for which he does not consider himself qualified either by training and/or experience, he shall immediately inform the diving supervisor.

• Read, understand and comply with all employers’ policies and with applicable governmental regulations as they relate to his qualifications or performance while engaging in diving operations.

• Maintain a high level of physical fitness.

• Immediately obey all commands or instructions from the diving supervisor to return to the surface, first decompression stop, or bell.

• Ensure that the deepest depth of his dive has been established before his ascent.

• Safely transition from the water to the decompression chamber without avoidable delay.

• Act as a standby diver when directed to do so. While acting as standby diver, the diver shall:

o be dressed sufficiently to allow immediate entry into the water, and to stay at depth as long as circumstances require

o remain at his station throughout the entire dive and in-water decompression

o monitor the dive radio to constantly remain a breast of events of the dive

• Not be assigned by tasks that might interfere with his duties as standby diver while there is a diver in the water.

• Act as a chamber operator as required by the diving supervisor.

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• Comply with regulations or instructions concerning the use, maintenance, repair and testing of all diving equipment provided for the operation.

• Report to the diving supervisor any recent medical treatment or illness so that a proper determination can be made concerning his fitness to dive.

• Immediately report all symptoms or suspected symptoms as early and accurately as possible.

• Report to the diving supervisor any defect or malfunction of the diving equipment provided for the diving operation.

• Follow safe diving practice at all times during the diving operation whether on deck or in the water. Bring to the attention of the diving supervisor any questionable items. Be alert for the safety of others as well as himself.

• Assist in the training of new personnel or tenders.

• Remain awake and in the vicinity of the decompression chamber for at least one hour following treatment or a hyperbaric exposure outside the no decompression limits.

• Know and observe the rules for flying after diving or traveling to altitudes higher than the dive site.

• Ensure that his diving equipment has been correctly maintained, prepared and tested before each dive. This requirement should never be delegated to others.

• Maintain a diver's log book which details all dives, medical examinations, courses taken, and personal equipment maintenance.

• Ensure their medical certificates are up-to-date and recorded in their diver's logbook. Present their logbook to the diving supervisor on every job.

• Maintain certification in First Aid, CPR and Oxygen Administration.

3.6.3. Standby Diver

The Standby Diver is that individual possessing the required training and experience to enter the water at the diving station in order to render assistance to a stricken diver. The Standby Diver in the carrying out of his duties and responsibilities shall:

• Be capable and qualified to carry out all of the duties and responsibilities of the Diver as set forth in B. above.

• Have fitted his diving helmet or mask to the standby divers umbilical in a wrench tight status and then shall check for proper flow of breathing medium and for adequate communications. The diving helmet or mask shall be ready to be donned by the standby diver when directed by the Diving Supervisor.

• Remain in the immediate vicinity of the diving control station, and ready to enter the water when directed by the Diving Supervisor.

3.6.4. Tender

The tender is assigned by the diving supervisor to continuously tend a diver. He shall devote his full time and attention to tending the diver he is assigned to from the preparation of the

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dive until its completion including any in-water decompression required. He shall not be assigned any other task while the diver is under water. He should further:

• Assist the diver in dressing and undressing, and confirm that the diver's equipment is functioning properly.

• Tend the diver's umbilical and be aware of the diver's depth and location at all times.

• Set up and operate all equipment as directed by the supervisor or his representative.

• In the event he is assigned a task for which he does not consider himself qualified either by training and/or experience, he shall immediately inform the diving supervisor or his representative.

• Perform routine maintenance on diving equipment.

• Repair such equipment as he is qualified and checked out to repair.

• Assist in topside work as required or directed.

• Be alert for and immediately report conditions which may be hazardous or unsafe.

• Maintain certification in First Aid, CPR and Oxygen Administration.

As a tender gains more experience his areas of responsibility will expand. His duties and responsibilities may include:

• When qualified, properly operate a decompression chamber as required for decompression or treatment. As a decompression chamber operator, he shall be responsible for:

o Maintaining the proper depth in the chamber as required by decompression schedule or treatment protocol.

o Maintaining a proper ventilation schedule so oxygen and carbon iodide levels remain within safe limits.

o Decompress or treat the dive in accordance with the schedule as directed by the diving supervisor.

o Maintain communication with the chamber occupants.

o Properly complete all paperwork as required by employer policy and/or governmental regulations.

o While operating the chamber, the tender shall not be assigned to any other task.

• Before being exposed to hyperbaric conditions, the tender must be medically certified "fit to dive".

• Perform limited tasks as a diver when directed by the supervisor. A tender that dives shall be subject to the duties and responsibilities of a diver within the limitations of his assignment.

• When required, ride the chamber with the diver during decompression or treatment. This inside tender must be familiar with and alert for the symptoms of oxygen toxicity.

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3.7. Hazardous Activities

All diving activities should be coordinated with any other activities in the vicinity of the dive site that might interfere with the diving operation. This must be done in order to minimize hazards to the dive team personnel and to the personnel participating in the other activities.

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International "Alpha" Code Flag

Recreational Diver Down Flag

Figure .1. Required Warning Flags

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3.8. Dive Briefing

Prior to performing dive activities, the dive team supervisor will brief the dive team on the following items:

• The tasks to be undertaken;

• Safety procedures for the diving mode;

• Any unusual hazards or environmental conditions likely to affect the safety of the diving operations;

• Any modifications to standard operating procedures necessitated by the specific diving operation; and,

• Assessment of each dive team members fitness, health and limitations.

If any member of the dive team does not feel that they have been adequately briefed on these items at the beginning of a project, or if concerns arise during any project, the employee is urged to bring this to the immediate attention of his supervisor.

3.9. Equipment Inspection

Prior to mobilization and performing diving operations, the following items shall be inspected for proper operation and working condition:

• The main breathing gas supply system (compressor, gas cylinder bank, scuba cylinders, hoses, filters, manifold system, etc.);

• All reserve breathing gas supplies;

• All dive helmets and regulators (both 1st and 2nd stages) to be used;

• All buoyancy compensation devices (BCD) to be used;

• All gauges used during diving operations;

• Thermal protection equipment; and,

• Communications equipment (dive and emergency)

If any piece of equipment is found to be in disrepair, it shall be fixed or replaced before beginning the dive. All diving helmets shall have a current inspection for use on any MSI diving projects. A copy of MSI’s equipment and safety checklist is included in Appendix C of this manual.

3.10. Equipment Certifications

Equipment inspection certificates on diving related equipment are recorded and placed on the dive maintenance log which is kept at MSI's Lexington office. The following provides a detailed list of the inspected equipment with inspection intervals, requirements and testing agency. All equipment is inspected per OSHA 1910 subpart T for Commercial Diving.

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Equipment Test Test Interval Requirements Testing Agency

Air Compressor Air Quality Every 6 months Levels of Carbon Monoxide (10) less than

20 p/m. Levels of Carbon Dioxide (102) less than 1,000 p/m. Levels of oil mist less than 5 milligrams per cubic meter No noxious or produced odor

MSI takes air quality samples and sends to outside agency for testing.

Diving Helmets Annual

Inspection Annually Comply with manufactures

recommendations for annual inspection In-house with certified inspector

Breathing gas hoses

Working Pressure

Annually Be tested to 1.5 times working pressure Working pressure is 150 psi. Testing pressure is 225 psi.

In-house MSI

Scuba cylinders Visual Annually Each scuba cylinder shall pass a visual

exam by a certified inspection agency Outside agency usually local dive shop

Scuba cylinders Hydro Every 5 years Each scuba cylinder shall pass a

hydrostatic test every 5 years by a certified testing agency.

Outside agency usually local dive shop

Depth Gauges Depth

Calibration Every 6 months Each depth gauge shall be dead weight

tested or calibrated against a master reference gauge and or when a discrepancy greater than two percent exists

3.11. Warning Signals

The international "alpha" code flag shall be displayed during all diving operations. In addition, since most persons in the USA are familiar with the recreational diver down flag (red flag with white cross band), it shall also be displayed during all diving operations. Examples of both flags are shown in Figure 1.

4. Dive Procedures

MSI utilizes two types of underwater diving modes, Surface Supplied Air (SSA) and Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA). The particular mode of diving will be determined based on site conditions and nature of work to be performed. Generally speaking, SSA will be the primary diving mode, while SCUBA will only be used when conditions prevent the use of SSA.

The minimum manning level is four (3) persons; however, actual manning levels may increase, as determined by the DDC, after considering the diving support systems, the tasks at hand, weather conditions, dive platform and location, and other factors. Team members may rotate through the dive team positions as long as minimum manning levels are maintained and team members are qualified/accepted for the position.

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4.1. General

The following sections briefly discuss items required and procedures to follow during all dives.

4.1.1. Water Entry and Exit

A ladder or other means of supporting the diver shall be provided for entering and exiting the water. This ladder shall extend below the water surface. In addition, a means to assist an injured diver from the water shall be provided.

4.1.2. Communications

During all SSA dives, an operational two-way voice communication system shall be used between the diver and the support crew. In the event the two-way voice communication system is not operational line pull signals will be utilized. Refer to Appendix H for a list of line pull signals. In addition, an operational two-way communications system (marine VHF radio and/or cellular telephone) shall be available at the dive location.

4.1.3. Decompression Tables

A copy of the U.S. Navy dive tables is included in Appendix D, and shall be made available at the dive location for all dives.

4.1.4. Dive Profiles

A depth-time profile for the specific type of dive to be performed shall be maintained for each diver during all dives including decompression. The profile should include any breathing gas changes if applicable.

4.1.5. Hand Held Power Tools

Hand held hydraulic power tools shall not be energized until requested by the diver, and shall be de-energized when requested by the diver or when voice communication has been lost. Hand held electric power tools will not be used by MSI dive personnel during in-water diving operations.

4.1.6. Welding and Burning

A knife switch or other current control switch for the welding or burning electrode shall be tended by a dive team member in voice communication with the diver performing the welding or burning and shall be kept in the open position except when the diver is welding or burning. The welding machine frame shall be grounded prior to use. All welding and burning cables, electrode holders and connections shall be capable of carrying the maximum current required by the work and shall be properly insulated. The diver performing the welding or burning shall be fitted with insulated gloves during welding and burning activities. Enclosed spaces in which welding or burning will be performed shall be vented, purged or flooded with a mixture of gases that will not support combustion.

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4.1.7. Explosives

Explosives will not be used by MSI dive team personnel during any diving operations.

4.1.8. Termination of Dive

Any dive shall be terminated when:

• A diver requests termination;

• A diver fails to respond correctly to communications or signals from a dive team member;

• Communications are lost and can not be quickly reestablished between the diver and a dive team member at the dive location, and between the designated person-in-charge and the person controlling the vessel in live-boating operations;

• A diver begins to use diver-carried reserve breathing gas, or the dive location reserve breathing gas; or

• Any member of the dive team determines that conditions are unsafe.

4.1.9. Personal Protective Equipment

The appropriate ANSI approved personal protective equipment (PPE) shall be worn when required. The items include but are not limited to the following:

• Protective head gear

• Protective footwear

• Protective eyewear

• Personal flotation device (PFD)

• Hearing protection

• Safety harness with approved double locking elastic lanyard

• Respiratory equipment

4.2. Surface Supplied Air (SSA)

Surface Supplied Air is the most common mode of diving performed by MSI. The primary advantage of SSA is an "unlimited" air supply, which allows the diver to remain underwater for longer periods of time. Other advantages of SSA are that the air supply allows the diver to use high volume dive helmets that would quickly drain a SCUBA tank. These helmets can be incorporated with a dry suit that will encapsulate the diver and prevent the diving media from coming into contact with diver, thus allowing for dives in contaminated water or other hazardous diving media. The umbilical used for SSA diving generally includes a pneumofathometer hose that enables the surface support team to monitor the depth of the diver and inform them of their depth in turbid conditions. MSI utilizes both a low pressure/high volume compressor and a high-pressure compressed gas cylinder bank during

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its SSA dives. The specific breathing gas supply system to be used on a project is determined prior to mobilization.

4.2.1. Limits of SSA

SSA diving will not be conducted at depths exceeding 190 fsw except when bottom times are shorter than 30 minutes, then a maximum depth of 220 fsw is acceptable. A decompression chamber shall be ready for use at the dive location for any dive outside the no-decompression limits or deeper than 80 fsw.

4.2.2. SSA Procedures

A diver shall be stationed at the underwater point of entry when diving in physically enclosed or confining spaces. Each diving operation shall have a primary breathing gas supply and reserve breathing gas sufficient to support divers for the duration of the planned dive including decompression. A diver-carried reserve breathing gas supply shall be provided for each SSA diver except when heavy gear is worn. Both reserve breathing gas supplies shall be capable of providing a sufficient air supply for the diver to safely reach the water surface.

The minimum personnel required for SSA diving operations are as follows;

• SSA diving 0-80 fsw with no decompression requires a three person crew consisting of;

o 1 diving supervisor

o 1 diver

o 1 tender/diver properly equipped and capable of performing the duties of a standby diver

• SSA diving 80-130 fsw with decompression requires a four person crew consisting of;


o 1 diver

o 1 standby diver

o 1 tender/diver

• SSA diving 130-220 fsw with decompression requires a five person crew consisting of;


o 1 diver

o 1 standby diver

o 2 tender/diver

For all dives outside the no-decompression limits, or below 80 fsw, the following shall apply:

• A separate dive team member shall tend each diver in the water;

• A standby diver shall be available while the diver is in the water; and,

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• A dive-location reserve breathing gas supply shall be provided.

• A recompression chamber shall be available and within 5 minutes of the dive site. See Section 5.2 for recompression capability requirements.

For heavy-gear diving deeper than 80 fsw or outside the no-decompression limits, the following shall apply:

• An extra breathing gas hose capable of supplying breathing gas to the diver in the water shall be available to the standby diver; and,

• An in-water stage shall be provided to diver in the water.

4.3. Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA)

MSI’s use of SCUBA is generally limited to when access or other factors makes the use of SSA impossible or impractical. The only advantages to using SCUBA are the minimum equipment required the ease in transporting the equipment and the increased maneuverability while in the water.

4.3.1. Limits of SCUBA

SCUBA diving shall not be conducted at depths greater than 130 fsw. In addition SCUBA diving shall not be conducted at depths greater than 180 fsw or outside the no-decompression limits unless a decompression chamber is ready for use on site. SCUBA diving should not be used against currents greater than one (1) knot or in enclosed or physically confined spaces unless line-tended.

4.3.2. SCUBA Procedures

The following procedures should be followed during any SCUBA diving operations:

• A standby diver shall be available when the diver is in the water;

• A diver shall be line-tended from the surface or accompanied by another diver in the water in continuous visual contact during the diving operations;

• A diver-carried reserve breathing gas supply shall be provided for each diver consisting of a manual reserve (J valve); or an independent reserve cylinder with a separate regulator connected to the underwater breathing apparatus;

• The valve of the reserve breathing gas supply shall be in the closed position prior to the dive.

4.4. Confined Space Entry

Confined space dives such as penetration dives into culverts, pipelines, riser structures, and tanks; just to name a few, require additional safety precautions. All confined space entries should be treated according to sections 4.2. and 4.3. of this manual in addition to the following:

20

• Prepare a confined space entry sheet and review the sheet with the dive team personnel prior to beginning the dive. A copy of MSI’s confined space entry sheet is included in Appendix E of this manual.

• Research the structure and determine what may have been stored in it and what impurities may be encountered. Then monitor for the impurities before entering and during the inspection.

• Do no rely on steel railings, grates, pipes or rungs for support unless designed for this purpose.

• Check the stability of the structure and the surrounding material at the entrance to see if it could collapse. If the entrance appears unsafe, do not inspect the structure until the situation is corrected.

• Use an LEL/O2 meter to check oxygen levels and for possibility of explosion. Be sure to check levels at ceiling, mid-wall and floor elevations, and in any corners, cracks and openings. It may be necessary to perform the metering using SCUBA or SSA as Level B breathing protection.

• Do not take anything into the confined space that may create a spark or cause ignition of any flammable substances.

• Always have a lifeline or umbilical attached to anyone entering the confined space and have it manned at all times.

• Be prepared for an emergency evacuation. Have the necessary manpower and equipment ready (3-man crew minimum).

• If an emergency arises, determine the cause of the emergency and make necessary adjustments to the rescue personnel to ensure a safe rescue.

4.4.1. Common Conditions to be Aware of and Their Causes

A list of common conditions found in confined spaces and causes of these conditions is listed below:

Methane - Caused by rotting organic matter; commonly found around sewage treatment plants and animal farms.

Hydrogen Sulfide - Caused from anaerobic bacterial decay Low Oxygen - Common in areas containing a lot of rust due to the rusting

process absorbing the oxygen (steel pipes and tanks) Chlorine - Common in concrete water tanks and pits. Concrete will

emit chlorine gas in toxic levels long after the tank has been emptied.

Carbon Monoxide (Co) - Common in areas of heavy vehicle traffic. Since it is heavier

than air, it will collect in low areas along roadways. Carbon Dioxide (Co2) - Will build up in small pockets where ventilation is

unavailable.

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Never assume that if the indicators are not present, an confined space is "clear". Always use the proper testing instrumentation to check the area before entering.

5. Post Dive Procedures

5.1. Precautions

After completion of any dive, the dive team supervisor shall:

• Check the physical condition of the diver;

• Instruct the diver to report any physical problems or adverse physiological effects including decompression sickness;

• Advise the diver of the location of a decompression chamber; and

• Alert the diver to the potential hazards of flying after diving.

For any dive outside the no-decompression limits, deeper than 100 fsw or using mixed gas as a breathing mixture, the supervisor shall instruct the diver to remain awake and in the vicinity of the on-site decompression chamber for one (1) hour after the dive, including decompression has been completed.

5.2. Recompression Capability

A decompression chamber capable of recompressing the diver at the surface to a minimum of 165 fsw shall be available at the dive location for SSA diving deeper than 80 fsw and shallower than 220 fsw, mixed gas diving shallower than 300 fsw or diving outside the no-decompression limits shallower than 300 fsw. A decompression chamber capable of recompressing the diver at the surface to the maximum depth of the dive shall be required at the dive location for dives in excess of 300 fsw.

The decompression chamber shall be dual-lock, multiplace and located within five (5) minutes of the dive location. The chamber shall also be equipped with a pressure gauge for each pressurized compartment, a built-in-breathing-system with a minimum of one mask per occupant, a two-way voice communication system between the occupants and the chamber operator, a viewport and way to illuminate the interior of the chamber.

A dive team member capable of operating the decompression chamber shall be available on site for at least one (1) hour after the dive has been completed, including decompression, to operate the decompression chamber if needed.

Treatment tables, treatment gas appropriate to the diving mode and sufficient gas to conduct treatment shall be available at the dive location. Copies of the U.S. Navy Decompression Treatment Tables are included in Appendix F of this manual.

5.3. Record of Dive

A record of all dives shall be recorded and maintained by the dive team while in the field and placed in the project files upon completion of each project. An example of an MSI dive record and work from is included in Appendix G of this manual.

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5.4. Decompression Procedures

The dive team members shall investigate and evaluate each incident of decompression sickness based on the recorded information, consideration of the past performance of decompression table used and individual susceptibility. Appropriate corrective action should then be taken to reduce the probability of recurrence of decompression sickness. A written evaluation of the decompression procedure assessment, including any corrective action taken, should be prepared within 45 days of the incident of decompression sickness. Copies of the written evaluation should be placed in the project file and in the file of the individual who suffered the decompression sickness.

5.5. Environmental Contamination Prevention

After performing dives in contaminated water or any other hazardous media, all dive and support equipment used shall be decontaminated prior to demobilizing from the site. Decontamination should be performed in accordance with applicable local, state and federal regulations. If dives were performed in waters with high bacterial concentrations, equipment can be decontaminated after demobilization, but must be performed prior to any other dives. Equipment used in bodies of water that are known to contain any form of Zebra Mussel must be decontaminated according to the following:

• Drain all contaminated water from the equipment prior to leaving the launch area.

• Wash or flush equipment with a detergent or bleach and water mix, or use a high-pressure water rinse that is at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

• If the equipment cannot be washed, let the equipment dry for a minimum of two days.

6. Emergency Procedures

6.1. Fire

A. Abort the dive and instruct the diver to surface at a safe location using the appropriate decompression schedule.

B. If utilizing a dive compressor, switch diver air supply to backup, and turn the compressor off.

C. Use fire extinguisher to put out fire. D. If the fire cannot be extinguished, all personnel are to evacuate the dive

station and contact the local fire response team. E. If the fire is extinguished by the dive team personnel, all diving operations

are to be postponed until damages have been assessed and all repairs made.

F. If any hazardous materials (fuel, oil, etc.) were spilled, the appropriate local response personnel should be contacted.

G. A report detailing the accident should be prepared and signed by the dive team personnel and submitted to the MSI office. A copy of the report should be kept in the project file.

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6.2. Equipment Failure

A. Dive Compressor or Air Bank

1. The diver should be instructed to abort the dive and the backup air supply should be activated.

2. All diving operations are to be postponed until all repairs have been made and tested.

B. Diver Umbilical

1. The diver should be instructed to switch to the diver carried reserve air supply and abort the dive.


C. Diver Communications

1. The diver is to abort the dive whenever communications are lost and cannot be quickly re-established.

2. Diver/tender line pull signals shall be used until the diver has exited the water.


D. Dive Platform Propulsion


6.3. Adverse Environmental Conditions

When the dive team personnel determine that environmental conditions are unsafe all diving operations will be suspended, the conditions evaluated and the proper course of action developed to resume diving operations. If conditions are weather related, the dive team shall take shelter until conditions improve.

6.4. Medical Illness

All diving operations will be suspended when any member of the dive team is determined to be medically ill. The diving operations will not be resumed until the ill person is determined to be well or until the ill person has been replaced.

6.5. Treatment of Injury

All diving operations will be suspended when any member of the dive team is injured in a manner that will affect their dive team responsibilities. Diving operations will not be resumed until the injured person has been treated and determined to be able to perform their assigned duties, or when the injured person has been replaced.

For any injury requiring hospitalization or professional medical treatment, a report detailing the incident should be prepared by the dive team personnel and submitted to the MSI office. A copy of the report should be kept in the project file.

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7. References

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulations, 1910 Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations.

U.S. Navy Dive Manual, Revision 6, April 15, 2008.

NOAA Diving Manual, Diving for Science and Technology, 4th Edition, U.S. Department of Commerce, October 1991.

Underwater Inspection of Bridges, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation November, 1989.

Consensus Standards for Commercial Diving Operations, Fourth Edition, Association of Diving Contractors, Inc., 2000.

United States Coast Guard Regulations, 46 CFR Chapter 1, Subchapter V, Subpart B - Commercial Diving Operations.

.

Appendix A

Occupational Safety andHealth AdministrationRegulationsSubPart T – CommercialDiving Standards

U.S. Department of LaborOccupational Safety & Health Administration

www.osha.gov MyOSHA [skip navig atio nal lin ks] Search Advanced Search | A-Z Index

Directives

CPL 02-00-143 - 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T – Commercial DivingOperations

Directives - Table of Contents

• Record Type: Instruction

• Old Directive Number: CPL 02-00-143• Title: 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T – Commercial Diving

Operations• Information Date: 08/11/2006• Standard Number: 1910; 1915; 1918; 1926

OSHA INSTRUCTION

ABSTRACT

By and Under the Authority ofEdwin G. Foulke, Jr.Assistant Secretary

Executive Summary

DIRECTIVE NUMBER: CPL 02-00-143 EFFECTIVE DATE: August 11, 2006

SUBJECT: 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations

Purpose: This instruction provides guidelines for the occupational safety and healthstandard for commercial diving operations, 29 CFR Part 1910, SubpartT.This instruction provides guidelines for the occupational safety andhealth standard for commercial diving operations, 29 CFR Part 1910,Subpart T.

Scope: OSHA-wide.

References: A. 29 CFR Part 1910, General Industry Standards.B. 29 CFR Part 1915, Shipyard Employment Standards.C. 29 CFR Part 1918, Longshoring Standards.D. 29 CFR Part 1926, Construction Standards.E. OSHA 2003-2008 Strategic Management Plan.

Cancellation: OSHA Directive STD 01-17-001, October 30, 1978.

State Impact: State adoption is not required (see section VII).

Action Offices: National, Regional, and Area Offices.

Originating Office: Directorate of Enforcement Programs.

Contact: Director, Office of Maritime Enforcement200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Room N-3610Washington, DC 20210(202) 693-2399

Page 1 of 62CPL 02-00-143 - 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T – Commercial Diving Operations

6/15/2007http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIV...

This instruction provides guidance to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) National, Regional, andArea Offices; industry employer and employee groups; State programs; and federal agencies concerning OSHA'spolicy and procedures for implementing intervention and inspection programs to reduce injuries, illnesses andfatalities, or eliminate workplace hazards regarding commercial diving operations. This instruction provides tools to

support intervention and inspection programs in the commercial diving industry. This instruction:

Supports DOL's Strategic Plan Performance Goal 3.1 for increased emphasis on improving occupational safety

and health in shipyard employment.

Supports the reduction of occupational exposure to hazards through direct intervention, and the promotion of

a safety and health culture through compliance assistance, cooperative programs, and strong leadership.

Supports maximizing OSHA's effectiveness and efficiency by strengthening its capabilities and infrastructure.

Significant Changes

This instruction has been revised and updated to include significant changes as follows:

Provides OSHA compliance officers, consultants and other interested government and industry parties with

information to support interventions involving commercial diving operations and minimize employee exposureto hazards.

Updates guidance and information for: the main text of the directive related to application, background,

inspection guidelines, and general inspection procedures; no-decompression air dives (Appendix D);international code flag "Alpha" (Appendix F); and requirements for the primary diving modes (Appendix H).

Consolidates previously issued interpretations of commercial diving operations standards, and answers to

commonly asked questions related to commercial diving operations, into an appendix (Appendix A).

Provides guidance pertaining to OSHA's authority (Appendix B), exclusions and exemptions from the standard

(Appendix C), requirements and duties of diving-tenders (Appendix E), and OSHA injury and illness reportingand recordkeeping specific to commercial diving (Appendix G).

Provides a checklist for commercial diving operations (Appendix I) to improve the consistency and efficiency of

inspections of diving equipment, systems, and operations.

Delivers available commercial diving operations safety and health information in a web-based format with

electronic links to noted references.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Purpose

II. Scope

III. Cancellation

IV. Significant Changes

V. References

VI. Expiration Date

VII. Federal Program Change

VIII. Action InformationA. Responsible OfficeB. Action OfficesC. Information Offices

IX. Actions Required

X. Federal Agencies



XI. Definitions

XII. Application

XIII. Background

XIV. Inspection Guidelines

XV. General Inspection ProceduresA. 29 CFR 1910.401 Scope and applicationB. 29 CFR 1910.402 DefinitionsC. 29 CFR 1910.410 Qualifications of dive teamD. 29 CFR 1910.420 Safe practices manualE. 29 CFR 1910.421 Pre-dive proceduresF. 29 CFR 1910.422 Procedures during diveG. 29 CFR 1910.423 Post-dive proceduresH. 29 CFR 1910.424 - 1910.427 Specific Operations ProceduresI. 29 CFR 1910.424 SCUBA divingJ. 29 CFR 1910.425 Surface-supplied air divingK. 29 CFR 1910.426 Mixed-gas divingL. 29 CFR 1910.427 LiveboatingM. 29 CFR 1910.430 EquipmentN. 29 CFR 1910.440 Recordkeeping requirementsO. 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, Appendix A - Examples of Conditions Which May Restrict or Limit Exposure

to Hyperbaric ConditionsP. 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, Appendix B - Guidelines for Scientific DivingQ. 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, Appendix C - Alternative Conditions Under 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(3) for

Recreational Diving Instructors and Diving Guides (Mandatory)R. Other Commercial Diving ResourcesS. Relationship to Other Federal Agencies and Transportation to Off-Shore Diving Sites

APPENDIX A: Commercial Diving Operations Questions and AnswersAPPENDIX B: Summary of OSHA AuthorityAPPENDIX C: Exclusions and Exemptions from OSHA's Commercial Diving StandardAPPENDIX D: No-Decompression Limits and Repetitive-Group Designation Table for No-Decompression Air DivesAPPENDIX E: Requirements and Duties of a Diver TenderAPPENDIX F: International Code Flag "A" ("Alpha" Flag)APPENDIX G: OSHA Injury and Illness Reporting and RecordkeepingAPPENDIX H: Comparison of Requirements for the Primary Diving ModesAPPENDIX I: Checklist for Commercial Diving Operations

INDEX

I. Purpose.This instruction provides OSHA's National, Regional, and Area area Offices; industry employer andemployee groups; State state programs; and federal agencies with guidance concerning OSHA's policy andprocedures on the enforcement of safety and health standards for commercial diving. The purpose of thisinstruction is to provide comprehensive guidance that will allow OSHA offices to establish or supportintervention and inspection programs in the commercial diving industry by revising and updating OSHA STD01-17-001, dated October 30, 1978. Further, this instruction provides guidance and information to ensurecompliance with commercial diving operations standards and the consistent enforcement of these standards.

II. Scope. This instruction applies OSHA-wide to all programmed and unprogrammed compliance inspections,consultation interventions, and other activities such as compliance assistance, cooperative programs, training,and education related to commercial diving operations.

III. Cancellations. This instruction supersedes the following:

STD 01-17-001, 29 CFR 1910.401 - 1910.441, Subpart T - ("Commercial Diving Operations"), October 30,1978.

IV. Significant Changes. This instruction has been revised and updated to include significant changes as follows:

Provides OSHA compliance officers, consultants, and other interested government and industry parties,

with information to support interventions involving commercial diving operations, and to minimizeemployee exposure to hazards.

Updates guidance and information for: the main text of the directive related to application, background,



inspection guidelines, and general inspection procedures; no-decompression air dives (Appendix D);international code flag "Alpha" (Appendix F); and requirements for the primary diving modes (AppendixH).

Consolidates previously issued interpretations of commercial diving operations standards, and answers

to commonly asked questions related to commercial diving operations, into an appendix (Appendix A).

Provides guidance pertaining to OSHA's authority (Appendix B), exclusions and exemptions from the

standard (Appendix C), requirements and duties of diving-tenders (Appendix E), and OSHA injury andillness reporting and recordkeeping specific to commercial diving (Appendix G).

Provides a comprehensive checklist for commercial diving operations (Appendix I) to improve the

consistency and efficiency of inspections of diving equipment, systems, and operations.

Delivers available commercial diving operations safety and health information in a web-based format

with electronic links to noted references.

V. ReferencesA. 29 CFR Part 1910, General Industry Standards.

B. 29 CFR Part 1915, Shipyard Employment Standards.

C. 29 CFR Part 1917, Marine Terminals Standards.

D. 29 CFR Part 1918, Longshoring Standards.

E. 29 CFR Part 1926, Construction Standards.

F. OSHA Strategic Management Plan 2006-2011.

G. OSHA Directives.

1. CSP 01-00-002, State-Plan Policies and Procedures Manual, March 21, 2001.

2. CPL 02-00-103, Field Inspection Reference Manual (FIRM), September 26, 1994.

3. CPL 02-00-142, Shipyard "Tool Bag" Directive, August 3, 2006.

4. CPL 02-00-135, Recordkeeping Policies and Procedures Manual (RKM), December 30, 2004.

5. CPL 02-01-020, OSHA/U.S. Coast Guard Authority over Vessels, November 8, 1996.

H. Other References.

1. OSHA Maritime Web Page.

2. OSHA Publications.

3. U.S. Navy Diving Manual (Revision 5).

4. Association of Diving Contractors International, Consensus Standard for Commercial Diving andUnderwater Operations.

VI. Expiration Date. This instruction will remain in effect until canceled or superseded by instruction or notice.

VII. Federal Program Change. This instruction describes a federal program change. States are expected to haveenforcement policies and procedures in place which are at least as effective as those in this instruction.

Because of the significant nature of the policy changes contained in this instruction, notice of intent to adoptidentical or different policies and procedures in response to this instruction is required. See section XV,paragraph A.9, and Appendix B of this instruction for a discussion of federal and State jurisdiction.

The States policy and procedures regarding enforcement of the commercial diving standard must be accessibleto all interested parties. Where the State’s policy differs from the federal standards, States may either posttheir policy on their State Plan’s website and provide a link to OSHA or submit their policy to OSHA inelectronic format, for posting on OSHA’s website. An explanation of the differences, including an indication ofwhether the State’s commercial diving standard is identical to or different from the federal standards, must



also be submitted for posting. Where the State’s policies and federal standards are identical, a statement tothat effect with appropriate State references may be sufficient for posting.

VIII. Action Information.

A. Responsible Office. Directorate of Enforcement Programs (DEP), Office of Maritime Enforcement(OME).

B. Action Offices. National, Regional, and Area Offices; Consultation Project Managers.

C. Information Offices. State-Plan States.

IX. Actions Required. The policies and procedures set forth in this instruction are effective immediately and willremain in effect until canceled by proper authority. OSHA Regional Administrators, Area Directors, andNational Office Directors must ensure that the policies and procedures set forth in this instruction are followed.

Regional Administrators also must also ensure that the State-Plan State Designees and Consultation ProgramManagers in their regions are informed of the requirements of this instruction and encourage the involvementof Consultation Programs in commercial diving operations.

X. Federal Agencies. This instruction describes a change that may affect federal agencies. It is theresponsibility of the head of each federal agency to establish and maintain an effective and comprehensivesafety and health program. Executive Order 12196, Section 1-201, and 29 CFR 1960.16, require s federalagencies to adopt policies and procedures necessary to provide a level of protection equivalent to thatprovided by Federal OSHA standards and regulations.

XI. Definitions. Refer to section XV, paragraph B, of this instruction for relevant definitions.

XII. Application. This instruction applies OSHA-wide to all interventions, inspections, and violation-abatementassistance related to commercial diving. This instruction also applies to OSHA outreach efforts that includecompliance assistance, cooperative programs, training, and education.

Further, this instruction applies to all State consultation programs with jurisdiction authority over commercialdiving activities. State consultation programs are expected to provide safety and health program assistance,training, education, hazard identification, and abatement assistance to employers.

XIII. Background. The initial standard for commercial diving operations was issued in the Federal Register, July22, 1977 (see 42 FR 37650). The preamble, from pages 37650 to 37668, contains information andbackground on the purposes and intent of the standard.

In 1979, 29 CFR 1910.411 Medical requirements of the original diving standards promulgated on July 22,1977, was challenged successfully in a court case, Taylor Diving & Salvage Company v. Department of Labor,

599 F.2d 622 (5th Circuit 1979); OSHA subsequently removed this section from 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T.

On November 26, 1982, OSHA published a provision (see 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(2)(iv)) exempting scientificdiving from coverage under 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T (see Federal Register notice47 FR 53357). Thisexemption applied only when: (1) the diving operation meets the Agency's definition of scientific diving; (2)the diving operation is part of a diving program that uses a safety manual; and (3) the diving program isdirected and controlled by a diving-control board that conforms to specified criteria. However, the UnitedBrotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners (UBCJ) subsequently challenged this exemption in a federal appellatecourt (see United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners v. Department of Labor, No. 82-2509 (D.C.Cir. 1982)). On April 4, 1984, this court issued an unpublished memorandum and order in which it stated thatOSHA must provide the UBCJ with an opportunity to submit evidence to the public record regarding theexemption, and make a clear distinction between commercial and scientific diving. The Agency then reopenedthe public record to allow the UBCJ and other members of the public to submit additional evidence regardingthe exemption, and to propose interpretive guidelines that it would be used to distinguish between commercialand scientific diving (see Federal Register notice 49 FR 29105). After carefully considering the new evidencesubmitted to the record, OSHA published on January 9, 1985, a notice in the Federal Register reinstating theconditions for the scientific exemption specified earlier for 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(2)(iv), and establishing theinterpretive guidelines by which it will be determined whether the diving operation is scientific or commercial(see Federal Register notice 47 FR 53357).

On February 17, 2004 (see Federal Register notice 69 FR 7351), OSHA amended 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T- ("Commercial Diving Operations"), to allow recreational diving instructors and diving guides to comply withan alternative set of requirements instead of the decompression chamber requirements in the existing 29 CFRPart 1910, Subpart T standards. The final rule applies only when these employees engage in recreational



diving instruction and diving-guide duties; use an open-circuit, a semi-closed-circuit, or a closed-circuit self-contained underwater-breathing apparatus supplied with a breathing gas that has a high percentage of oxygenmixed with nitrogen; dive to a maximum depth of 130 feet of sea water; and remain within the no-decompression limits specified for the partial pressure of nitrogen in the breathing-gas mixture. This final rulebecame effective on March 18, 2004.

XIV. Inspection Guidelines.

A. Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs) shall not perform any type of diving during the course ofan investigation or inspection.

B. Only those CSHOs that have received diver familiarization training, or are otherwise qualified by similartraining or experience, shall make diving inspections. In urgent situations, a CSHO without divingfamiliarization training may initiate and conduct a diving inspection until a CSHO with such training isavailable.

C. Area Offices that have offshore activities may obtain Oil and Gas Development Maps for each Statehaving such operations. These maps are available from the respective State for State territorial waters(example: in Alaska these maps are available from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources –Department of Oil and Gas), and from the U.S. Department of the Interior – Minerals ManagementService (MMS) for coastal waters beyond State territorial waters.

D. Normal variance procedures are in effect with respect to the diving standard. When employers indicatethat they have a variance request pending that has not yet been acted upon, a citation shall still beissued for any violation. The employer should be informed that the variance request will be taken intoaccount in considering the proper abatement period or proposed penalty. Questions regarding variancesshall be referred to OSHA’s National Office, Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine, Office ofTechnical Programs and Coordination Activities.

XV. General Inspection Procedures.

A. 29 CFR 1910.401 Scope and application.

1. Scope.

This standard applies (except as noted in section XV, paragraph A.5.b of this instruction) to allcommercial diving and related support operations subject to OSHA authority. As with all OSHAstandards, the legal responsibility for compliance rests solely on the employer. Employers areexpected to comply with all standards or parts of standards that apply to the tasks in which theiremployees are engaged.

2. Authority.

In general, OSHA authority over commercial diving operations is the same as OSHA authority overany other industry as expressed under Section 4(a) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of1970. Since OSHA covers all employment and places of employment within a State, the Act’srequirements apply to both inland commercial diving operations and any other type ofemployment within the State territorial waters for coastal States and from other land masseslisted in Section 4(a) of the Act (extends seaward for 3-nautical miles from the general coastlineat ordinary (mean) water; except for Texas, the Gulf Coast of Florida, and Puerto Rico where itextends seaward for 9-nautical miles from the general coastline at ordinary (mean) water); in thecase of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, the limit extends from the coastline to theestablished international boundary lines with Canada. Section 4(a) also covers workplaces beyondthe State territorial waters that are engaged in employment operations in connection with theOuter Continental Shelf (OCS) lands (NOTE: "lands" not "vessels"), and work related to theseoperations. See Appendix B of this instruction for further guidance related to authority that isspecific to commercial diving operations

3. Applicable Standards.

Commercial diving operations must be in compliance with 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T.

NOTE: 29 CFR 1928.21(b) reads, "Except to the extent specified in paragraph (a) of this section,the standards contained in Subparts B through T and Subpart Z of Part 1910 of this title dodoesnot apply to agricultural operations." Agricultural operations include the following StandardIndustry Classification (SIC) and North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes:



1987 U.S. SIC MATCHED TO 20021997 NAICS U.S.

NOTE: The classification of aquaculture industry operations depends upon specific conditions.Operations that are part of the controlled growing and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and plants infresh, brackish, and marine waters are covered by the OSHA standards for agriculture, 29 CFRPart 1928. Any aquaculture operations that are not uniquely agricultural and not part of thecontrolled growing and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and plants (such as the processing ofharvested fish) would be covered by OSHA's Commercial Diving Operations Standard, 29 CFR Part1910, Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations. Other types of diving activities (such asinspecting and maintaining underwater piping equipment) also are covered by 29 CFR Part 1910,Subpart T. Diving operations conducted by agricultural employees engaged in employments underthe above- listed SIC or NAICS codes may not be covered by 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T.Contractors of agricultural employers who do not fall within these SIC or NAICS codes are coveredby 29 CFR Part 1910, General Industry Standards.

4. Precedence of Standards.

When a provision of 29 CFR 1910, Subpart T, differs or conflicts with any other OSHA standard,the requirements of 29 CFR 1910, Subpart T, shall take precedence when applied to divingoperations. The CSHO should review 29 CFR 1910.5 for guidance before issuing a citation for aviolation of a general industry standard to an employer engaged in diving operations. Questionsregarding this procedure shall be referred to the OSHA's National Office, Directorate ofEnforcement Programs.

5. Citing Standards.

a. The proper standards to cite for violations shall be determined by the type of work that thediving operation requires. For example:

i. Repairs on a vessel requiring a diver to examine damage to the hull. These violationswould be cited, as appropriate, under 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T (see 1910.4010 -1910.441).

NOTE: 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations, is incorporatedinto 29 CFR Part 1915 by 29 CFR 1915.6. (see CPL 02-00-142, Shipyard "Tool Bag"Directive).

ii. Maintenance work requiring a diver to enter a sewer line to free debris from astrainer. These violations would be cited, as appropriate, under 29 CFR Part 1910,Subpart T (see 1910.401 - 1910.441).

iii. Work on a dock that requires a diver to perform construction work (construction workincludes the actual erection, alteration, and repair of the dock). These violationswould be cited under 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Y, with specific reference to theappropriate section of 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T (see 1910.401 - 1910.441).

1987SIC Code

1987 U.S. SIC Description 2002 NAICSCode

2002 NAICS U.S.Description

01 Agricultural Production - Crops 111 Crop Production

02Agricultural Production - Livestock andAnimal Specialties

112 Animal Production

071 Soil Preparation - Services 115112Soil Preparation, Planting, andCultivating

0721Crop Planting, Cultivating andProtecting

115112Soil Preparation, Planting, andCultivating

0722 Crop Harvesting, Primarily by Machine 115113Crop Harvesting, Primarily byMachine

0724 Cotton Ginning 115111 Cotton Ginning

0761Farm Labor Contractors and CrewLeaders

115115Farm Labor Contractors andCrew Leaders

0762 Farm Management Services 115116 Farm Management Service



iv. If the CSHO is not sure which standard applies to the operation, then the CSHO shallcite both standards (one in the alternative).

b. The commercial diving operations standard does not apply to diving operations under thefollowing conditions:

i. 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(2)(i). Diving for instructional purposes by persons using onlyopen-circuit, compressed air, self-contained underwater- breathing apparatus(SCUBA) within the no-decompression limits.

NOTE: OSHA standards do not apply to individuals engaged in recreation or sportdiving (generally SCUBA) that is not related to employment.

ii. 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(2)(ii). Diving solely for search, rescue, or related public-safetypurposes by or under the control of a government agency.

NOTE: Diving contractors who perform such emergency service not under the controlof a government agency, but as an independent contractor for private purposes, donot fall under this exclusion. However, they may be covered by the provisionsconcerning application of the standard in an emergency (see 29 CFR 1910.401(b)).

iii. 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(2)(iii). Diving operations when performed for research,development, and related activities in which human subjects are involved. Theseoperations are covered by the standards contained in 45 CFR Part 46, Protection ofHuman Subjects, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services(previously known as the U.S. Department of Health Education and Welfare), orequivalent federal standards.

iv. 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(2)(iv) and 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, Appendix B. Divingoperations that are defined as scientific diving and which are under the direction andcontrol of a diving program containing all elements specified in the commercial divingoperations standard.

v. Section 4(b)(1) of the OSH Act. Those specific working conditions of diving operationsover which other federal agencies exercise statutory authority to prescribe or enforcestandards or regulations affecting occupational safety and health. Questions regardingOSHA's authority shall be referred to OSHA's National Office, Office of MaritimeEnforcement (see Appendix B of this instruction for additional guidance).

NOTE: Appendix C of this instruction provides additional discussion and informationregarding exclusions and exemptions from OSHA's commercial diving standard.

6. Federal Agency Coverage and Application

a. U.S. Coast Guard.

The U.S. Coast Guard has prescribed diving regulations under 46 CFR, Chapter I, Part 197,Subpart B - Commercial Diving Operations. The U.S. Coast Guard regulations state that theyapply to commercial diving operations taking place: at any deepwater port or the safetyzone thereof as specified by 33 CFR Part 150 (see NOTE below); from any artificial island,installation, or other device on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and the waters adjacentthereto as defined in 33 CFR Part 147, or otherwise related to activities on the OCS; from allvessels with a valid certificate of inspection issued by the U.S. Coast Guard (i.e., "inspected"vessels), including mobile offshore drilling units regardless of their geographic location; fromany vessel connected with a deepwater port or within the deepwater port safety zone; andfrom any vessel engaged in activities related to the OCS.

NOTE: "Deepwater port" means any fixed or floating man-made structure other than avessel, or any group of structures, located beyond State territorial waters, and that areused or intended for use as a port or terminal for the transportation, storage, or furtherhandling of oil or natural gas for transportation to any State, and for other uses includingthe transportation of oil or natural gas from the United States' Outer Continental Shelf. Theterm includes all components and equipment, including pipelines, pumping stations, serviceplatforms, buoys, mooring lines, and similar facilities to the extent they are located seawardof the high-water mark. In the case of natural gas, the term includes all components andequipment, including pipelines, pumping or compressor stations, service platforms, buoys,mooring lines, and similar facilities, to the extent that they are located seaward of the high-water mark and do not include interconnecting facilities. The local U.S. Coast Guard Marine



Safety Office can provide detailed guidance regarding deepwater ports, the associatedsafety zones, and the identification of related components and equipment.

b. Other Federal Agencies.

The Department of the Navy (DON) requires compliance with the U.S. Navy Diving Manual(Revision 5). For civilian employees, this manual includes additional provisions whichprovide protection equivalent to the OSHA diving standard. DON civilian divers are identifiedas all permanent DON employees who have been formally trained at an approved U.S. Navydiving school. Commercial divers contracted by DON who are not permanent governmentemployees are not subject to these provisions. The additional provisions for DON civiliandivers include: limiting the maximum diving depths and in-water decompression times;having a recompression chamber onsite for all SCUBA and surface-supplied air diving deeperthan 100 fsw, and for all mixed-gas diving; and having an emergency gas supply ("come-home bottle" or "bail-out bottle") for any dive greater than 60 fsw, planned decompressiondives, or any dive for which direct access to the surface is not available. The complete list ofDON restrictions for DON civilian diver employees is included in the U.S. Navy Diving Manual(see Volume 2, section 6-8.9; Revision 5). Furthermore, DON civilian diver employees areexempt from regulation by OSHA when conducting uniquely military operations.

NOTE: Other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the FederalHighway Administration, have developed diving requirements for their own employees andcontractor employees. However, when the diving operations are subject to OSHA authority(see section XV, paragraph A, of this instruction) the OSHA diving standard continues tocover these employees, and commercial diving operations conducted by federal employeesor their contractors must meet, but may exceed, the requirements of 29 CFR Part 1910,Subpart T.

7. Inspection Priorities.

Diving operations that do not fall within one of the exemption categories listed in this section, andthat involve an employer-employee relationship, are covered by 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T.Inspection priorities shall be followed as stated in CPL 02-00-103, Field Inspection ReferenceManual (FIRM), with respect to different types of diving operations.

8. 29 CFR 1910.401(b) Application in Emergencies.

a. This exclusion was included in the standard to allow the designated person-in-chargediscretion to deviate from the requirements of the standard in situations where death orserious harm to individuals, or major environmental damage (such as an oil or otherhazardous material leak, or repairs to a municipal dam gate to avoid or mitigate flooding), islikely to occur or continue to occur, but only to the extent that such action is immediatelynecessary to prevent or minimize the harm or damage. This exclusion applies only for theduration of the emergency. The employer is required to notify the nearest OSHA Area Officewithin 48 hours of the onset of the situation requiring such deviation. The Area Director mayrequest that the employer submit a written record (such as a facsimile, e-mail or letter) ofthe notification within 48 hours of the request for a written record, or as otherwise agreedto, explaining what deviations from the standard were made and what additionalprecautions were instituted to provide for the safety and health of the employees during theemergency. Failure of the employer to notify the OSHA Area Office of the emergencysituation within the specified time shall be considered a violation of this provision of thestandard. These incidents shall be closely monitored to ensure that this provision is notabused. A pattern of repeated deviations shall be cause for an inspection.

b. This emergency provision does not apply to situations involving only economic or propertydamage.

9. Federal and State Authority.

a. All State-Plan States have promulgated a commercial diving standard either identical to 29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, or at least as effective as the OSHA standard (California,Michigan, Oregon, and Washington have State diving standards that differ from the federalstandards). (A description of such differences will be made available by these State-PlanStates to affected employers and employees through the State-Plan States' website or othermeans.)

b. Federal OSHA enforces its diving standard whenever commercial diving operations are beingconducted by private-sector employees in States under Federal OSHA enforcement



authority, and in maritime operations not covered by a State-Plan State (see theappropriate subpart of 29 CFR Part 1952). The dive location (see section XV, paragraphB.11, of this instruction) determines which entity has authority. Federal OSHA does nothave authority over State and local government employees.

c. States with approved plans enforce the diving standard: when commercial diving operationsare being conducted by private-sector employees not engaged in shipyard employment ormarine terminal activities (e.g., equipment repair, sewer maintenance, or construction); inmaritime operations (i.e., shipyard employment and marine terminals) as provided by theirplans, in California, Minnesota, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington; and with regard to Stateand local government employees (see, however, the exemption for search, rescue, andrelated public-safety diving by or under the control of a government agency in Appendix Cof this instruction).

NOTE: See Appendix B of this instruction for additional information related to OSHA'sjurisdiction.

B. 29 CFR 1910.402 Definitions.

1. Acfm: Actual cubic feet per minute.

2. ASME Code or equivalent: ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Boiler andPressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, or an equivalent code which the employer can demonstrate tobe equally effective.

NOTE: "Equivalent" means equipment that is designed, built, and maintained to standards thatwill provide employees with at least the same level of protection as equipment that meets theASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Unfired Pressure Vessels, Section VIII. The employer shallbe responsible for demonstrating equivalency. Questions regarding equivalency should bereferred to OSHA's National Office, Office of Maritime Enforcement.

3. ATA: Atmosphere absolute.

4. Bell: An enclosed compartment, pressurized (closed bell) or unpressurized (open bell), whichallows the diver to be transported to and from the underwater work area and which may be usedas a temporary refuge during diving operations.

5. Bottom time: The total elapsed time measured in minutes from the time when the diver leavesthe surface in descent to the time that the diver begins ascent (i.e., the diver "leaves thebottom").

6. Bursting pressure: The pressure at which a pressure containment device would fail structurally.

7. Cylinder: A pressure vessel for the storage of gases.

8. Decompression chamber: A pressure vessel for human occupancy such as a surfacedecompression chamber, closed bell, or deep diving system used to decompress divers and totreat decompression sickness.

NOTE: As used in this standard, the term "decompression chamber" refers to any pressure vesselfor human occupancy used to decompress divers and to treat decompression sickness. A closedbell, if used as a decompression chamber, shall meet the design criteria stated in 29 CFR1910.430(f).

9. Decompression sickness: A condition with a variety of symptoms which may result from gas orbubbles in the tissues of divers after pressure reduction.

10. Decompression table: A profile or set of profiles of depth-time relationships for the ascent ratesand breathing mixtures to be followed after a specific depth-time exposure or exposures.

11. Dive location: A surface or vessel from which a diving operation is conducted.

NOTE: The term "dive location" refers to the surface location from which diving operations areconducted such as a vessel, barge, wharf, pier, riverbank, or offshore rig, and does not mean thediver's underwater work location.

12. Dive-location reserve breathing gas: A supply system of air or mixed-gas (as appropriate) at

Page 10 of 62CPL 02-00-143 - 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T – Commercial Diving Operati...


the dive location which is independent of the primary supply system and sufficient to supportdivers during the planned decompression.

13. Dive team: Diver and support employees involved in a diving operation, including the designatedperson-in-charge.

14. Diver: An employee working in water using an underwater apparatus which supplies compressedbreathing gas at the ambient pressure.

15. Diver-carried reserve breathing gas: A diver-carried supply of air or mixed-gas (asappropriate) sufficient under standard operating conditions to allow the diver to reach the surface,another source of breathing gas, or to be reached by a standby diver.

16. Diving mode: A type of diving requiring specific equipment, procedures and techniques (SCUBA,surface-supplied air, or mixed-gas).

17. Fsw: Feet of seawater (or equivalent static pressure head).

NOTE: An example of equivalent static pressure head would be the pressure of air inside apressurized decompression chamber.

18. Heavy gear: Diver-worn deep-sea dress, including helmet, breastplate, dry suit, and weightedshoes.

NOTE: Advances in diving equipment and technology have led to heavy gear that does not includea breastplate. Surface-supplied diving gear, including helmet, dry suit, and weighted shoes (i.e.,with the helmet directly connected to the dry suit, forming a self-contained pressure envelope forthe diver) constitutes heavy gear as well.

19. Hyperbaric conditions: Pressure conditions in excess of surface pressure.

20. Inwater stage: A suspended underwater platform that supports a diver in the water.

21. Liveboating: The practice of supporting a surfaced-supplied air or mixed-gas diver from a vesselwhich is underway.

22. Mixed-gas diving: A diving mode in which the diver is supplied in the water with a breathinggas other than air.

NOTE: For diving operations, air is a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen with an oxygen content of19.5 - 23.5 percent. Breathing gas mixtures with an oxygen content less than 19.5 percent orgreater than 23.5 percent, or that use gases other than oxygen and nitrogen (excluding tracegases such as those found in compressed atmospheric air), constitute a mixed gas for thepurposes of commercial diving.

23. No-decompression limits: The depth-time limits of the "no-decompression limits and repetitivedive group designation table for no-decompression air dives," U.S. Navy Diving Manual orequivalent limits which the employer can demonstrate to be equally effective.

NOTE: The term "no-decompression limits" applies to those depth-time combinations for whichdecompression of the diver is not required. The no-decompression tables from the U.S. NavyDiving Manual are included in Appendix D of this instruction.

24. Psi(g): Pounds per square inch (gauge).

25. Scientific diving: Means diving performed solely as a necessary part of a scientific, research, oreducational activity by employees whose sole purpose for diving is to perform scientific researchtasks. Scientific diving does not include performing any tasks usually associated with commercialdiving such as but not limited to: placing or removing heavy objects underwater; inspection ofpipelines and similar objects; construction; demolition; cutting or welding; or the use ofexplosives.

NOTE: Additional guidance is provided in Appendix C of this instruction.

26. SCUBA diving: A diving mode independent of surface supply in which the diver uses open-circuitself-contained underwater breathing apparatus.



27. Standby diver: A diver at the dive location available to assist a diver in the water.

NOTE: The requirement that the standby diver be at the dive location, which is a location on thesurface (such as the shore, a pier, or a dock) or on the deck of a vessel, eliminates the possibilitythat another diver in the water or at another dive location would be considered a standby diver.Standby divers do not necessarily have to be fully dressed, but must be available to render thenecessary assistance in a timely manner. The term "available" means to be clothed and equipped,and ready to enter the water at a moment's notice. Gear such as face masks, air cylinders, andharnesses can be donned quickly, and need not be worn until the standby diver is required toenter the water.

28. Surface-supplied air diving: A diving mode in which the diver in the water is supplied from thedive location with compressed air for breathing.

29. Treatment table: A depth-time and breathing-gas profile designed to treatdecompression sickness.

30. Umbilical: The composite hose bundle between a dive location and a diver or diving bell, orbetween a diver and a diving bell, which supplies the diver or diving bell with breathing gas,communications, power, or heat as appropriate to the diving mode or conditions, and includes asafety line between the diver and the dive location.

31. Volume tank: A pressure vessel connected to the outlet of a compressor and used as an airreservoir.

32. Working pressure: The maximum pressure to which a pressure containment device may beexposed under standard operating conditions.

C. 29 CFR 1910.410 Qualifications of dive team.

1. The level of experience or training required by the standard depends upon the job the employeesare required to do. All dive-team members must have either experience or training in the use oftools, equipment, systems, techniques, operations, operational procedures, and emergencyprocedures that are pertinent to, and necessary for, the assigned tasks for the diving mode (i.e.,SCUBA, surface-supplied air, or mixed-gas diving). It is essential that those dive-team memberswho are exposed to hyperbaric conditions, or those members who control the exposure of others,have knowledge of the physiological effects of diving and the related effects of pressure.Accordingly, this standard also requires that employees be trained in diving-related physics andphysiology. Employee qualifications achieved through field experience or classroom training, orboth, may be used to meet the requirements of the standard. For example:

a. Most divers begin as tenders and advance to diving status after a period of field experienceand/or classroom training. A diving-tender trainee performing on-the-job training will beassigned as a tender only under the supervision of a qualified diver.

b. Tenders are members of the dive team who provide surface-support to divers at the divinglocation. A tender employed in shallow-water air diving is required to have a basicunderstanding of the breathing-air system, the operating and emergency procedures, andknowledge of the care and use of equipment. See Appendix E of this instruction foradditional guidance regarding the responsibilities and duties of tenders.

c. A mixed-gas diver conducts underwater work using mixed-gas as the breathing medium.Mixed-gas divers are required to have an advanced understanding of diving, including aworking knowledge of mixed-gas equipment such as a decompression chamber, diving bell,and mixed-gas breathing supply system, and operational and emergency proceduresassociated with mixed-gas diving. In addition, the mixed-gas diver must have anunderstanding of the physics and physiology of mixed-gas diving.

d. Chamber operators are required to have experience or training in conductingdecompression procedures, knowledge of the physics and physiology of decompression, andthe operation of the decompression equipment to which they are assigned.

e. Each dive-team member must be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and standard firstaid. The American Red Cross standard course or equivalent training is specified by thestandard. Employees completing this training are issued a card certifying that they havesuccessfully completed the course. Any first-aid training meeting the requirements of 29CFR 1910.151(b) and 1926.50(c) will meet the requirements of the standard (such as first-



aid courses offered by the American Heart Association, American Petroleum Institute,National Safety Council, U.S. Bureau of Mines, and American College of OrthopedicSurgeons).

2. The following methods may be used to check diving qualifications:

a. Field experience.

i. Employment records.

ii. Written statements from previous employers.

iii. Written statements from diving officers or commanding officers (military).

iv. Field operations records.

v. The employee's diving logs.

b. Diving proficiency.

i. Company field operations records.

ii. Federal service operations records (such as from the Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA,or military).

iii. The employee's diving logs.

c. Technical training.

i. Federal service qualification certificates (such as from the Army Corps of Engineers,NOAA, or military).

ii. Diving school certificates of completion.

iii. Company training program completion statements or equivalent proof of competency.

iv. Valid commercial diver certification card for the appropriate training level issued bythe Association of Diving Contractors International.

3. Under 29 CFR 1910.410(b)(1), employers must generally assign tasks to dive-team membersaccording to their experience and training. Additionally, the phrase "known to the employer" in 29CFR 1910.410(b)(3) means that the designated person-in-charge must inquire into each dive-team member's health prior to a task assignment. The employer also is required in 29 CFR1910.421(f)(2) to advise dive-team members of the procedures for reporting physical problems oradverse physiological effects during and after diving. Consistent with these provisions, anemployer cannot require dive-team members to dive or otherwise work under hyperbaricconditions when they: (1) have any ailment that is likely to adversely affect the safety or healthof any member of the dive team; (2) lack the necessary training or education; or (3) refuse towork under such conditions. However, should a diver request termination during a dive, it may benecessary to prolong the diver's exposure to hyperbaric conditions to complete decompression ormedical recompression treatment to avoid serious physical harm or death to the diver.

4. Under 29 CFR 1910.410(c), the designated person-in-charge (DPIC)(commonly referred to as the"diving supervisor" or the "diving foreman") is immediately responsible for the safety and health ofthe dive team. The DPIC can be the employer or an employer representative chosen by theemployer. The DPIC shall have experience in, and knowledge of, all phases of the divingoperation for which he/she is responsible. The DPIC shall be stationed at the dive location, andshall not be stationed at another dive location (i.e., he/she must be stationed at one dive locationand be responsible only for the diving operation at that location). The DPIC can be a diver, whenqualified as a diver, and when another dive-team member is available at the dive location. Thisdive-team member must be trained and capable of performing the necessary functions of theDPIC's duties, when the DPIC is a diver in the water. The qualifications of the DPIC can bechecked using the same methods listed in section XV, paragraph C.2, of this instruction.

D. 29 CFR 1910.420 Safe practices manual.

1. This standard requires that the employer develop and maintain a safe practices manual that



includes information and procedures relating to the safety and health of the dive-team members.The manual must contain a copy of the commercial diving operations standard and a statement ofthe employer's policy for ensuring compliance with the standard. The employer may refer to thesafe practices manual as the diving manual, employer's operational log, or diving guide. Themanual must be at the dive location and available to all dive-team members.

2. The safe practices manual must provide a written operational procedure for each diving modeused by the employer. The CSHO shall review the manual to determine if it contains safetyprocedures and checklists for diving operations, assignments and responsibilities of the dive-teammembers, equipment procedures and checklists, and emergency procedures (at a minimum: fire,equipment malfunction or failure, adverse environmental conditions, and medical illness andinjury). The safe practices manual guidance and procedures must be supplemented withadditional information specific to each diving operation. This supplemental information is obtainedduring pre-dive planning and assessment (see 29 CFR 1910.421(d)), and promulgated to the dive-team members during the employee briefing (see 29 CFR 1910.421(f)).

NOTE: The "Consensus Standards for Commercial Diving and Underwater Operations" publishedby the Association of Diving Contractors International is recognized as meeting the generalrequirements of a safe practices manual.

E. 29 CFR 1910.421 Pre-dive procedures.

1. The provisions of this section must be followed by the employer for all diving modes, with thedesignated person-in-charge responsible for overall compliance with these provisions and briefingdive-team members.

2. 29 CFR 1910.421(b) Emergency aid. The CSHO shall determine whether the emergency aid list iscomplete and is available to all dive-team members. This list must contain the telephone or callnumbers of: the nearest operational decompression chamber (if a chamber is not required at thedive location); accessible hospital(s); the available physician(s); the means of transportationavailable for use in the event of an emergency; and the nearest U.S. Coast Guard RescueCoordination Center.

3. 29 CFR 1910.421(c) First aid supplies. The CSHO shall determine whether a first-aid kit isavailable at the dive location. The first-aid kit provided at the dive location must be appropriatefor the diving operations, and approved by a physician. If it is to be used in a pressure chamber,such as a decompression chamber or a diving bell, the first-aid kit must be suitable for use underhyperbaric conditions because some items in a standard kit (such as bottles of liquid, mercurythermometers, or ammonia ampoules) may burst under pressure. In addition to any other first-aidor medical supplies, the kit must include an American Red Cross standard first-aid handbook, oran equivalent handbook, and a bag-type resuscitator with a transparent hose and mask (so thatthe operator can see that the diver's air passages are clear).

4. 29 CFR 1910.421(d) Planning and assessment. This provision requires the employer to include inthe planning of a diving operation an assessment of the safety and health features of the divingmode, surface and underwater conditions and hazards, primary and reserve breathing-gas supply,thermal protection, diving equipment and systems, dive-team assignments and the physicalfitness of dive-team members (including any impairments known to the employer), repetitive divedesignation or residual inert-gas status of divers, decompression chamber procedures (includingany altitude corrections), and emergency procedures. The employer typically assigns thisplanning task to the designated person-in-charge. Most of the information required by thisprovision should be in the safe practices manual (see 29 CFR 1910.420). Some information maynot be found in the manual because it cannot be determined until the dive team reaches the divelocation. The CSHO can question the dive-team members to determine that the employer hascomplied with the requirements of this provision.

NOTE: 29 CFR 1910.421(d) can be cited for any identified hazard that was not addressed properlyby an employer when they planned and conducted an assessment of the diving operation or workto be performed.

5. 29 CFR 1910.421(e) Hazardous activities. Hazards encountered during diving operations such asweather, water temperature, current, and bottom conditions must be recognized and taken intoaccount during the planning and execution of the operation. When other operations beingconducted in the vicinity (such as dredging, marine traffic, or movement of materials directlyabove the dive location and/or area of the dive) are likely to interfere with the diving operation,the designated person-in-charge shall plan the operation only after appropriate coordination with



persons responsible for the other activities so that any hazard exposures to the diver(s) or otherdive-team members will be eliminated. Failure to plan for such conditions, or to coordinateactivities, shall be a basis for a citation.

6. 29 CFR 1910.421(f) Employee briefing. The employee briefing is usually conducted by thedesignated person-in-charge just prior to the diver(s) entering the water. The dive-teammembers shall be briefed on the tasks to be undertaken, safety procedures for the diving mode,any unusual hazards or environmental conditions likely to affect the safety of the diving operation,and any modifications to operating procedures necessitated by the specific diving operation. Thedesignated person-in-charge also must advise the dive-team members of the procedures forreporting physical problems or adverse physiological effects during and after the dive. It isparticularly important that the designated person-in-charge inquire into each dive-team member'scurrent state of physical fitness before making assignments. To determine compliance, theCSHO can question dive-team members and observe the diving operation, if one is ongoing.

7. 29 CFR 1910.421(g) Equipment inspection.

a. The equipment-inspection requirement prior to each dive relates directly to the equipment-checklist requirement in the safe practices manual. The breathing-supply system, includingreserve breathing-gas supplies, masks, helmets, thermal protection, and diving bell-handling mechanisms (when appropriate) must be inspected prior to each diving operation.Pre-dive equipment inspection items are those that are critical for the safety of the diveoperation. For surface-supplied diving, the breathing-supply system equipment inspectionincludes diving umbilicals as defined in 29 CFR 1910.402, Definitions. The inspection of anumbilical includes a visual inspection of the breathing-gas hose, communications cable, andthe safety line between the diver and the dive location, and power cables and hot-waterhoses as appropriate. This inspection ensures that the umbilical has the requiredcomponents, that the components are properly rigged and married together, and that allcomponents are in good working condition (no leaks, tears, or damage). Umbilicals beingused for diving operations with missing components or components in a condition that posea hazard to the diver or dive team (such as a cut breathing-gas hose, power cable with barewires exposed, or excessively frayed safety line) will be cited under 29 CFR 1910.421(g).

b. Compliance with the pre-dive inspection requirements usually can be determined only byobservation (such as systems, equipment, processes and procedures), and questioning theemployees. This standard makes no distinction between employer-provided equipment andemployee-provided equipment with regard to the pre-dive inspection requirement. While anemployee may make such inspections, it is the employer who is responsible for ensuringcompliance with all equipment requirements of the standard.

8. 29 CFR 1910.421(h) Warning signal.

a. The following paragraphs describe the two distinctions made in the requirements fordisplaying the warning signal for commercial diving operations:

i. 29 CFR 1910.421(h) requires the warning signal to be displayed when diving fromsurfaces other than vessels such as wharves, piers, pilings, jetties, fixed caissons,levees, dikes, dams, breakwaters, and artificial islands (secured to the sea floor).Violations of this requirement shall be cited under this section.

ii. The requirement for displaying the warning signal when the dive location is located ona vessel is covered by the U.S. Coast Guard Inland Navigation Rules. Theserequirements are not enforceable by OSHA. If the CSHO observes violations of thewarning signal when the dive location is on a vessel, no citation shall be issued.However, the CSHO shall inform the employer of the violation(s) and recommendabatement(s). The CSHO also shall note the incident on the OSHA-1 Form and notifythe nearest U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office of the violation(s).

b. The warning signal is a rigid replica of the international code Flag "A," and must be at leastone meter in height (see Appendix F of this instruction).

F. 29 CFR 1910.422 Procedures during dive.

1. 29 CFR 1910.422(b) Water entry and exit. A means capable of supporting the diver (such as aninwater stage or ladder) while entering or exiting the water is required. If it is a fixed structure,such as a ladder, it must extend below the water sufficiently to allow adequate diver access and



support. The employer also must provide a means for assisting an injured diver from the water tothe surface or into a diving bell (such as an inwater stage, stokes basket, or harness).

2. 29 CFR 1910.422(c) Communications. An operational two-way voice communication system isrequired for communications between each surface-supplied air diver or mixed-gas diver and amember of the dive team at the dive location or in the diving bell (if a diving bell is provided orrequired). Line-pull signals do not meet this requirement, except for the SCUBA-diving mode. Atwo-way voice communication system is required for communications between the diving bell andthe dive location. Also, a two-way communication system (such as a cell phone, marine radio, orcomputer) must be available for obtaining emergency aid.

3. 29 CFR 1910.422(d) Decompression tables. This paragraph requires that decompression,repetitive, and no-decompression tables (as appropriate) be available at the dive location. Thesetables serve as guides for determining decompression and no-decompression profiles for thediving operation. The CSHO shall check that the decompression tables are available at the divelocation (for standard air decompression tables refer to section V, paragraph H.3, of thisinstruction, U.S. Navy Diving Manual, Volume 2, "Air Decompression").

4. 29 CFR 1910.422(e) Dive profiles. A written record called a depth-time profile (including anybreathing-gas changes, when appropriate) must be maintained for each diver during the dive,including decompression. This record aids the designated person-in-charge (or the dive-teammember managing the decompression interval) in implementing the planned dive schedule anddecompression interval, and making necessary adjustments in the decompression schedule ifchanges occur in planned bottom times or depths. The dive profile information may be recordedby whatever means and in whatever form the employer prefers, provided that the information ismaintained accurately and completely.

5. 29 CFR 1910.422(f) Hand-held power tools and equipment.

a. The standard does not require hand-held electric power tools used underwater to have apressure-sensitive manual control switch. However, when electrically powered hand-heldtools are used underwater, and the source of power is supplied from the dive location or adiving bell, the hand-held power tool shall not be supplied with power until requested by thediver. When the diver has finished work with the hand-held electric-power tool, the powerto the tool will be de-energized from the dive location or the diving bell.

b. In addition to the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.422(f)(1) and (f)(2), all hand-held electricpower tools and equipment must comply with 29 CFR 1910.303(b) and 29 CFR 1910.399.

Clarification of the term "approval" is given in 29 CFR 1910.303(a) as follows: "Theconductors and equipment required or permitted by this subpart shall be acceptable only ifapproved."

The term "acceptable" is defined under 29 CFR 1910.399 as follows: "An installation orequipment is acceptable to the Assistant Secretary of Labor, and approved within themeaning of [29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S - Electrical]." An installation would be acceptableif it meets one of the following three conditions:

If it is accepted, or certified, or listed, or labeled, or otherwise determined to be safe

by a nationally recognized testing laboratory [as defined by 29 CFR 1910.7].

With respect to an installation or equipment of a kind which no nationally recognized

testing laboratory accepts, certifies, lists, labels, or determines to be safe, if it isinspected or tested by another federal agency, or by a State, municipal, or other localauthority responsible for enforcing occupational safety provisions.

With respect to custom-made equipment or related installations which are designed,

fabricated for, and intended for use by a particular customer, if determined to be safefor its intended use by the manufacturer on the basis of test data which the employerkeeps and makes available for inspection to the Assistant Secretary and [his/her]authorized representatives.

6. 29 CFR 1910.422(g) Welding and burning.

a. A current supply switch must be available to interrupt the current flow to the welding or



burning electrode. The switch shall be tended by a dive-team member in voicecommunication with the diver performing the welding or burning (see 29 CFR 1910.422(g)(1)(i)). The disconnect switch must be in the open position unless the diver is actuallywelding or burning (see 29 CFR 1910.422(g)(1)(ii)). The CSHO shall determine that thewelding machine's frame is properly grounded and that cables, electrode holders andconnections are insulated to prevent overheating or breakdown (see 29 CFR 1910.422(g)(2)and (g)(3)). The employer must provide insulated gloves for the diver's protection (see 29CFR 1910.422(g)(4)).

NOTE: Personnel designated to operate electric cutting and welding equipment used indiving operations shall have experience or training in the safe use of this equipment (see 29CFR 1910.410(a)(2)(i); welding and burning training violations will be cited under 29 CFR1910.410).

b. This standard does not place any restriction on the use of AC current or rectified AC currentarc welding.

c. 29 CFR 1910.422(g)(5). "Closed compartments" as used in this paragraph, means anyspace that is enclosed by bulkheads and overheads (i.e., walls and ceilings), including largediameter pipes and other structures that, because of poor ventilation, could hold or containa flammable gas or vapor. Prior to hot work, the employer must remove from closedcompartments all flammable gases and vapors by ventilating, flooding, or purging with aninert-gas that will not support combustion. Venting alone is not sufficient unless it removesthe flammable gases from the compartments. Closed compartments, structures, and pipesalready under flow, as in hot tapping operations, meet the requirement for being flooded.

WARNING: A flooded compartment is not necessarily safe for cutting and welding. Duringthe cutting and welding process, oxygen, hydrogen (electrolysis), and other gases maycollect in a closed compartment, if it is not properly vented (made gas free). Should thediver cut or weld into the area where the gas collects, then a serious explosion can occur.By properly venting the space, gas will not collect and the space will remain flooded.

7. 29 CFR 1910.422(h) Explosives. Explosive charges are used to perform some types of underwaterwork, including demolition, sheet-pile cutting, cable cutting, and excavating. Explosives suitablefor underwater work include primacord, various gelatins (gels), plastic blocks, and some liquids.Employers must comply with this provision, as well as the applicable requirements of 29 CFR1910.109 and 29 CFR 1926.912, when handling, storing, and using explosives. This provisionrequires divers to be out of the water when detonating an explosive or testing the electricalcontinuity of the explosive circuits.

NOTE: Only personnel who are properly trained or experienced shall handle explosives (see 29CFR 1910.410(a)(1) and (a)(2)(i); explosive training violations will be cited under 29 CFR1910.410).

8. 29 CFR 1910.422(i) Termination of dive. This paragraph applies to all diving modes. Thedesignated person-in-charge is responsible for determining when a dive shall be terminated."Termination" means ending the working interval of a dive. However, it may still be necessary tocomplete the decompression procedures. The working interval of a dive must be terminatedwhen: the diver so requests; the diver fails to respond correctly to instructions from the diveteam (indicating a possible disability of the diver or an equipment failure); communications withthe diver are lost and cannot quickly be reestablished (either between the diver and the divelocation or diving bell, or between the diver and the designated person-in-charge and the skipperof the support vessel for liveboating operations); or the diver begins to use the reserve breathinggas. Any of these situations requires termination of the dive. The decompression interval shouldnot be omitted after termination of the dive if doing so would add to the diver's overall physicalrisk, unless the circumstances make inwater decompression impossible or present a greaterphysical risk to the diver.

G. 29 CFR 1910.423 Post-dive procedures.

1. 29 CFR 1910.423(b) Precautions. At the completion of a dive, the employer must: thoroughlycheck the physical condition of the diver; instruct the diver to report any physical problems oradverse physiological reactions (including decompression sickness symptoms); advise the diver ofthe location of the nearest decompression chamber; and alert the diver to the hazards of flyingtoo soon after the dive (i.e., 12 hours for air diving; 24 hours for mixed-gas diving).Decompression sickness effects can occur for some time after the completion of the dive, andsleep can conceal the onset of decompression sickness. Consequently, after a dive deeper than



100 fsw, a dive that requires decompression, or after any dive using a mixed-gas breathingmixture, the employer is required to instruct the diver to remain awake and in the vicinity of thedecompression chamber at the dive location for at least one hour after the dive, including onehour after any decompression or diving medical treatment (such as medical treatment fordecompression sickness or arterial gas embolism).

2. 29 CFR 1910.423(c) Recompression capability. Decompression chambers provide the onlyeffective therapy (i.e., recompression) for decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism. Adecompression chamber also can reduce a diver's underwater exposure since chambers may beused to decompress the diver on the surface (i.e., procedures known as "surface decompressionon air" and "surface decompression on oxygen").

a. 29 CFR 1910.423(c)(1). This provision requires the use of a decompression chambercapable of recompressing the diver at the surface to a minimum of 165 fsw (6 ATA) at thedive location for: SCUBA dives deeper than 100 fsw; surface-supplied air dives deeper than100 fsw but shallower than 220 fsw; mixed-gas dives shallower than 300 fsw; or divingoutside the no-decompression limits shallower than 300 fsw.

b. 29 CFR 1910.423(c)(2). A decompression chamber capable of recompressing the diver atthe surface to the maximum depth of the dive must be available at the dive location fordives deeper than 300 fsw.

c. 29 CFR 1910.423(c)(3). The decompression chamber must be dual-lock (i.e., having twocompartments) so that supplies and personnel may be transferred into and out of the maincompartment. The chamber also must be multi-place (i.e., the main compartment must belarge enough for two persons), and must be located and ready for use within 5 minutes ofthe diver's exit from the water.

d. 29 CFR 1910.423(c)(4). The decompression chamber must be equipped with: a pressuregauge for each inner lock and outer lock; a built-in breathing system with at least one maskfor each chamber occupant; two-way voice communication between the chamber occupant(s) and a dive-team member at the dive location who is monitoring the decompression; aview port; and sufficient illumination to observe the chamber occupant(s).

e. 29 CFR 1910.423(c)(5) and (c)(6). Treatment tables, oxygen or other appropriatetreatment gas, and sufficient gas to pressurize the decompression chamber during thetreatment period must be available at the dive site. In addition, a competent dive-teammember must be available during the dive, and for one hour afterward, to tend and operatethe chamber.

NOTE: To be used as a recompression facility (i.e., in lieu of a chamber), a diving bell mustmeet all the criteria listed in 29 CFR 1910.423(c)(1) and (c)(3). Chambers used for divesthat are 300 fsw and deeper must have a pressure capability equal to or greater than themaximum depth of the dive (the CSHO shall check the dive plan and tables for themaximum depth of the dive).

3. 29 CFR 1910.423(d) Record of dive.

a. 29 CFR 1910.423(d)(1) and (d)(2). The record maintained for each diving operation mustinclude: the names of the dive-team members, including the designated person-in-charge;the date, time, and location of the dive; the diving mode(s) used; a general description ofthe work performed; the approximate underwater and surface conditions; and the maximumdepth and bottom time for each diver. The following additional information is required fordives outside the no-decompression limits, deeper than 100 fsw, or using mixed-gas:depth-time and breathing-gas profiles; decompression tables (including any modifications);and, for repetitive diving, the elapsed time since the last pressure exposure (if less than 24hours) or the repetitive dive designation for each diver.

NOTE: These provisions do not require a standard form or that the dive records for eachindividual diver be kept on a separate sheet. When two or more divers are workingsimultaneously, the information required may be kept for the divers on one record.However, if the divers have different dive exposures or use different decompression tables,then separate entries must be made for each diver.

b. 29 CFR 1910.423(d)(3). For each dive in which decompression sickness is suspected orsymptoms are evident, the following additional information must be recorded andmaintained: a description of decompression sickness symptoms (including depth and time



of onset); and a description of treatment results. The information required also shall berecorded on the OSHA 300 Log ("Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses"). Employersshall maintain a log of recordable work-related injuries and illnesses. The key word is"recordable." The purpose of this requirement is to document recordable illnesses, includingincidents of decompression sickness, even when the initial symptoms include suchmanifestations as skin itch, slight joint cramps, and slight numbness of the extremities.Although seemingly innocuous, these symptoms are recognized and suspected as mildforms of decompression sickness. Symptoms and treatments must be recorded similarly toany other injury or illness (see Appendix G of this instruction for additional guidance).

4. 29 CFR 1910.423(e) Decompression procedure assessment. This paragraph requires theemployer, within 45 days of occurrence, to investigate and evaluate each incident ofdecompression sickness, to take appropriate corrective action, and to prepare a written evaluationassessing the incident. The corrective action may include an adjustment of the dive procedures,reassessment of the decompression tables, or a reexamination of the particular dive involved. Acheck of the dive records should show whether an incident occurred that required an investigation,corrective action, and a written evaluation.

H. 29 CFR 1910.424 - 1910.427 Specific Operations Procedures. The requirements of 29 CFR1910.424 through 1910.427 are in addition to any other applicable requirements in 29 CFR Part 1910,Subpart T.

I. 29 CFR 1910.424 SCUBA diving. Because a SCUBA diver has a limited breathing supply, does notusually have voice communication, and often is not monitored or controlled by surface-supportpersonnel, the limits on this mode of diving are more stringent than for other diving modes.

1. 29 CFR 1910.424(b) Limits.

a. 29 CFR 1910.424(b)(1) and (b)(2). The limits for SCUBA diving are more restrictive thanfor surface-supplied air diving or mixed-gas diving (see Appendix H). The maximum depthfor SCUBA diving is 130 fsw (see 29 CFR 1910.424(b)(1)). A decompression chamber isrequired (i.e., available within 5 minutes from the dive location) when diving deeper than100 fsw, or when diving outside of the no-decompression limits (see 29 CFR 1910.424(b)(2)).

b. 29 CFR 1910.424(b)(3). Each SCUBA diver must be line-tended when the current exceedsone knot. Three basic types of currents affect diving operations: river or major oceancurrents; currents produced by the ebb and flow of the tides (which may add or subtractfrom any existing current); and underwater or rip currents caused by the rush of waterreturning from waves breaking along a shoreline. The CSHO shall determine that theemployer has ascertained the strength of the local currents at the dive site from Tide andCurrent Tables, Coast and Geodetic Survey Charts, Coast Pilot Publications, or othersources. A SCUBA diver is seriously encumbered when swimming against a currentexceeding one knot, and the standard prohibits such activity unless the diver is line-tended.A SCUBA diver may, however, swim downstream with a current when means are providedto pick the diver up (such as retrieval with a boat).

NOTE: When two SCUBA divers are in the water, one tending line to the surface is sufficientwhen the two divers are connected by a "buddy line."

c. 29 CFR 1910.424(b)(4). Each SCUBA diver must be line-tended when diving in an enclosedor physically confining space (i.e., any underwater location where the diver cannot ascenddirectly to the surface; commonly referred to as "free access to the surface").

NOTE: For vessels without longitudinal (horizontal) stabilizers, "free access to the surface"means that the diver is diving above the turn of the bilge; for vessels with longitudinalstabilizers (usually found on military combat vessels), "free access to the surface" meansthat the diver is diving above the stabilizers.

2. 29 CFR 1910.424(c) Procedures.

a. 29 CFR 1910.424(c)(1). This paragraph requires that a standby diver be available for allSCUBA diving operations. An "available" standby diver means that the diving gear for thestandby diver is at the dive location and ready for use (i.e., set up and fully checked out),with a qualified diver at the dive location available to be the standby diver. A second diver("buddy diver") in the water does not satisfy the requirement for a standby diver. Oneemployee can be both the standby diver and tender, provided that this employee is a



qualified diver; for a three-person dive team, the designated person-in-charge (DPIC) wouldassume tending duties when the standby diver (tender) is in the water. A DPIC who is aqualified diver also can be the standby diver, provided that another dive-team member is atthe dive location. This dive-team member must be trained and capable of performing thenecessary functions of the DPIC, when the DPIC is in the water serving as the standbydiver. This paragraph requires that the standby diver be line-tended from the surface whendeployed in the water.

b. 29 CFR 1910.424(c)(2). This paragraph requires that a SCUBA diver be line-tended when inthe water or that the SCUBA diver be accompanied by, and in continuous visual contactwith, another diver during the diving operation.

NOTE: While line-tending the SCUBA diver from the dive location is considered preferable to"buddy diving," it is recognized that "buddy diving" is an accepted practice. The safetyadvantage of having two divers in the water tending each other ("buddy diving") is lost ifthey cannot maintain continuous visual contact; without visibility, divers cannot tend eachother adequately.

c. 29 CFR 1910.424(c)(3). When diving is conducted in an enclosed or physically confiningspace, a diver shall be stationed at the underwater point of entry to assist in tending thediver in the space.

NOTE: The diver stationed at the underwater point of entry is required in addition to anystandby diver at the dive location.

d. 29 CFR 1910.424(c)(4) and (c)(5). Each SCUBA diver is required to have: (1) a diver-carried reserve breathing-gas supply that consists of a manual reserve (J-valve), or (2) anindependent reserve cylinder that has a separate regulator or that is connected to theunderwater breathing apparatus (see 29 CFR 1910.424(c)(4)). The valve of the reservebreathing-gas supply must be in the closed position prior to the dive (see 29 CFR 1910.424(c)(5)) to ensure that the air reserve will not be depleted inadvertently during the dive.

NOTE: A Spare Air® bottle, or equivalent device, that is attached positively to the diver by asuitable line (so that the bottle is not lost if dropped) is sufficient as an independent reservecylinder, provided that it meets the emergency air volume requirements for the dive profile.

Spare Air® is the trade name for a small, high-pressure air bottle with an attachedbreathing regulator that is designed for use as an emergency-air source.

3. Commercial SCUBA air diving with one diver in the water requires a minimum of three dive-teammembers: a designated person-in-charge (DPIC) (see 29 CFR 1910.410(c)), a standby diver (see29 CFR 1910.424(c)(1)), and a line-tended diver (see 29 CFR 1910.424(c)(2)). CommercialSCUBA diving with two divers in the water requires a minimum of four dive-team members: aDPIC (see 29 CFR 1910.410(c)), a standby diver (see 29 CFR 1910.424(c)(1)), and two divers(see 29 CFR 1910.424(c)(2)).

NOTE 1: Additional guidance regarding minimum dive-team requirements is provided in AppendixA, Questions #2 and #3, of this instruction.

NOTE 2: In establishing the number of dive-team members required for a dive, properconsideration must be given to 29 CFR 1910.421(d) Planning and assessment, 29 CFR 1910.421(e) Hazardous activities, and 29 CFR 1910.422(b)(3). This latter provision requires employers toprovide a means to assist an injured diver from the water (such as an inwater stage, small boat,or stokes basket) or into a diving bell, that may necessitate additional dive-team members.

J. 29 CFR 1910.425 Surface-supplied air diving.

1. 29 CFR 1910.425(b) Limits.

a. 29 CFR 1910.425(b)(1). The maximum depth for surface-supplied air diving is 190 fsw,except that surface-supplied air dives with bottom times of less than 30 minutes may beconducted to a maximum depth of 220 fsw.

b. 29 CFR 1910.425(b)(2). A decompression chamber is required (available within 5 minutesfrom the dive location) for dives deeper than 100 fsw, or any dive that requires planneddecompression.



NOTE: Decompression chambers and diving bells, when used as a recompression facility,shall meet the criteria specified by 29 CFR 1910.423(c) and 29 CFR 1910.430(f).

c. 29 CFR 1910.425(b)(3). A diving bell is required for dives with an inwaterdecompression time greater than 120 minutes, except when heavy gear is worn or diving isconducted in physically confining spaces.


a. 29 CFR 1910.425(c)(1). Each diver is required to be continuously tended while in the water.

NOTE: 29 CFR 1910.425(c)(1)(i) requires that a separate dive-team member tend eachdiver in the water when the dive exceeds 100 fsw or is outside the no-decompressionlimits. The increased hazards and complexity associated with deeper or longer dives maycompromise diver safety if a tender is responsible for tending more than one diver.

b. 29 CFR 1910.425(c)(2). When diving is conducted in enclosed or physically confiningspaces, another diver shall be stationed at the underwater point of entry.

c. 29 CFR 1910.425(c)(3). This paragraph requires that each diving operation have a primarybreathing-gas supply that is sufficient to support divers for the duration of the planned dive,including decompression.

d. 29 CFR 1910.425(c)(4)(i), (c)(4)(ii), and (c)(4)(iii). For dives deeper than 100 fsw oroutside the no-decompression limits, each diver must: be tended by a separate dive-teammember; have a standby diver available at the dive location while the diver is in the water;and have a diver-carried reserve breathing-gas supply, except when heavy gear is worn.

e. 29 CFR 1910.425(c)(4)(iv). A reserve breathing-gas supply is required at the dive locationfor dives deeper than 100 fsw or outside the no-decompression limits.

NOTE: The reserve breathing-gas supply required at the dive location must be on line andready for use, and its source must be independent of the primary breathing-gas supply.The reserve breathing-gas supply must be of sufficient quantity and pressure to allow eachdiver to complete any planned decompression schedule.

f. 29 CFR 1910.425(c)(5)(i) and (c)(5)(ii). For surface-supplied air diving with heavy gear,deeper than 100 fsw, or outside the no-decompression limits, an extra breathing-gas hosemust be available to the standby diver, and the hose must be capable of supplyingbreathing gas to the diver in an emergency. Also, an inwater stage must be provided forthe diver(s) in the water.

g. 29 CFR 1910.425(c)(6). A diver-carried reserve breathing-gas supply must be provided to adiver in the water when the diver is prevented by the configuration of the dive area fromascending directly to the surface (i.e., when the diver does not have "free access to thesurface"), except when the diver wears heavy gear or when the physical space does notpermit the use of such a breathing-gas supply. The diver-carried reserve must be sufficientunder operating conditions to allow the diver to reach the surface, or another source ofbreathing gas, or to be reached by a standby diver. Heavy-gear diving is exempted fromthese provisions because the gear carries its own reserve.

NOTE: For vessels without longitudinal (horizontal) stabilizers, "free access to the surface"means that the diver is diving above the turn of the bilge; for vessels with longitudinalstabilizers (usually found on military combat vessels), "free access to the surface" meansthat the diver is diving above the stabilizers.

3. Commercial surface-supplied air diving with one diver in the water requires a minimum of threedive-team members: a DPIC (see 29 CFR 1910.410(c)), and a diver "who shall be continuouslytended [by a tender other than the DPIC] while in the water" (see 29 CFR 1910.425(c)(1)). Forsurface-supplied air diving that is 100 feet or less and does not involve planned decompression, astandby diver is not a specified requirement for every dive. However, based on the requirementsof 29 CFR 1910.421(d) Planning and assessment, the hazard analysis and assessment of the divewill dictate the use of a standby diver when underwater conditions and hazards or potentialhazards involve: proximity to an underwater suction, no free access to the surface, the possibilityof diver entanglement or entrapment, or unknown bottom conditions. If a standby diver isrequired (such as when these conditions are present or for depths that exceed 100 fsw), theseduties may be performed by the DPIC or the tender. A tender who is a qualified diver can be the



standby diver; for a three person dive-team, the DPIC would assume tending duties when thestandby diver (tender) is in the water. A DPIC who is a qualified diver also can be the standbydiver, provided that another dive-team member is at the dive location. This dive-team membermust be trained and capable of performing the necessary functions of the DPIC, when the DPIC isin the water as the standby diver.

NOTE: In establishing the number of dive-team members required for a dive, properconsideration must be given to 29 CFR 1910.421(d) Planning and assessment, 29 CFR 1910.421(e) Hazardous activities, and 29 CFR 1910.422(b)(3). This latter provision requires employers toprovide a means to assist an injured diver from the water (such as an inwater stage, small boat,or stokes basket) or into a diving bell, that may necessitate additional dive-team members.

K. 29 CFR 1910.426 Mixed-gas diving.

1. 29 CFR 1910.426(b) Limits.

a. 29 CFR 1910.426(b)(1)(i). Mixed-gas diving requires a decompression chamber to be readyfor use at the dive location for all dives (available within 5 minutes from the dive location).Decompression chambers and diving bells, when used as a recompression facility, mustmeet the criteria stated in 29 CFR 1910.423(c). 29 CFR 1910.430(f) sets forth additionalrequirements that apply only to decompression chambers. A diving bell (open diving bell orclosed diving bell) is required for dives in the range of 220 - 300 fsw or involving inwaterdecompression lasting longer than 120 minutes, except when heavy gear is worn or whendiving in physically confining spaces.

NOTE: See Appendix C of 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, for exceptions to thedecompression chamber requirement pertaining to recreational diving instructors and divingguides when other alternative requirements are met.

b. 29 CFR 1910.426(b)(ii). A closed diving bell is required for dives deeper than 300 fsw,except when diving is conducted in physically confining spaces.


a. 29 CFR 1910.426(c)(1) and (c)(2). A separate dive-team member is required to tend eachmixed-gas diver in the water. A standby diver must be available while a diver(s) is in thewater.

NOTE: A separate tender must be assigned to each mixed-gas diver at all times, and astandby diver must be available to assist the mixed-gas diver(s) in the water. Therefore,for mixed-gas diving, a tender cannot be a standby diver unless a qualified dive-teammember is available to assume the tender's duties.

b. 29 CFR 1910.426(c)(3). When diving is conducted in enclosed or physically confiningspaces, another diver must be stationed at the underwater point of entry to assist in tendingthe diver in the space.

c. 29 CFR 1910.426(c)(4). This paragraph requires a primary breathing-gas supply sufficientto support divers for the duration of any planned dive, including decompression.

d. 29 CFR 1910.426(c)(5). A reserve breathing-gas supply is required at the dive location forall mixed-gas dives.

NOTE: The reserve breathing-gas supply required at the dive location must be on line andready for use, and its source must be independent of the primary breathing-gas supply.The reserve breathing-gas supply must be of sufficient quantity and pressure to allow eachdiver to complete any planned decompression schedule.

e. 29 CFR 1910.426(c)(6)(i) and (c)(6)(ii). When a mixed-gas diver wearing heavy gear is inthe water, an extra breathing-gas hose must be available to the standby diver, and the hosemust be capable of supplying breathing-gas to the diver in the water during an emergency.Also, an inwater stage must be provided for the divers in the water.

f. 29 CFR 1910.426(c)(7). An inwater stage is required for divers who do not have access to adiving bell for dives deeper than 100 fsw or dives outside the no-decompression limits.

g. 29 CFR 1910.426(c)(8). When a closed diving bell is used, a dive-team member must be



available in the diving bell to tend the diver in the water.

h. 29 CFR 1910.426(c)(9). A diver-carried reserve breathing-gas supply is required whendiving deeper than 100 fsw or outside the no-decompression limits, or when the diver isprevented by the configuration of the dive area from directly ascending to the surface (i.e.,when the diver does not have "free access to the surface"), except when heavy gear is wornor when the physical space does not permit the use of such a breathing-gas supply.

NOTE 1: For vessels without longitudinal (horizontal) stabilizers, "free access to thesurface" means that the diver is diving above the turn of the bilge; for vessels withlongitudinal stabilizers (primarily found on military combat vessels), "free access to thesurface" means that the diver is diving above the stabilizers.

NOTE 2: In establishing the number of dive-team members required for a dive, properconsideration must be given to 29 CFR 1910.421(d) Planning and assessment, 29 CFR1910.421(e) Hazardous activities, and 29 CFR 1910.422(b)(3). This latter provisionrequires employers to provide a means to assist an injured diver from the water (such as aninwater stage, small boat, or stokes basket) or into a diving bell, that may necessitateadditional dive-team members.

L. 29 CFR 1910.427 Liveboating. Supporting a surface-supplied air or mixed-gas diver from a vesselthat is underway is known as liveboating. This operation is one of the most hazardous diving operations,and it is restricted to surface-supplied diving only (liveboating operations cannot be performed withSCUBA equipment).

1. 29 CFR 1910.427(b) Limits. Liveboating is not permitted for diving operations that: have aninwater decompression time of more than two hours; use surface-supplied air at depths greaterthan 190 fsw (except that surface-supplied air dives with a bottom time of less than 30 minutesmay be conducted to depths of 220 fsw or less); use mixed-gas at depths deeper than 220 fsw;occur in rough seas that would impede the diver's mobility or ability to perform the assigned work;or take place during non-daylight hours.


a. 29 CFR 1910.427(c)(1). The propeller of the vessel must be stopped before the diver entersor exits the water.

b. 29 CFR 1910.427(c)(2). With a vessel underway, a diver's hose can become entangled inthe vessel's propeller. Therefore, when inspecting a liveboating operation, the CSHO shallverify the availability and use of a device designed to minimize the possibility of the diver'shose becoming entangled in the vessel's propeller. Such a device may be a propellershroud, a weighted fair lead system, or an air tugger with a heavy weight. The use of atender to prevent hose entanglement without some mechanical support is not sufficient tosatisfy this requirement. When a floating hose is used, the hose shall be checked carefullyto ensure that the requirements for breathing-gas supply hoses are met (see 29 CFR1910.430(c)).

c. 29 CFR 1910.427(c)(3). This paragraph requires the use of two-way voice communicationsbetween the designated person-in-charge and the person controlling the vessel while thediver is in the water.

d. 29 CFR 1910.427(c)(4). A standby diver is required for all liveboating operations.

e. 29 CFR 1910.427(c)(5). A diver-carried reserve breathing-gas supply shall be carried byeach diver engaged in liveboating operations.

M. 29 CFR 1910.430 Equipment.

1. 29 CFR 1910.430(a) General. Every equipment modification, repair, test, calibration, ormaintenance service must be recorded in a log or by means of a tagging system. The tag or logentry must include the date, the type of work performed on the equipment, and the name orinitials of the person who performed the work. The CSHO shall check to ensure that the employerhas recorded the information required by this provision. This information is used to determinewhether the equipment meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.430 or is in need of maintenance,testing, or replacement. These records (logs or tags) must be kept by the employer until replacedby a subsequent up-to-date record, or until the equipment is withdrawn from service.



2. 29 CFR 1910.430(b) Air compressor system.

a. 29 CFR 1910.430(b)(1) and (b)(2). Air compressor systems used to supply air to the divermust be equipped with a volume tank (VT), a check valve on the inlet side of the VT (toprevent loss of air if the compressor fails), a VT pressure gauge, a VT relief valve (toprevent excessive pressure buildup), and a VT drain valve (to drain or "bleed" accumulatedmoisture from the VT). In addition, the air compressor intakes must be located away fromany internal combustion engine exhaust or other contamination source to protect the diver'sbreathing air.

b. 29 CFR 1910.430(b)(3) and (b)(4). The employer is responsible for checking the output ofthe air compressor system every 6 months to ensure that the diver's breathing air does notcontain more than 20 ppm (parts per million) by volume of carbon monoxide, more than1,000 ppm by volume of carbon dioxide, 5 milligrams per cubic meter of oil mist (exceptthat non-oil-lubricated compressors need not be tested for oil mist), or a pronounced ornoxious odor. The CSHO shall interview appropriate employees and examine the recordsindicating the results of such tests. The CSHO also shall check to ensure that the air samplewas taken at the connection to the distribution system (manifold). If required, the CSHO orindustrial hygienist should obtain a sample of the breathing air for later evaluation or, whenpossible, test for contaminants onsite.

NOTE: Unlike compressors used with air respiratory systems that are not normallymonitored, diving compressors are continually monitored by the dive team and are notrequired to have CO and high-temperature alarms.

3. 29 CFR 1910.430(c) Breathing-gas supply hoses.

a. 29 CFR 1910.430(c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(ii), (c)(1)(iii), and (c)(1)(iv). Under paragraph (c)(1)(i),each breathing-gas hose must have a working pressure at least equal to the workingpressure of the total breathing-gas system. Therefore, a hose connected to the low-pressure or downstream side of a regulating valve must meet the working pressure of thatpart of the system. For instance, the hose working pressure does not have to be equal tothe pressure of the gas storage-bank cylinders, but must be equal to the working pressuredownstream from the regulator. The working-pressure rating of the hose usually will befound on a decal or stencil with the manufacturer's name at regular intervals along the hoselength.

Paragraph (c)(1)(ii) requires that each breathing-gas supply hose have a rated burstingpressure at least four times the maximum working pressure (see the definition of "burstingpressure," section XV, paragraph B, of this instruction). Paragraphs (c)(1)(iii) and (c)(1)(iv)specify, respectively, that each breathing-gas supply hose must be tested annually to atleast 1.5 times of its working pressure, and that the open ends of a hose must be taped,capped, or plugged when the hose is in storage or not in use to prevent foreign matter fromcontaminating the hose.

b. 29 CFR 1910.430(c)(2)(i), (c)(2)(ii), and (c)(2)(iii). Connectors for diver's breathing-gassystems must be made of corrosion-resistant material and have a rated working pressureequal to the maximum working pressure of the hose to which they are connected.Connectors must be resistant to accidental disengagement.

NOTE: Installation of cadmium-plated or other corrosion-resistant plated fittings isacceptable and meets the requirements of "corrosion-resistant" to the extent that theplating remains intact. However, when the plating becomes worn and the parent metalbecomes pitted, the connector must be replaced.

c. 29 CFR 1910.430(c)(3)(i), (c)(3)(ii), and (c)(3)(iii). Umbilicals must be marked in 10-footincrements from the diver to 100 feet, and in 50-foot increments thereafter. Hoses inumbilicals (i.e., breathing-gas hoses, hot water hoses, or other hoses that carry air orliquids) must be kink resistant. The breathing-gas hose in the umbilical also must meetother applicable hose requirements of 29 CFR 1910.430(c)(1) and (c)(2). The maximumallowable working pressure of the umbilical breathing-gas hose can be calculated by:subtracting the maximum depth (in psi) of the supply source (surface or diving bell) fromthe maximum depth (in psi) of the dive for which it will be used; and then adding 100 psi tothis figure.

NOTE: Additional guidance is available in the ADCI Consensus Standards for CommercialDiving and Underwater Operations (Section 4).



4. 29 CFR 1910.430(d) Buoyancy control. The following equipment must have exhaust valves:helmets or masks connected directly to a dry suit or other buoyancy-changing equipment, and drysuits or other buoyancy-changing equipment not directly connected to the helmet or mask. Abuoyancy compensator used for SCUBA diving must have an inflation source separate from thebreathing-gas supply. SCUBA diving requires the use of a personal flotation device capable ofmaintaining the diver at the surface in a face-up position; this device also must be capable of oralinflation, have an exhaust valve, and have a manually activated inflation source independent ofthe breathing-gas supply.

5. 29 CFR 1910.430(e) Compressed gas cylinders. Employers must follow the OSHA standards forgeneral industry that regulate the design, construction, and maintenance of compressed gascylinders (see 29 CFR 1910.101 and 29 CFR 1910.169). In addition, the cylinders must be storedin a ventilated area away from excessive heat, and must be secured from falling. When thecylinders are in use, they must be equipped with a shut-off valve and a protective cap. Theprotective cap is not required when the cylinders: are designed with recessed shut-off valves, areconnected to a manifold, or used for SCUBA diving.

6. 29 CFR 1910.430(f) Decompression chambers. Each decompression chamber manufactured afterOctober 20, 1977, must be built and maintained in accordance with ASME Code, or an equivalentstandard (the meaning of the term "ASME or equivalent code" is covered under section XV,paragraph B, of this instruction). Decompression chambers manufactured on or prior to October20, 1977, must be built and maintained in conformity with the code requirements to which theywere built, or to an equivalent standard or code. Decompression chambers must have: a meansof maintaining the atmosphere below 25 percent oxygen by volume; noise mufflers on the intakeand exhaust lines (to facilitate communication and to protect against hearing loss) that areregularly inspected and maintained; suction guards on the exhaust line openings; and a means forextinguishing fire. Ignition sources and combustible material must be kept to a minimum insidethe chamber.

NOTE: Appropriate means to maintain the oxygen level below 25 percent may include aventilation system or an overboard dump system. An overboard dump system exhausts theoccupant's expired breathing gases from the built-in breathing system (BIBS)(used for breathingpurposes inside a decompression chamber) to prevent a build up of oxygen inside the chamberabove 25 percent by volume.

7. 29 CFR 1910.430(g) Gauges and timekeeping devices. To monitor a diver's depth-time profile, agauge indicating diver depth that can be read at the dive location is required for all dives exceptSCUBA (SCUBA divers carry their own depth gauges). To maintain accuracy, each mechanicaldepth gauge must be dead-weight tested or calibrated against a master gauge every 6 months,and when a discrepancy larger than 2 percent of full scale occurs between any two equivalentgauges. A cylinder pressure gauge that the diver can monitor must be carried by each SCUBAdiver. Also, a timekeeping device must be kept at the dive location for recording time intervalsduring each dive to maintain an accurate depth-time profile for each diver.

NOTE: For depth and pressure gauges that are digital, employers must comply with themanufacturer's recommendations for verifying accuracy.

8. 29 CFR 1910.430(h) Masks and helmets. Surface-supplied air masks and helmets must have anon-return valve, that closes readily and positively, at the attachment point between helmet ormask and hose, as well as an exhaust valve. Surface-supplied air masks and helmets must have aminimum ventilation rate capability of 4.5 acfm for any depth at which they are used, or thecapability of maintaining the diver's inspired carbon dioxide partial pressure below 0.02 ATA whenthe diver is producing carbon dioxide at a rate of 1.6 standard liters per minute.

NOTE: The purpose of this helmet and mask provision is to ensure that air is supplied to the diverat a rate sufficient to meet the breathing requirements of the diver, and to dilute or flush expelledair from the diver's mask or helmet. This provision serves as a guide for the design and selectionof masks and helmets, not as a basis for routine operational tests or field verification. Althoughthis provision does not require employers to perform any test on helmets and masks, it doesrequire employers to ensure that the appropriate ventilation rate is maintained during operationaluse. Citations shall be issued under this provision only after consulting with OSHA's NationalOffice, Office of Maritime Enforcement.

9. 29 CFR 1910.430(i) Oxygen safety. Equipment used with oxygen or breathing-gas mixturescontaining over 40 percent by volume oxygen must be designed for oxygen service. Components(except umbilicals) exposed to oxygen or breathing-gas mixtures containing over 40 percent by



volume oxygen must be cleaned of flammable materials before use. Oxygen systems over 125psig and compressed air systems over 500 psi must have slow-opening shut-off valves (such as aneedle valve).

NOTE: The purpose of this provision is to ensure that equipment exposed to oxygen is cleaned offlammable materials and hydrocarbon contaminates before placing that equipment into oxygenservice. Similarly, before new or replacement components are placed into service in an oxygen-cleaned system, they also must be cleaned before being connected to the system.

10. 29 CFR 1910.430(j) Weights and harnesses. The requirements for weights and harnesses do notapply when a diver wears heavy gear (except as delineated in the NOTE below). In all othercases, each diver must be equipped with a weight belt or assembly that has a quick-releasefeature. Except for SCUBA diving and when the diver wears heavy gear, the diver must wear asafety harness with a positive buckling device, an attachment point for the umbilical (to preventstrain on the mask or helmet), and a lifting point (to distribute the pull force of the umbilical andharness over the diver's body).

NOTE: When OSHA issued the commercial diving standard in 1977, harnesses were exemptedfrom heavy gear since this gear was used with a harness-type weight belt that incorporated anattachment point for the umbilical. Advances in diving equipment and technology have led toheavy gear that uses an outer garment to carry necessary weights in pockets that are designedfor that purpose (see NOTE to the definition of "heavy gear," section XV, paragraph B, of thisinstruction); such gear requires a harness with an attachment point for the umbilical, and a liftingpoint(s).

N. 29 CFR 1910.440 Recordkeeping requirements. The provisions of this standard specify therecordkeeping requirements for commercial diving operations.

1. 29 CFR 1910.440(a)(2). The employer must record any diving-related injury or illness that resultsin a dive-team member being hospitalized for a period of 24 hours or longer. The record mustdescribe the circumstances of the incident and the extent of the injuries or illnesses.

NOTE 1: These incidents do not have to be reported to OSHA (unless three or morehospitalizations are involved), but the record must be made available to a CSHO on request.Frequency of injuries and illnesses may be an indication of improper planning or dive procedures.

NOTE 2: Employers must report fatalities and multiple hospitalizations (three or more) bytelephone or in person to the nearest OSHA Area Office, or by using OSHA's toll-free hotline at 1-800-321-OSHA. The caller making the accident report must talk directly to a person at OSHA(i.e., they cannot leave a message on the phone, send a fax, or send an e-mail). The maximumtime allowed by 29 CFR 1904.39(a) for reporting fatality or hospitalization (three or more) cases iseight (8) hours; employers should report such cases as soon as possible after the occurrence (seeAppendix G of this instruction for additional reporting guidance).

2. 29 CFR 1910.440(b)(1). This provision provides a CSHO with the authority to inspect and copyany record(s) required by this standard.

3. 29 CFR 1910.440(b)(2). This provision requires employers to retain, and to provide to theiremployees, their employees' designated representatives, and OSHA (usually during an inspection),exposure and medical records in accordance with paragraphs (a) - (e), and (g) - (i), of 29 CFR1910.1020 Access to employee exposure and medical records (this standard was re-designated in1996 from 29 CFR 1910.20 to 29 CFR 1910.1020). These records include: safe practices manual(see 29 CFR 1910.420); depth-time profiles (see 29 CFR 1910.422); decompression procedure-assessment evaluations (see 29 CFR 1910.423); and hospitalization records (see 29 CFR1910.440). Additionally, this provision specifies that employers must retain and make available totheir employees and their employees' designated representatives any equipment-inspection andequipment-testing records required under 29 CFR 1910.430 that pertain to these employees.

4. 29 CFR 1910.440(b)(3). This paragraph requires employers to maintain the following records anddocuments: a safe practices manual (current document); depth-time profile of each dive (untilcompletion of the dive, or completion of the decompression-procedure assessment in the event ofa decompressionsickness incident); the dive record (for 1 year, except 5 years for divesinvolving decompression-sickness incidents); decompression-procedure assessment evaluations(for 5 years); equipment-inspection and equipment-testing records (current entry or tag, or untilthe equipment is withdrawn from service); and hospitalization records (for 5 years).

5. 29 CFR 1910.440(b)(4). This paragraph specifies that employers are to send to the National



Institute for Safety and Health (NIOSH) any record with an expired 5-year retention period.Sending the records to NIOSH makes them available for research purposes (such as assessing themedical effects of decompression procedures). In addition, employers and employees will havecontinuous access to the records if they need them to evaluate the safety of diving procedures,identify the causes of latent health effects, or for other reasons. However, employers may retainthese expired records instead of sending them to NIOSH.

NOTE: The NIOSH address for forwarding medical records is: Information Resources Branch;Education and Information Division; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; 4676Columbia Parkway; Cincinnati, OH 45226. The NIOSH website ishttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html.

6. Additional guidance regarding injury and illness reporting and recordkeeping for commercial divingoperations is provided in Appendix G of this instruction.

O. 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, Appendix A - Examples of Conditions Which May Restrict orLimit Exposure to Hyperbaric Conditions.

This appendix lists disorders that may restrict or limit occupational exposure to hyperbaric conditions.The extent of the restriction depends on severity, presence of residual effects, response to therapy,number of occurrences, diving mode, and/or degree and duration of isolation.

P. 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, Appendix B - Guidelines for Scientific Diving.

This appendix contains guidelines, that are used in conjunction with 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(2)(iv), todetermine those scientific diving programs that are exempt from the requirements of 29 CFR Part 1910,Subpart T.

Q. 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, Appendix C - Alternative Conditions Under 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(3) for Recreational Diving Instructors and Diving Guides (Mandatory).

Appendix C of 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, lists the conditions addressed by 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(3).This paragraph specifies that employers of recreational diving instructors and diving guides who complywith all of the conditions listed in this appendix, need not provide a decompression chamber for thesedivers as required under 29 CFR 1910.423(b)(2) or (c)(3), or 29 CFR 1910.426(b)(1).

R. Other Commercial Diving Resources.

While OSHA considers the industry standards set forth below to be a valuable resource for safe andhealthful workplace practices in the commercial diving industry such standards are for informationpurposes only and employers accessing such information still must comply with the requirements of theOccupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act and standards promulgated pursuant to the OSH Act.Therefore, applying these recommendations or practices does not necessarily constitute compliance withthe OSH Act and OSHA standards, including 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T. In addition, OSHA does notcontrol the publication of information on the website listed in this section, and cannot guaranty theaccuracy, reliability, or timeliness of the information contained in this website.

Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI). The ADCI is an international association, withheadquarters in Houston, Texas, that represents employers in the commercial diving industry. The ADCIConsensus Standards for Commercial Diving and Underwater Operations includes technical standards,and operational information, guidance and procedures in support of safe diving practices.

The following previously issued ADCI standards were incorporated into the ADCI Consensus Standardsfor Commercial Diving and Underwater Operations (Fifth Edition) in 2004:

ADCI Standard 01-1994, In-Service Maintenance and Repairs of PVHOs

ADCI Standard 02-1994, PVHO Window Cleaning, Inspection, Installation and Maintenance

Instructions

ADCI Standard 03-1995, Recommended Divers Supply Pressure

ADCI Standard 04-1995, Duration of Bail-Out Cylinder

ADCI Standard 05-1995, Recommended First Aid Kit Contents

ADCI Standard 06-1995, Color Coding Guidance

ADCI Standard 07-1996, Minimum Rest Hour Policy

ADCI Standard 08-2000, High Pressure Water Blasting

ADCI Standard 09-2000, Handling Systems Guidance on the Design, Installation and Testing for

the Launch and Recovery of Divers



ADCI Standard 10-1999, Commercial Diver Certification Card

ADCI Standard 11-1998, Commercial Diving in Potable Water Facilities

ADCI also distributes the following safety videos:

ADCI Video, Why a 3-Man Crew?

ADCI Video, The Hazards of Diving in Delta-P (Differential-Pressure) Work Environments

ADCI Video, The Hazards of Underwater Burning

Most ADCI products are available in Spanish (en Español). Additional information is available atthe association's website, http://www.adc-int.org/wiadci.htm.

S. Relationship to Other Federal Agencies and Transportation to Off-Shore Diving Sites.

1. In general, OSHA Area Directors should coordinate inspection activities with local U.S. CoastGuard counterparts in a manner that minimizes the duplication of agency resources andmaximizes the protection of affected employees.

2. Consistent with operational efficiency and the safety of agency personnel, transportationnecessary to conduct off-shore inspections should be obtained in accordance with the followingpriorities:

a. Appropriate federal agency, on an "as available" basis.

b. Private contractor.

c. Employer at the off-shore site.

3. Accident-investigation reports, statistical data, and other pertinent enforcement-relatedinformation may be freely exchanged with other agencies at the local level, consistent withexisting rules and regulations.

APPENDIX A: Commercial Diving Operations Questions and Answers

This appendix consolidates OSHA interpretations related to commercial diving operations that have been issued andremain valid as of the date of this instruction. Previously issued interpretations were reviewed to determine theircurrent validity and accuracy. Interpretations for which standard references have changed were updated to reflectthe current standard reference.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Our interpretations explain these requirementsand how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Theseresponses constitute OSHA's interpretations of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcementguidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response tonew information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov.

Question #1: Are diving operations involving the underwater inspection of bridges considered to be"scientific diving" under 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(2)(iv), and if this diving is "scientific diving," whatstandards apply to these divers?

Answer: The underwater inspection of bridges by divers is governed by OSHA regulations for commercial diving, 29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations. The exemption from OSHA's commercial diving standardfor scientific diving would not be applicable to underwater bridge inspection-diving activities.

Question #2: What are the minimum number of dive-team members required to support air dives usingSCUBA equipment and surface-supplied diving equipment, with one diver in the water?

Answer: In establishing the number of dive-team members required for a dive, proper consideration must be givento 29 CFR 1910.421(d) Planning and assessment, 29 CFR 1910.421(e) Hazardous activities, and 29 CFR 1910.422(b)(3). This latter provision requires employers to provide a means to assist an injured diver from the water (such asan inwater stage, small boat, or stokes basket) or into a diving bell, that may necessitate additional dive-teammembers.

Commercial SCUBA air diving with one diver in the water requires a minimum of three dive-team members: adesignated person-in-charge (DPIC)(see 29 CFR 1910.410(c)), a standby diver (see 29 CFR 1910.424(c)(1)),and a line-tended diver (see 29 CFR 1910.424(c)(2)). A tender who is a qualified diver can be the standby diver;for a three-person dive-team, the DPIC would assume tending duties when the standby diver (tender) is in thewater. A DPIC who is a qualified diver also can be the standby diver, provided that another dive-team member is at



the dive location. This dive-team member must be trained and capable of performing the necessary functions of theDPIC, when the DPIC is in the water serving as the standby diver.

Commercial surface-supplied air diving with one diver in the water requires a minimum of three dive-teammembers: a DPIC (see 29 CFR 1910.410(c)), and a diver "who shall be continuously tended [by a tender otherthan the DPIC] while in the water" (see 29 CFR 1910.425(c)(1)). For surface-supplied air diving that is 100 feet orless and does not involve planned decompression, a standby diver is not a specified requirement for every dive.However, based on the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.421(d) Planning and assessment, the hazard analysis andassessment of the dive will dictate the use of a standby diver when underwater conditions and hazards or potentialhazards involve: proximity to an underwater suction, no free access to the surface, the possibility of diverentanglement or entrapment, or unknown bottom conditions. If a standby diver is required (such as when theseconditions are present or for depths that exceed 100 fsw), these duties may be performed by the DPIC or thetender. A tender who is a qualified diver can be the standby diver; for a three-person dive team, the DPIC wouldassume tending duties when the standby diver (tender) is in the water. A DPIC who is a qualified diver also can bethe standby diver, provided that another dive-team member is at the dive location. This dive-team member must betrained and capable of performing the necessary functions of the DPIC, when the DPIC is in the water as the standbydiver.

Question #3: What is the minimum number of dive-team members required to support SCUBA divingwhen two divers are in the water, and when are SCUBA divers required to be line-tended?

Answer: Commercial SCUBA air diving with two divers in the water requires a minimum of four dive-teammembers: a designated person-in-charge (DPIC)(see 29 CFR 1910.410(c)), a standby diver (see 29 CFR1910.424(c)(1)), and two divers (see 29 CFR 1910.424(c)(2)). The two divers must be in continuous visual contactwith each other or line-tended from the surface. The two divers require a tending line to the surface if they arerequired to work against a current exceeding one knot. When required or deemed necessary, one tending line to thesurface is sufficient when the two divers are connected by a "buddy line." When the standby diver is deployed,he/she is required to be line-tended from the surface. A tender who is a qualified diver can be the standby diver; fora four-person dive team with two divers, the DPIC would assume tending duties when the tender is in the waterserving as the standby diver. A DPIC who is a qualified diver also can be the standby diver, provided that anotherdive-team member is at the dive location. This dive-team member must be trained and capable of performing thenecessary functions of the DPIC, when the DPIC is in the water serving as the standby diver.

Question #4: What commercial diving schools, national diver-training consensus standards, andcommercial diving licenses or certifications does OSHA accept as meeting the requirements of 29 CFR1910.410 Qualifications of dive team?

Answer: OSHA considers an employer to be in compliance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.410 whendocumentation shows that the diver completed training to the appropriate level (such as a surface-supplied air divercertificate, or a surface-supplied mixed-gas diver certificate) at a commercial (private), military, or other federal(such as the Army Corps of Engineers) diving school, or a school accredited by the Association of Commercial DivingEducators (ACDE). An employer also is in compliance when documented evidence shows that a diver's trainingmeets the requirements specified by the national consensus standard published by the American National StandardsInstitute (ANSI) and the Association of Commercial Diving Educators (ACDE)(i.e., ANSI/ACDE-01-1998, AmericanNational Standard for Divers - Commercial Diver Training - Minimum Standard). No commercial diver-licensingprograms exist in the United States; however, the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) issuescommercial diver certification cards in accordance with the ADCI Consensus Standards for Commercial Diving andUnderwater Operation (Section 3.0). OSHA considers an employer to be in compliance with the 29 CFR 1910.410diver-training requirements when the employed divers have a valid ADCI commercial diver certification cardindicating the appropriate training level.

Question #5: Do the Consensus Standards for Commercial Diving and Underwater Operations publishedby the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) comply with OSHA and U.S. Coast Guardrequirements for commercial diving operations? For diving operations that are not covered by OSHA orU.S. Coast Guard regulations, such as maintenance and repair of pressure vessels for human occupancy(PVHO) or handling systems for diving bells, what does OSHA recognize as the best industry practice?

Answer: OSHA recognizes the ADCI Consensus Standards for Commercial Diving and Underwater Operations asmeeting the general requirements of 29 CFR 1910.420 for a safe practices manual. The contents of this documentmeet or exceed the requirements of 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T. For diving-related operational, maintenance, andtesting matters that are not addressed by OSHA standards, OSHA recognizes ADCI standards as the best establishedindustry practice.

OSHA's recognition of the ADCI standards is consistent with the position taken by the U.S. Coast Guard. In a letterfrom the U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Office of Compliance, to the ADCI dated February 9, 2005, the U.S. Coast Guardstated, "Of significance, ADCI's Consensus Standards for Commercial Diving and Underwater Operations fully meetand exceed the Coast Guard's regulatory requirements for commercial diving operations found in 46 CFR 197. Now



in its Fifth Edition, the ADCI Consensus Standards are considered commercial diving industry best practices and arerecognized and used by the United States Coast Guard as our comprehensive guidance document."

Question #6: How is a determination made of a safe or minimum operating pressure for commercialdiving surface-supplied equipment?

Answer: The minimum safe operating pressure for any surface-supplied diving system is dependent upon threeprincipal factors: (1) the depth of the dive; (2) pressure loss through the diving air-supply hose; and (3) thepressure requirements for the diving helmet or mask. Equally important is the flow (volume) of air supplied to thediver. Employers must comply with the manufacturers' recommended operating pressures and flow requirements fordiving helmets and masks, and all diving systems must be analyzed by a competent person to ensure that thesystems will support the diving operations adequately.

As required by 29 CFR 1910.430(h)(2), a surface-supplied air helmet or mask must have a minimum ventilation ratecapability of 4.5 acfm at the depth of the dive, or the capability of maintaining the diver's inspired carbon-dioxidepartial pressure below 0.02 ATA when the diver is producing carbon dioxide at a rate of 1.6 standard liters perminute. Diving system flow requirements must be analyzed as follows: (1) the flow volume of breathing gas neededby the diver (discussed above); and (2) the flow requirements of the piping, hoses, and associated fittings andcomponents, that must collectively be capable of supporting instantaneous peak flow rates of 7.0 acfm whendemand-breathing diving helmets and masks are used.

Diving helmets and masks that incorporate an oral-nasal cavity with a demand-breathing arrangement aremechanically simple, easy to operate, and require significantly less air volume per unit of time, than required bysteady-flow ventilated helmets and masks. However, to instantaneously match flow rates to diver breathingpatterns, these helmets and masks require driving pressures and piping flow capacities that are significantly higherthan needed in steady-flow equipment used in comparable service. Also, since oral-nasal and demand-breathingmasks have limited volume and no storage capability, OSHA recommends that divers use an emergency air bottle("come-home bottle" or "bail-out bottle") when diving with such masks.

Too much air pressure to a helmet or mask can be just as dangerous as not having enough air pressure. For mostdemand-breathing regulators, the range between the minimum and maximum (free-flow) pressure is only about 75psi, and the range between the optimum pressure and the maximum pressure is only about 50 psi. To avoidpressure-related hazards, the employer should consult the manufacturer of the diving helmet or mask to verify theminimum, optimum, and maximum pressure limits of the demand-breathing regulator.

When selecting a diving air compressor, it is important to determine the required output pressure (psig) and theoutput volume (scfm). These calculations are based on the pressure and flow available at the manifold (i.e., wherethe diver's umbilical connects topside to the air-supply system). Allowances must be made for pressure reductioncaused by the piping system components between the volume tank and diver's manifold. For example, each filtercan induce a 5 to 15 psi drop in system pressure.

Additional guidance is available in the ADCI Consensus Standards for Commercial Diving and Underwater Operations(Section 4).

Question #7: Are "hookah rigs" (i.e., an air compressor supplying air through a hose directly to thesecond-stage of a SCUBA regulator) allowed by OSHA standards? Is it acceptable to use the second-stage regulator from a SCUBA regulator assembly approved by the U.S. Navy for a "hookah rig?"

Answer: Hookah rigs, as described in this question, are not in compliance with the OSHA commercial divingstandard because such rigs prohibit diver-to-topside communications, which is a requirement for all surface-supplieddiving operations (see 29 CFR 1910.422(c)(1)(i)). Further, assembling a hookah rig by using a second-stageregulator from a SCUBA regulator assembly can pose a severe hazard to divers. Second-stage SCUBA regulators aredesigned to function properly when supplied with pressure in a specified range (such as from 125 to 150 psi over theambient water pressure). In a SCUBA regulator assembly, the first-stage SCUBA regulator has a mechanism thatcompensates for the ambient water pressure and maintains a constant pressure, in a specified range, to the second-stage regulator. Without the first-stage SCUBA regulator, as in the case with a hookah rig as described, the inlet airpressure to the second-stage regulator is not automatically compensated to maintain a constant over-bottompressure (psi-ob); therefore, as the diver goes deeper, the air flow from the second-stage regulator decreases.Eventually, as the diver goes deeper, the diver will receive little or no air from the second-stage regulator, which canresult in asphyxiation of the diver.

Regulators authorized by the U.S. Navy are for use only in the specified configuration. Consequently, the use of asecond-stage SCUBA regulator independent of the first-stage SCUBA regulator is not approved by the Navy. Also,Navy approval is for Navy equipment used in Navy diving operations; this approval does not extend to the use ofsuch equipment by commercial divers or other organizations.

Question #8: Are employers in compliance with OSHA standards when they rely on employees who own



their own diving equipment to maintain this equipment?

Answer: OSHA supports and encourages employees to maintain, inspect, and ensure the safe operation of theequipment that they own and use in their employers' diving operations. However, these actions do not relieveemployers of their responsibilities under OSHA standards to ensure the proper use, maintenance, testing, and otherrequired actions regarding diving equipment used in the course of employment. Accordingly, OSHA makes nodistinction between "employer-owned" equipment and "employee-owned" equipment. If the equipment is not incompliance with OSHA standards, and it is being used in the course of employment, then the employer is in violationof the standards.

Question #9: When a decompression chamber is not available at the dive location, can employersadminister 100 percent oxygen to a diver who experiences decompression sickness or arterial gasembolism while the diver is being transported to a decompression chamber? Can an oxygen mask with amouthpiece-held demand inhalator valve be used for unconscious patients?

Answer: OSHA standards require a multi-place recompression chamber at the dive location for any planneddecompression dive, any dive deeper than 100 fsw, or any dive on a breathing medium other than standard air.However, divers who are not covered by these recompression chamber requirements (such as conducting no-decompression dives less than 100 fsw) can incur decompression sickness (i.e., "bends") or an arterial gasembolism. In these situations, when no recompression chamber is immediately available, the following guidelinesapply. When transporting a breathing diving patient from the dive site to an available chamber for treatment, orwhen transporting any other breathing diving patient from one treatment facility to another, a portable oxygensupply consisting of an E cylinder (approximately 669 liters of oxygen) and a transparent mask is recommended.When transporting a non-breathing diving patient from the dive site to an available chamber for treatment, amechanical-bag resuscitator with a pure oxygen supply is recommended; the oxygen supply should be administeredonly by trained personnel. Under these circumstances, OSHA does not recommend the use of an emergency-oxygenkit having a replacement oxygen mask with a mouthpiece-held demand inhalator valve, because it is not suitable foran unconscious patient, and oxygen is incompatible with the rubber parts of the mouthpiece assembly.

Although the use of pure-oxygen treatment for a diving patient may be beneficial, it is not a substitute forrecompression treatment. When a diver incurs any diving illness that requires recompression treatment (such asdecompression sickness, or arterial gas embolism), the diver must be treated at a recompression facility. Oxygentreatment may be necessary or desired during transport to a recompression facility, but it must never be used as areplacement for recompression treatment when such treatment is required.

Question #10: Are detector-tube test kits suitable for compliance with 29 CFR 1910.430(b)(3) and (b)(4), which require that the output air from a diving compressor be tested every 6 months for carbonmonoxide, carbon dioxide, and oil mist contaminants?

Answer: The use of detector tubes to perform the sampling required by 29 CFR 1910.430(b)(3) and (b)(4) isacceptable when the manufacturer's instructions and limitations are followed, and employers comply with therecordkeeping requirements of 29 CFR 1910.440(b)(2) and (b)(3)(vi). The OSHA Technical Manual, TED 01-00-015,January 20, 1999, Section II ("Sampling, Measurement Methods and Instruments"), provides additionalguidance concerning the use and known limitations of detector tubes. When such limitations exist, detector tubesmay not be used, and the specified alternative methods (such as laboratory-tested air samples) shall be usedinstead. OSHA encourages employers to send compressor air samples to laboratories periodically for analysis tovalidate the results of detector-tube testing, and to conduct diver's air sampling more frequently than semiannually.

Question #11: After the period for keeping records related to commercial diving operations under 29CFR 1910.440 expires, may an employer destroy the records?

Answer: No. When the retention period expires for any records that an employer must keep (i.e., records with afive-year retention period), the employer must forward the records to the National Institute for Occupational Safetyand Health (NIOSH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The NIOSH website address is

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html. The current address for forwarding medical records to NIOSH is:

Information Resources BranchEducation and Information DivisionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health4676 Columbia ParkwayCincinnati, OH 45226

Question #12: What happens to the records required by 29 CFR 1910.440 if the employer goes out ofbusiness?

Answer: In this situation, the successor employer must receive and retain the records required by the standard. If



the employer goes out of business without a successor employer, then the employer must forward the records toNIOSH. The NIOSH website address is http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html. The current address for

forwarding medical records to NIOSH is:

Information Resources BranchEducation and Information DivisionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health4676 Columbia ParkwayCincinnati, OH 45226

Question #13: How long must an employer retain records or documents required by 29 CFR 1910.440?

Answer: See chart below.

Retention Periods for Commercial Diving RecordsRequired by 29 CFR 1910.440

APPENDIX B: Summary of OSHA Authority

RESTRICTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ON OSHA's AUTHORITY

GEOGRAPHICAL RESTRICTIONS

Federal OSHA's authority is restricted to the following geographical limits:

State Territorial Waters - Extends three (3) nautical miles (nm)(1 nm = 6,080 ft) from the general coastline

at ordinary (mean) low water for all coastal areas, except Puerto Rico, Texas, and the Gulf Coast of Florida,which extend nine (9) nm from the general coastline at ordinary (mean) low water.

NOTE: The State territorial waters for the East Coast of Florida extend three (3) nm and the Gulf Coast ofFlorida extend nine (9) nm.

International Boundary with Canada - All waters in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway within the

United States boundary line with Canada are included (i.e., no three (3) nm or nine (9) nm restriction sincethe Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway are part of U.S. Inland Waters).

Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands - Begins at the outer limit of the State territorial waters and extends

to the edge of the U.S. continental shelf (NOTE: the continental shelf varies in distance). OSHA authority onthe OCS only applies to the sea floor or any structure attached thereto (it does not include the water above thesea floor, nor does it include vessels operating on the OCS).

APPROPRIATIONS ACT LIMITATIONS

Current appropriations legislation exempts small employers in relatively low-hazard industries from programmed("general schedule") OSHA inspections. For purposes of this appropriations exemption, a small employer is one thatemploys ten (10) or fewer employees. To qualify, the employer must be part of an industrial classification having aDays Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART) rate, as determined from the OSHA 300 Log, less than the nationalaverage rate for that industry most recently published by BLS. The exemption does NOT affect OSHA's authority to

Record or Document Retention Period

Safe practices manual Current document only

Depth-time profileUntil completion of the dive record; or if decompression sickness occurs during thedive, until completion of decompression-procedure assessment

Dive record 1 year; 5 years for records involving decompression sickness

Decompression procedureassessment evaluations

5 years

Equipment inspection andtesting records

Current entry or tag, unless the equipment is withdrawn from service (i.e., thenno retention requirement)

Hospitalization records 5 years



take action relating to occupational health hazards; employee complaints of unsafe or unhealthful workingconditions; fatalities, catastrophes, or imminent dangers; or investigations of discrimination under section 11(c) ofthe OSH Act. OSHA Directive CPL 02-00-051 provides information on the current status of this Congressionalexemption, while Appendix A to that instruction provides a list of industries with illness and injury rates currentlybelow the national average.

OSHA AND U.S. COAST GUARD AUTHORITY

INSPECTED VESSELS

Under a 1983 Memorandum of Understanding between OSHA and the U.S. Coast Guard, the occupational safety andhealth of seamen on inspected vessels is the exclusive responsibility of the U.S. Coast Guard. The U.S. Coast Guardhas safety and health authority over seamen working on an inspected vessel that is: (1) on the navigable waters ofthe U.S. (all U.S. Inland Waters and State territorial waters), and (2) owned in the U.S. and operated on the highseas (world-wide coverage).

OSHA has safety and health authority over working conditions of employees working on an inspected vessel, EXCEPTthe working conditions of seamen and the working conditions of divers when the dive location is on an inspectedvessel. Accordingly, the U.S. Coast Guard Commercial Diving Standard applies to diving operations when the divelocation is on an inspected vessel (i.e., when diving operations are conducted from an inspected vessel). For

inspected vessels, the OSHA standards most frequently involved are:

Longshoring operations under 29 CFR Part 1918 - Covers all employees (other than seamen) who are engaged

in longshoring operations or exposed to the hazards of such operations.

Shipyard employment under 29 CFR Part 1915 - Covers all employees (other than seamen, and divers when

the dive location is on an inspected vessel) who are engaged in shipbuilding, ship repair, or shipbreaking, orexposed to the hazards of such operations.

UNINSPECTED VESSELS

The U.S. Coast Guard has exercised limited authority and issued limited regulations over the safety and health ofemployees working on an uninspected vessel, i.e., vessels that are not inspected vessels or recreational vessels. Allof the following areas for uninspected vessels fall under the authority of the U.S. Coast Guard: fire extinguishers;life preservers and other lifesaving devices; flame arresters (backfire traps) on internal gas-driven engines; andventing of engine bilges and fuel tank compartment. Also, for commercial uninspected fishing industry vessels, theU.S. Coast Guard has issued various other requirements (46 CFR Part 28) dependent upon the type of vessel and thevessel's geographical area of operation (such as the vessel operates beyond the "boundary line").

OSHA has safety and health authority over an uninspected vessel for all occupational risks not covered by the U.S.

Coast Guard. The OSHA standards most frequently involved for uninspected vessels include:

Longshoring operations under 29 CFR Part 1918 - Covers all employees who are engaged in longshoring

operations or exposed to the hazards of such operations.

Shipyard employment under 29 CFR Part 1915 - Covers all employees who are engaged in shipbuilding, ship

repair, or ship breaking, or exposed to the hazards of such operations.

Commercial diving operations under 29 CFR Part 1910 - Covers all diving when the dive location is on an

uninspected vessel. This includes diving from an uninspected vessel and doing work on an inspected vessel;such as hull scrubbing, propeller change, hull repair, etc.

NOTE: When the dive location is on an inspected vessel, the U.S. Coast Guard Commercial Diving Operationsstandard applies.

UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY VESSELS

The U.S. Coast Guard exercises limited authority and has issued limited regulations (see 46 CFR Part 28) over thesafety and health of employees working on an uninspected commercial fishing industry vessel (see CPL 02-01-020,OSHA/U.S. Coast Guard Authority Over Vessels). Per 46 CFR Part 28, the following limits are defined by the U.S.

Coast Guard for uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels:

Fish processors of 5,000 tons or less (only one vessel, the F/V Phoenix Enterprise, is currently known to

exceed these limits; this vessel is an inspected vessel);



Fish tenders of 500 tons or less; and

Fishing vessels (all).

OSHA has safety and health authority over all employees, for all working conditions on an uninspected commercialfishing industry vessel that are not covered by the U.S. Coast Guard (see CPL 02-01-020, OSHA/U.S. Coast GuardAuthority Over Vessels). For uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels, the areas of OSHA coverage most

frequently involved are:

Uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels (see CPL 02-01-020, OSHA/U.S. Coast Guard Authority Over

Vessels) - Covers all employees who are engaged in work on uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels(fish processor vessels, fish tender vessels, and fishing vessels).

Longshoring operations under 29 CFR Part 1918 - Covers all employees who are engaged in longshoring

operations or exposed to the hazards of such operations.

Shipyard employment under 29 CFR Part 1915 - Covers all employees who are engaged in shipbuilding, ship

repair, or shipbreaking, or are exposed to the hazards of such operations.

Commercial diving operations under 29 CFR Part 1910 - Covers all diving when the dive location is on an

uninspected fishing industry vessel. This includes diving from an uninspected commercial fishing industryvessel when the divers are doing work on an inspected vessel (such as hull scrubbing, propeller change, hullrepair).

NOTE 1: When the dive location is on an inspected vessel, then the U.S. Coast Guard Commercial DivingOperations standard applies.

NOTE 2: For commercial fish processor vessels over 5,000 tons (inspected vessels), the U.S. Coast Guard hasauthority over seaman engaged in any work activity.

COMMERCIAL DIVING

The U.S. Coast Guard regulations for commercial diving operations are specified in 46 CFR, Chapter I, Part 197,

Subpart B. U.S. Coast Guard regulations state the following coverage:

At Deepwater Ports or the safety zone (to 5 nautical miles) thereof per 33 CFR Part 150.

From any artificial island, installation, or other device on the Outer Continental Shelf.

From all vessels that have a valid certificate of inspection (inspected vessels).

From any vessel engaged in activities related to Outer Continental Shelf lands.

OSHA covers commercial diving operations within OSHA's geographical authority when such operations are notcovered by the U.S. Coast Guard. As delineated in 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(2), OSHA exempts from coverage of thecommercial diving operations standard: SCUBA instructors conducting SCUBA air dives within the no-decompression limits; diving performed for search, rescue, and public safety purposes; human research divingsubjects; and scientific diving. To qualify for the scientific diving exemption, all of the requirements in 29 CFR1910.401(a)(2)(iv) and Appendix B to 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, must be met. More comprehensiveguidance regarding exclusions and exemptions from the commercial diving operations standard is provided inAppendix C of this instruction.

FEDERAL AND STATE AUTHORITY

Federal OSHA's commercial diving standard covers private-sector employers in federal enforcement States, andemployers who dive in association with maritime standards (i.e., shipyard employment, longshoring, and marineterminals) when these operations are not covered by a State with an OSHA-approved State-Plan State and localgovernment employees are covered by the commercial diving standard only in States with State-Plans.

Twenty-one States and one Territory have OSHA-approved State-Plans covering both private and public sectoremployment: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon,Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washingtonand Wyoming.



Three States and one Territory (Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and the U.S. Virgin Islands) have approved planscovering State and local government employment only.

California, Michigan, Oregon, and Washington have promulgated State diving standards which differ from the federalstandards. The other State-Plans have promulgated diving standards identical to the federal standards at 29 CFRPart 1910, Subpart T.

California, Minnesota, Vermont, and Washington cover certain private sector maritime operations (i.e., shore-basedshipyard employment and marine terminals) under their State-Plans. State coverage is set out in the text of thisdirective and in the appropriate subparts of 29 CFR Part 1952, and is generally limited to shore-based activities noton the navigable waters (graving docks and marine railways are part of navigable waters). For specific guidance,see section XV, paragraph 9(c) of this directive. Also, Oregon covers commercial diving from all shore-side locations(for definition of dive location see section XV, paragraph B.11), even in maritime operations such as shipyardemployment and marine terminals.

APPENDIX C: Exclusions and Exemptions fromOSHA's Commercial Diving Standard

This appendix provides a summary review of the history, scope, and application of exclusions and exemptions to 29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations. Federal Register notices relevant to the development ofthe original OSHA diving standard and the subsequent amendment for the scientific diving exemption are cited in thissummary; reference to these notices will provide for a more comprehensive understanding of the issues involved.

THE ORIGINAL COMMERCIAL DIVING STANDARD AND SCOPE OF OSHA's STATUTORY AUTHORITY

On July 22, 1977, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued finalpublic notice of the adoption of a permanent diving standard that became effective on October 20, 1977 (see FederalRegister notice 42 FR 37650). This original diving standard, 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T - Commercial DivingOperations, established mandatory occupational safety and health requirements for commercial diving operations.The standard applies wherever OSHA has statutory authority. Consequently, the standard covers commercial divingin any natural or artificial inland body of water, as well as diving along the coasts (i.e., State territorial waters) of theUnited States and its possessions listed in Section 4(a) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act (29 U.S.C.655 et al.). For coastal States and Territories, the State territorial waters extend three (3) nautical miles seawardfrom the general coastline at ordinary (mean) low water, except for the Gulf Coast of Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico,where the State territorial waters extend for nine (9) nautical miles from the general coastline at ordinary (mean)low water. For States bordering the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, all waters in the Great Lakes andassociated rivers, up to the international boundary line with Canada, are U.S. navigable waters (U.S. Inland Waters).

ORIGINAL EXCLUSIONS FROM OSHA's COMMERCIAL DIVING STANDARD

The original OSHA diving standard provided three specific exclusions which remain in effect as follows:

1. Instructional diving utilizing only open-circuit compressed air SCUBA within the no-decompression limits. OSHA concluded that a valid distinction existed between SCUBA diving instructorsand commercial divers which warranted an exclusion. The SCUBA diving instructor, who is an employee, isstudent oriented - not task oriented. The dive site is not determined by the location of a particular job as it isin commercial applications, where operations must of necessity be conducted under environmental conditionswhich are often adverse. The SCUBA diving instructor, by contrast, selects a location which is usually clear,shallow and warm. Indeed, a swimming pool is the dive site for most SCUBA diving instruction. Such divesare discontinued if the slightest difficulty occurs. SCUBA diving instructors do not utilize construction tools,handle explosives, or use welding or burning tools. As a result of these factors, SCUBA diving instructors arerarely exposed to adverse sea states, temperature extremes, great depths, poor visibility, or heavy workloads,some or all of which are common to the majority of commercial diving operations. However, OSHA took intoconsideration that some diving techniques and conditions pose greater potential hazards than others,regardless of the purpose of the dive. Thus, this exclusion for SCUBA diving instruction was limited to arestricted diving range, a particular diving mode, and specific equipment. The exclusion from the standardapplies only to instructional diving which uses open-circuit compressed air SCUBA and is conducted within theno-decompression limits. The standard defines no-decompression limits as the depth-time limits of the "no-decompression limits and repetitive dive group designation table for no-decompression air dives" of the U.S.Navy Diving Manual, or equivalent limits which the employer can demonstrate to be equally effective. Nodistinction per se is made between instructors of prospective recreational divers and instructors of prospectivecommercial divers. However, by its very nature, the training for commercial divers involves diving that issurface-supplied, uses mixed-gas as a breathing gas, requires decompression, often involves adverseenvironmental conditions, or involves the use of underwater tools and equipment; each of these factorspotentially increases the hazards of the operation. It is emphasized that when recreational diving instruction



exceeds the specified limits, the OSHA diving standard applies. It is noted that individuals engaged inrecreational diving for their own personal enjoyment, and not otherwise related to their respectiveemployments, are not within the authority of the OSH Act, and therefore are outside the scope of OSHA'sdiving standard. On the other hand, SCUBA diving for a commercial rather than instructional purpose iscovered by the OSHA diving standard, regardless of equipment or depth-time range.

2. Search, rescue, and related public-safety diving by or under the control of a governmental agency.OSHA received a number of comments from persons engaged in diving incidental to police and public-safetyfunctions, and the Agency concluded that an exclusion was appropriate for such applications. The purpose ofthe "by or under the control of a governmental agency" language is to make the exclusion applicable to alldivers whose purpose is to provide search, rescue, or public-safety diving services under the direction andcontrol of a governmental agency (such as local, State, or federal government) regardless of whether or notsuch divers are, strictly speaking, government employees. In excluding these search and rescue operations,OSHA determined that safety and health regulation of the police and related functions are best carried out bythe individual States or their political subdivisions. It is pointed out that this exclusion does not apply whenwork other than search, rescue, and related public-safety diving is performed (such as divers repairing apier). Diving contractors who occasionally perform emergency services, and who are not under the control ofa governmental agency engaging their services, do not come under this exclusion. Such divers may, however,be covered by the provision concerning application of the standard in an emergency (see 29 CFR 1910.401(b)).

3. Diving governed by the Protection of Human Subjects regulations of the Department of Health andHuman Services (HHS)(previously known as the Department of Health, Education and Welfare(HEW)) or equally effective rules or regulations of another federal agency. Diving operations whichare governed by 45 CFR Part 46 are not within the scope of OSHA's commercial diving standard. Suchoperations involve research and development or related scientific activities requiring human subjects andreceive HHS grants or contracts. Compliance with HHS regulations is mandatory for such employers orcontractors, and the regulations are designed to promote safety and health. Similarly, any other federalagency which adopts rules or regulations that are equally effective (i.e., similar in design, purpose, and effectto those of HHS) are covered by this exclusion. The exclusion is supported in the record on the grounds that itwould permit continued scientific research designed to extend the safe limits of diving physiology andtechnology. The long-term safety and health interests of divers are best served by this research, and suchdiving cannot reasonably be expected to comply in every respect with a standard that is designed to reflectcurrent commercial diving operational practice.

EMERGENCY PROVISION OF OSHA's COMMERCIAL DIVING STANDARD

The original OSHA diving standard also included a provision for emergency situations (see 29 CFR 1910.401(b)),which remains in effect, when the overriding consideration is the preservation of life and the protection of theenvironment as follows:

The "emergency provision" permits deviations from the requirements of OSHA's diving standard in situations wheredeath, serious physical harm, or major environmental damage is likely, but only to the extent that such action isimmediately necessary to prevent or minimize the harm. No exemption is provided by the emergency provision forsituations where purely economic or property damage is likely. Although temporarily exempt from substantiveportions of the standard that are inappropriate in such emergency situations, employers are required to notify thenearest OSHA Area Office within 48 hours. Further, upon the request of the Area Director, employers must submit arecord of the notification, with an indication and explanation of what deviations from the standard were taken as aresult of the emergency. This reporting requirement enables OSHA to monitor the use of this exemption.

NOTE: The emergency provision is not a substitute for the variances specified under Section 6(d) of the OSH Act.These variances permit alternative means of compliance that are not exemptions from a standard, and that affordemployees at least the same degree of protection that the standard provides; these variances typically address well-defined, non-emergency circumstances, and may be continuous. The emergency provision applies to unique,unplanned emergency circumstances for which diving services are sometimes needed on a temporary basis, thusmaking an OSHA variance unnecessary and inappropriate.

SCIENTIFIC DIVING EXEMPTION - BACKGROUND AND DEVELOPMENT

The original OSHA standard for commercial diving operations did not exempt diving performed solely forscientific research and development purposes. Subsequent to the publication of OSHA's original standard, theAgency received numerous requests from various individuals and organizations to reconsider the applicability of thestandard to educational/scientific diving. Proponents for exempting educational/scientific diving noted that it wascustomary for the educational/scientific diving community to follow well-established, consensual standards of safepractice. They pointed out that the first set of consensual diving standards was developed by the Scripps Institutionof Oceanography of the University of California in the early 1950s. Further, in 1973, diving safety boards andcommittees from ten major educational institutions involved in education/scientific diving met and accepted the



University of California "Guide for Diving Safety" as a minimum standard for their individual programs. Therefore, itwas contended that most diving programs at educational institutions were complying with this consensual standard,with limited modifications for regional and operational variations in diving, before the publication of the originalOSHA diving standard. The educational/scientific diving community pointed to their excellent safety record prior toOSHA's publication of a diving standard, and attributed their safety record to the effectiveness of self regulation bytheir community. Further, they noted that significant differences exist between educational/scientific diving andcommercial diving. The educational/scientific diver is an observer and data gatherer who chooses the work area anddiving conditions which will minimize environmental stresses, and maximize the safety and efficiency of gatheringdata. In contrast, it was noted that the commercial diver is an underwater construction worker, builder and troubleshooter whose work area and diving conditions are determined by the location and needs of the project.

Based on the concerns expressed by the educational/scientific diving community, on August 17, 1979, OSHApublished an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR)(see Federal Register notice 44 FR 48274) to obtainadditional information concerning which provisions of the OSHA diving standard were causing the most difficulty andwhat modifications to the standard should be considered. The responses to the ANPR, together with otherinformation and data contained in OSHA's commercial diving record, convinced the Agency that there was asignificant difference between educational/scientific diving and commercial diving; that the safety record of theeducational/scientific diving community represented evidence of its successful self-regulation; and, as a result, anexemption for educational/scientific diving might be justified. Accordingly, on March 26, 1982, OSHA published anotice of proposed rulemaking (see Federal Register notice 47 FR 13005) to exempt diving "performed solely formarine scientific research and development purposes by educational institutions" from the OSHA diving standard.Although it was proposed to exempt only educational institutions which perform scientific diving, in the notice ofproposed rulemaking OSHA requested responses to three specific questions in order to solicit data and informationfor determining if the exemption should include other segments of the scientific diving community. The originalcomment period for this notice of proposed rulemaking was May 10, 1982, however, on May 26, 1982, OSHApublished a notice (see Federal Register notice 47 FR 22972) extending the comment period as requested by theAmerican Academy of Underwater Sciences to June 18, 1982, and scheduled informal public hearings for June 29-30,1982, in Washington, D.C., and July 7-9, 1982, in Los Angeles, California. Following completion of the publichearings, the submission of post-hearing comments, and receipt of arguments and briefs relating to the hearingissues, the Administrative Law Judge certified the record on September 3, 1982.

Based on the overwhelming support from comments and hearing testimony, as well as other information containedin the record, OSHA concluded that an exemption was justified for all scientific diving, not just solely scientific divingperformed by educational institutions. Therefore, OSHA decided to broaden the exemption to include all segments ofthe scientific diving community. Based on the record, OSHA's exemption for scientific diving included specifiedconditions that scientific diving programs must meet before members of the scientific diving community may availthemselves of the exemption. On November 26, 1982, OSHA exempted scientific diving from coverage under 29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations, provided that the diving meets the Agency's definition ofscientific diving and is under the direction and control of a diving program utilizing a safety manual and a divingcontrol board meeting certain specified criteria (see Federal Register notice 47 FR 53357 and 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(2)(iv)).

The November 1982 scientific exemption was subsequently challenged by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters andJoiners (UBCJ) under Section 6(f) of the OSH Act. The union filed a petition for judicial review of the final ruleregarding the scientific exemption, and on April 4, 1984, the Court of Appeals issued a memorandum and court orderwhich required further action regarding this final rule. In compliance with the court's memorandum and order, OSHApublished a notice on July 18, 1984 (see Federal Register notice 49 FR 29105), that reopened the record, andrequired a determination of the interpretive guidelines that OSHA proposed to use in determining which enterprisesmay avail themselves of the exemption for scientific diving. Final action regarding this court order was concludedand published by OSHA on January 9, 1985 (see Federal Register notice 50 FR 1046), Commercial Diving Operations-Exemption for Scientific Diving - Final Guidelines. This notice established the final guidelines that OSHA uses, inconjunction with the exemption criteria contained in the final rule (see Federal Register notice 47 FR 53357 and 29CFR 1910.401(a)(2)(iv)), to determine whether a scientific diving program can avail itself of the exemption from theOSHA commercial diving standard. The absence of any factor specified in the guidelines (see Appendix B to 29 CFRPart 1910, Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations), or the final rule (see 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(2)(iv)), renders adiving program ineligible for the exemption.

SCIENTIFIC DIVING EXEMPTION - DISCUSSION OF APPLICABLE FINAL RULE AND GUIDELINES

The final rule at 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(2)(iv), which became effective on November 26, 1982, exempts any divingoperation which is defined as scientific diving that is under the direction and control of a diving program containingat least the following elements:

(A) Diving safety manual which includes at a minimum: Procedures covering all diving operations specific to theprogram; procedures for emergency care, including recompression and evacuation; and criteria for diver training andcertification.



(B) Diving control (safety) board, with the majority of its members being active divers, which shall at a minimumhave the authority to: approve and monitor diving projects; review and revise the diving safety manual; ensurecompliance with the manual; certify the depths to which a diver has been trained; take disciplinary action for unsafepractices; and assure adherence to the buddy system (a diver is accompanied by and is in continuous contact withanother diver in the water) for SCUBA diving.

In addition to the final rule, Appendix B to 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations, titled"Guidelines for Scientific Diving," became effective on January 9, 1985. This appendix provides guidelines that areused in conjunction with the final rule to determine those scientific diving programs that are exempt from OSHA'sdiving standard. The guidelines are as follows:

1. "The Diving Control (safety) Board consists of a majority of active scientific divers and has autonomous andabsolute authority over the scientific diving program's operations."

The first guideline concerns organizational structure. OSHA concluded that the organizational structure of thescientific diving community's consensual standard program is not only vital to the integrity of scientific divingprograms, but effectively serves to segregate scientific diving from commercial diving. The Diving ControlBoard required for scientific diving programs must contain several elements that distinguish the exemptscientific diving programs from commercial diving. These distinctive elements include absolute authority overdiving operations, the autonomy inherent in the Diving Control Board's decision making powers andresponsibilities, and peer review. OSHA's intent was for the Diving Control Board, primarily consisting of thedivers themselves, to regulate the diving activities in a manner consistent with that described by the scientificdiving community during the rulemaking process. Therefore, OSHA requires that Diving Control Boards havethis autonomous and absolute authority over scientific diving operations. OSHA also concluded that the peerreview system has successfully regulated scientific diving programs and, therefore, OSHA mandated that themajority of members of the Diving Control Board be active divers. OSHA's intent with respect to this "peerreview" was that the active divers required to make up the Diving Control Board would be scientists whoactively dive, since at issue was the control of a scientific program. Thus, OSHA will interpret the membershiprequirement as it was intended in the final rule. The "majority of active divers" on the Diving Control Boardalso must be scientists.

2. "The purpose of the project using scientific diving is the advancement of science; therefore, information anddata resulting from the project are non-proprietary."

The second guideline concerns the restricted purpose of the project. In part, the definition of scientific divingis "diving performed solely as a necessary part of a scientific, research, or educational activity" (see FederalRegister notice 47 FR 53365 and 29 CFR 1910.402). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) Diving Manual notes that "marine research using diving as a tool has been important in understandingthe ocean, its organisms, and its dynamic processes." Such diving includes the study of fish behavior,ecological surveys and benthic surveys (the aggregate of organisms living on or at the bottom of a body ofwater). Scientific diving is an adjunct used in the advancement of underwater science. For example,representatives from the scientific diving community noted during public hearings and in written comments"Our objective is to promote the advancement of science and the use of underwater methods," that "Researchand the furtherance of scientific knowledge are their (the divers) primary goals," results are "sharedworldwide," and further that coverage of the scientific diving community by 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T -Commercial Diving Operations, may cause "irreparable damage to the underwater scientific effort of the UnitedStates." Because the exemplary safety record, which led OSHA to promulgate the scientific exemption to 29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, was created by diving with the restricted purpose of advancing science, OSHAlimited the scope of the exemption to diving intended to advance science. OSHA recognizes that theadvancement of science cannot occur unless such studies are made available to contribute to and enhancescientific knowledge. Therefore, OSHA's intent was to restrict the exemption to scientific research dives thatresult in non-proprietary information, data, knowledge, or other work product. The requirement thatinformation be non-proprietary applies to scientific, research, and educational activities engaged in by scientificdivers. Material available to the public for review is non-proprietary, whether or not it is published; materialnot available for review is proprietary.

3. "The tasks of a scientific diver are those of an observer and data gatherer. Construction and trouble-shootingtasks traditionally associated with commercial diving are not included within scientific diving."

The third guideline concerns the tasks performed. The scientific diving definition in the standard states thatsuch diving must be done by employees whose sole purpose for diving is to perform scientific research tasks.Also contained in the definition is a list of those tasks that are traditionally considered commercial, withemphasis on construction and the use of construction tools (such as heavy equipment, power tools, explosives,welding equipment, burning equipment). As OSHA discussed in the final rule (see Federal Register notice 47FR 53357), a commercial diver is typically an underwater construction worker, builder, and troubleshooter; ascientific diver is an observer of natural phenomena or responses of natural systems, and a gatherer of datafor scientific analysis. The tasks performed by the scientific diver usually are light and short in duration; if any



hand tools are used, they are simple ones (such as a small hammer, collecting jars, special hand-heldmeasuring devices, plastic core tubes, hand net, suction fish collector, camera, or slate pencil). As wasindicated in a Federal Register notice (49 FR 29105), an example of task distinction might involve a scientificstudy of kelp. The construction of the kelp bed used in the project is not scientific diving since constructionactivities are commercial diving tasks; however, the consequent studies made of the kelp would be scientificdiving tasks. Another example of task distinction was provided in the discussion of the final guidelines (seeFederal Register notice 50 FR 1046). Lowering a large object into the water (such as the Project Aquariushabitat), even though a part of a scientific project, is not scientific diving. The special skills of an underwaterscientist, including observation and data-collection skills, do not contribute to the placement of a large objectunderwater. OSHA avoided the possibility of the exemption applying to scientific divers who undertake suchtasks while participating in a scientific research project by focusing the definition on the sole purpose of thedive (scientific research tasks), eliminating dives with mixed purposes, and further indicating typical examplesof what OSHA considers to be commercial tasks. It is noted that the scientific diving community supportedthis limited definition (see the amicus brief in United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners v.Department of Labor, No. 82-2509 (D.C. Cir. 1982)).

4. "Scientific divers, based on the nature of their activities, must use scientific expertise in studying theunderwater environment and, therefore, are scientists or scientists in training."

The fourth guideline concerns special qualifications. As was previously noted, a scientific diver is an observerand data gatherer involved in studying the underwater environment, its organisms and its dynamic processes,in order to promote underwater science. OSHA concluded, based on the nature of these activities, that thesedivers must be able to use scientific expertise in studying and analyzing the underwater environment.Consequently, OSHA requires these divers to be scientists or scientists in training. For example, a project tomap segments of the ocean floor might hire commercial divers to undertake certain mapping tasks. Thesecommercial divers are neither scientists nor scientists in training as prescribed by this guideline and, therefore,would not be eligible for the exemption. If, however, scientific expertise was needed to effectively accomplishtasks associated with the mapping (such as specialized geological knowledge), and a geologist trained as adiver performed the special geological tasks associated with the mapping, then such diving tasks would meetthis particular criterion. As stated previously, however, all program criteria and guidelines must be met inorder for this diving scenario to qualify for the exemption. In promulgating the exemption, OSHA rejectedusing credentials to determine who is a scientist. However, the Agency accepted the limitation that diverscovered by the exemption had to be scientists because this limitation reflects the scientific diving community'sunderwater activities, and it prevents obvious commercial diving from being construed as scientific diving.

APPENDIX D: No-Decompression Limits and Repetitive-Group Designation Table for No-DecompressionAir Dives

The information in this appendix (including the table on page D-3) was adapted from the U.S. Navy Diving Manual(Revision 5), Volume 2, Chapter 9 ("Air Decompression"), Section 9-7 ("Unlimited/No-Decompression Limits andRepetitive Group Designation Table for Unlimited/No-Decompression Air Dives").

The table (Table 9-7) at the end of this appendix serves three purposes. First, it shows that dives to 20 fsw andshallower have unlimited (no-decompression) bottom times. Second, it summarizes all the depth and bottom-timecombinations for which the no-decompression limits apply. Third, it provides the repetitive-group designation foreach of these dives. Any dive to 25 fsw or deeper that has a bottom time greater than the no-decompression limitsprovided in this table is a decompression dive, and must comply with the appropriate air decompression table.

Even though decompression is not required when diving within the no-decompression limits listed in the table, somenitrogen remains in the diver's tissues for up to 12 hours following an air dive. Consideration must be give to thisresidual nitrogen in the divers tissues when calculating decompression for subsequent (i.e., repetitive) dives.

Each depth listed in the table has a corresponding no-decompression limit listed in minutes. This limit is themaximum bottom time that a diver can spend at that depth without requiring decompression. Use the columns tothe right of the column marked "No-Decompression Limits (min)" to obtain the repetitive-group designation. Arepetitive-group designation must be assigned to a diver after every dive. To find repetitive-group designations,follow these steps:

1. Enter the table at the depth equal to, or next greater than, the maximum depth of the dive.

NOTE: 2 fsw is added to the recorded maximum depth of the dive.

2. Follow that row to the right to the bottom time equal to, or just greater than, the actual bottom time of thedive.



NOTE: Seconds of time are rounded to the next greater minute of time.

3. Follow the column up to the repetitive-group designation.

Example. The employer wants a diver to conduct a brief inspection of the work site, located at a depth of 152fsw. Determine the maximum no-decompression limit (bottom time) and the repetitive-group designation forthe diver.

1. Locate the dive depth in the column marked "Depth (feet/meters)." Since no entry is provided for 154 (152+2) fsw, round the depth to the next deepest depth shown in the column (i.e., 160 fsw).

2. Move horizontally across the table to find the maximum no-decompression limit in the column marked "No-Decompression Limits (min)." The maximum no-decompression limit for this depth is 5 minutes. Therefore,to avoid decompression, the diver must descend to 152 fsw, make the inspection, and begin the ascent within5 minutes of leaving the surface.

3. To find the repetitive-group designation for this dive, move horizontally to the right of the 160-fsw entry in the"Depth (feet/meters)" column to the figure "5" under the columns marked "Group Designation" ("5" representsthe 5-minute bottom time for this dive). Then move upwards in this column to the letter ("D") at the top ofthe column. "D" is the repetitive-group designation for this dive.

NOTE: This table, "Unlimited/No-Decompression Limits and Repetitive Group Designation Table forUnlimited/No-Decompression Air Dives" is based on an ascent rate of 60 feet per minute or 1 foot per second.



This table is from the U.S. Navy Diving Manual (Revision 5).

APPENDIX E: Requirements and Duties of a Diver Tender

Requirements for Tending a Diver

The term "tending" a diver is addressed in 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations, as follows:

29 CFR 1910.424(b)(3) requires SCUBA divers to be line-tended against currents exceeding one (1) knot.

NOTE: This requirement applies even when one diver is accompanied by another diver. One surface-tendingline (safety line) is sufficient provided that the two divers are connected via a "buddy-line."

29 CFR 1910.424(b)(4) and 1910.424(c)(3) require SCUBA divers to be line-tended when they are in an

enclosed or physically confining space, and, a diver must be stationed at the underwater point of entry to the



enclosed or physically confining space.

29 CFR 1910.424(c)(2) requires SCUBA divers to be either line-tended from the surface, or accompanied by

another diver in the water who is in continuous visual contact with the SCUBA diver during the divingoperation.

29 CFR 1910.425(c)(1) requires that each diver be continuously tended during surface-supplied air dives of

100 fsw or less.

29 CFR 1910.425(c)(4) requires that a separate dive-team member tend each diver in the water during

surface-supplied air dives deeper than 100 fsw or that exceed the no-decompression limits.

29 CFR 1910.426(c)(1) requires that a separate dive-team member shall tend each diver in the water for all

mixed-gas diving.

Duties of a Diver Tender

The following discussion details the duties of a diver tender for a surface-supplied diving operation.

The duties of a tender are to: assist the diver with donning and checking equipment; continuously tend the diver'sumbilical during water entry/exit; continuously tend the diver's umbilical and be aware of the diver's depth andlocation, at all times while the diver is in the water; assist the diver in undressing; and continually monitor the diverafter completion of the dive as directed by the DPIC (i.e., designated person-in-charge; commonly referred to as thediving supervisor)(NOTE: the diver normally is monitored for a minimum period of ten minutes following a dive).The tender shall not be assigned any task other than tending the diver, unless specifically directed to do otherwise

by the DPIC and properly relieved as tender by another dive-team member. Specifically, the diver tender:

Assists the diver in donning diver-worn equipment. The following is a typical dressing procedure for surface-

supplied diving operations:

- Don diving dress (such as a wet suit, dry suit, hot-water suit, or chaffing garment).

- Don diver's harness, secure, and adjust.

- If weighted diving shoes or ankle weights are used, they are placed on the diver by the tenderand secured.

- Don neckring and secure if helmet is to be used.

- Don and adjust weight belt.

- Secure knife to belt, leg, or arm per diver's preference.

- With the diver or a second dive-team member holding the mask or helmet, secure theemergency gas cylinder (when used).

- Don mask or helmet and secure mask harness or helmet clamp.

- Secure the umbilical assembly to harness.

- After properly dressing the diver, ensure that all equipment is functioning properly, and informthe DPIC that the diver is ready.

When the diver is ready to dive, the tender directs and assists the diver from the dressing area to the water-

entry point (such as an inwater stage, ladder, or ramp). The tender always keeps one hand on the umbilicalclose to the diver, and the other hand on the diver's helmet or body harness, while assisting the diver duringwater entry (i.e., maintains positive control of the diver to check the diver should the diver slip or begin tofall).

As the diver enters the water, the tender handles the umbilical. The tender must be careful to keep the diver's

umbilical away from sharp edges, rotating machinery, and other hazards that could result in damage to orfouling of the umbilical. The umbilical must never be allowed to run free or be secured around a cleat, bitt, orother object. The tender must pay out the umbilical at a steady rate to permit the diver to enter the watersmoothly and in a controlled manner (i.e., the tender must hold the umbilical tightly enough to check a fall orslip, but allow sufficient slack for the diver to move freely).



When ready to leave the surface, the diver communicates by voice (such as "Leaving the surface") via the

diver's intercom with the DPIC or the dive-team member assigned as the diver's phone-talker, and by usingline-pull signals with the tender. The tender then notifies the DPIC that the diver has left the surface. TheDPIC is responsible for maintaining the diving logs and records, and keeping track of the diver's bottom timefor each dive conducted. When a descending line is used by the diver, the tender should handle the umbilicalfrom a point at least ten feet from the descending line. When an inwater stage is being used, the tender mustcoordinate with the stage winch operator or line handlers to ensure a smooth descent for the diver.

During the dive, the tender must be alert for, and immediately report to the DPIC, conditions or situations that

may be hazardous or unsafe to the diving operations.

During the dive, the tender must maintain continuous, positive control of the umbilical by having at least one

hand on the umbilical at all times, and never allowing it to run free or be secured around a cleat, bitt, or otherobject. The tender also must control the diver's rate of descent by keeping excess slack out of the umbilical,and track the diver's relative position by continuously monitoring the tautness and location of the umbilical,direction and movement of surface bubbles, and the diver's depth (by using a pneumofathometer).Throughout the dive, the tender must keep slack out of the umbilical while at the same time holding it taut,but not so taut as to interfere with the ability of the diver to work. Two or three feet of slack will permit thediver freedom of movement, while preventing the diver from being pulled off his/her feet by surging of thesupport craft or the force of any current acting on the umbilical. Occasionally, the tender should "fish" thediver by drawing in gently on the short slack until the tender senses the weight of the diver, and then pay outseveral feet of slack to the diver. This procedure ensures that movement by the diver has not resulted inexcessive slack. Too much slack in the line will make signaling difficult, hinder the tender from catching afalling diver, and increase the possibility of fouling the umbilical. When the diver is underwater, umbilical line-pull signals are the only communications link with the diver if the intercom fails; therefore, the tender mustalways hold the diver's umbilical firmly with at least one hand to receive the line-pull signals.

To detect a diver's line-pull signals during the dive, the tender must monitor the umbilical using at least one

hand, and monitor by sight any descending line or marker buoy used by the diver. As directed by the DPIC,the tender communicates with the diver using the diver's intercom. Periodically, the tender should seek a"Diver okay" acknowledgement from the diver by voice communication or by using line-pull signals (such assending the diver one line-pull signal and receiving one line-pull signal). Line-pull signals consist of a series ofsharp, distinct pulls, strong enough for the diver or tender to detect, but not so strong as to pull the diveraway from work. When communications are lost with the diver via the intercom (such as a bad connection orflooded mask), line-pull signals provide the only available communications with the diver; therefore, line-pullsignals must be maintained continuously during the dive by keeping at least one hand on the umbilical. In theevent that a diver does not respond to any voice or line-pull signal communications, it should be repeated. Ifthe diver still does not respond to voice or line-pull signal communications, or responds incorrectly, the DPICshall terminate the dive as required by 29 CFR 1910.422(i).

Throughout the dive, the tender constantly monitors the diver's progress and keeps track of the diver's relative

position by:

- Watching and tracking the diver's exhaust bubbles. For example, bubbles surfacing in a singlelocation indicate that the diver is working in place, while bubbles moving in a regular patternindicate that the diver is searching the bottom. Bubbles moving rapidly in a straight line in onedirection could mean that the diver has fallen.

- Using the hands to monitor the line-pull signals on the umbilical (discussed above).

- Watching the pneumofathometer pressure gauge to keep track of the operating depth. Thegauge provides a direct reading (without the need to add air to the gauge) when the diver remainsat a constant depth or ascends. However, when the diver descends, the pneumofathometer hosemust be cleared by adding air before making a new reading.

- Monitoring the gauges on powered equipment and other cues. For example, the ammeter on anelectric-welding unit will indicate a power drain when the arc is in use, and the gas-pressuregauges for a gas torch will register fuel flow. Additionally, the "pop" made by a gas torch beinglighted probably will be audible over the diver intercom, and bubbles from the torch will break onthe surface, releasing small quantities of smoke.

- Detecting vibrations in the air-powered lines of pneumatic tools.

The tender must monitor the diver's activity continually. For example, the tender can frequently evaluate the

diver's exertion by counting the number of breaths the diver takes per minute. In this regard, experienced



tenders know the diver's normal breathing rate. A significant increase in the diver's breathing rate mayindicate an over exertion situation. When necessary, the tender advises the DPIC to stop the diver's work,allow the diver to rest, and ventilate the diver's mask or helmet.

When the diver leaves the bottom, he/she notifies topside by voice ("Leaving the bottom") via the diver's

intercom with the DPIC or the dive-team member assigned as the diver's phone-talker, and by line-pull signalswith the tender. The tender then notifies the DPIC that the diver has left the bottom. During surfacing, thetender closely monitors and controls the diver's rate of ascent as directed by the DPIC.

When the dive is complete and the diver is ready to leave the water, the tender: assists the diver to the

water-exit point (such as an inwater stage, ladder, ramp); keeps excess slack out of the umbilical while thediver is lifted by stage to the deck; maintains a taut-tension on the umbilical while the diver climbs the ladder;and provides assistance as requested by the diver when the diver exits by other means. When the diverreturns to the dive location, the tender always keeps his/her hands on the umbilical close to the diver and onthe diver's helmet or body harness (i.e., positive control of the diver) while assisting the diver to thederigging/undressing area.

Other duties that are assigned commonly to the diver tender during commercial diving operations include:

As directed by the DPIC, assemble and test the diving equipment (such as an air-compressor, high-pressure

cylinders, umbilical assembly, diver-worn equipment, communications equipment) and related supportequipment (such as a welding generator and equipment, or cutting equipment).

When no decompression chamber is at the diving station and the DPIC so directs, contact the nearest

operational decompression-chamber facility to verify and confirm chamber availability.

When a decompression chamber is available at the diving station and as directed by the DPIC, ensure that the

decompression chamber is clean, properly outfitted, and ready for use.

Assist in topside work as required, or as specifically directed by the DPIC, during the dive (such as lower or

retrieve tools and equipment for the diver, bleed moisture from diver's air-supply volume tank).

NOTE: When directed by the DPIC to perform other specific tasks while the diver is underwater, the tendermust be able to continuously tend the diver while performing the tasks. If not, the tender must be relievedproperly as the tender by another dive-team member. The DPIC is allowed to relieve the tender and performthe tender's duties for short periods of time while the tender performs the assigned tasks.

Perform routine maintenance and repair of diving equipment as directed by the DPIC.

When qualified, and as directed by the DPIC, operate a decompression chamber for surface decompression or

emergency treatment.

APPENDIX F: International Code Flag "A" ("Alpha" Flag)

29 CFR 1910.421(h) Warning signal. When diving from surfaces other than vessels in areas capable of supportingmarine traffic, a rigid replica of the international code flag "A" at least one meter in height shall be displayed at thedive location in a manner which allows all-round visibility, and shall be illuminated during night diving operations.



Color: White and Blue (notched portion)International Code Flag "A": Alfa;Diver below (when stationary);

Keep clear.

APPENDIX G: OSHA Injury and Illness Reporting and Recordkeeping

REPORTING. Under 29 CFR 1904.39 Reporting fatalities and multiple hospitalization incidents to OSHA, employersare required to report any occupational fatality or incident involving inpatient hospitalization of three (3) or moreemployees within eight (8) hours of the incident. The report must include the following information: companyname; location and time of the incident; number of fatalities or hospitalized employees; contact person for thecompany; phone number(s) for the company contact person; and, a brief description of the incident.

NOTE: States operating under OSHA-approved safety and health plans have injury and illness recordkeeping andreporting regulations comparable to those of Federal OSHA (for the names of these States, see the section titledFederal and State Authority in Appendix B of this instruction). State Plans may have different rules coveringrecordkeeping exemptions (see the section titled Recordkeeping below), procedures for reporting of fatalities andhospitalizations, record retention, and other procedural requirements. Employers conducting activities within aState-Plan State must comply with the requirements of that State Plan, and must report fatalities and multipleinjuries to the appropriate State agency.

Reporting is required by employers who have employees aboard vessels (such as ships and barges), or on off-shoreoil rigs and platforms when such vessels or rigs and platforms are located on or within navigable U.S. waterways and

State territorial waters.

State territorial waters extend three (3) nautical miles from the general coastline at ordinary (mean) low water

for all States and U.S. Territories except: Texas, Puerto Rico, and the Gulf Coast of Florida, which extendnine (9) nautical miles from the general coastline at ordinary (mean) low water; and the Great Lakes and St.Lawrence Seaway States where the U.S. Inland "navigable waters" include all waters up to the internationalboundary line with Canada.

Reporting to OSHA is required when the incident occurs within OSHA's authority, regardless of which federal

agency regulates the working conditions.

Determination of geographical authority shall be based on the location of the employee at the time of the

incident.

Exemptions from fatality and multiple-hospitalization reporting do not exist. Although exemptions apply for

some illness and injury recordkeeping requirements (such as employers with 10 or less employees, and "low-hazard" industries), these exemptions do not apply to the requirement to report fatality and multi-hospitalization incidents to OSHA.

Employers must report fatalities and multiple hospitalizations by telephone or in person to the nearest OSHA

Area Office, or by using OSHA's toll-free hotline at 1-800-321-OSHA. The caller making the accident report



must talk directly to a person at OSHA (i.e., they cannot leave a message on the phone, send a fax, or sendan e-mail).

RECORDKEEPING. Employers, including employers covered by 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, must establish andretain the employee illness and injury records required by 29 CFR Part 1904. As specified by 29 CFR 1904.31,employees include temporary employees (such as employees hired from temporary-employment agencies or leasingcompanies) who are not on an employer's payroll but whom the employer supervises on a day-to-day basis.

OSHA exempts the following employers from some of these illness and injury recordkeeping requirements: (1)employers who had no more than 10 employees (including temporary employees) at any time during the lastcalendar year (see 29 CFR 1904.1); or (2) employers classified in "low-hazard" industries specified by 29 CFR

1904.2. Nevertheless, even these exempted employers must comply with the following recordkeeping requirements:

Under 29 CFR 1904.39, report any work-related fatality or the inpatient hospitalization of three (3) or more

employees resulting from a single work-related incident; and

Maintain a log of occupational injuries and illnesses under 29 CFR Part 1904, and make reports under 29 CFR

1904.41 and 1904.42 upon being notified in writing by OSHA or the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics of havingbeen selected to participate in a survey of occupational injuries and illnesses.

DIVING INDUSTRY REPORTING AND RECORDKEEPING. The North American Industrial Classification System(NAICS) Code for "Diving Services on a Contract or Fee Basis" is 561990 (previously SIC 7389). This classification ispart of NAICS Code 56199 "All Other Support Services," which is defined as a "low-hazard" industry. Therefore, adiving company with a primary NAICS Code 561990 is exempted from most OSHA recordkeeping requirements under29 CFR 1904.2 (NOTE: Minnesota and Puerto Rico do not allow this "low-hazard" industry exemption). A companythat performs diving, but has multiple NAICS Codes and is classified under a primary NAICS Code other than561990, will be subject to all OSHA recordkeeping requirements if not covered by an exemption (such as employs10 or fewer employees, or is a "low-hazard" industry). The primary NAICS Code is defined as the major workfunction or process performed by the establishment. OSHA may challenge the company's assignment of a primaryNAICS Code if it appears that such an NAICS Code assignment was made erroneously or arbitrarily.

For diving companies under primary NAICS Code 561990, the following reporting and recordkeeping requirements

apply:

Must report to OSHA within eight (8) hours any work-related accident, occurring within OSHA's geographical

authority, that results in a fatality or the hospitalization of three (3) or more employees.

Must comply with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.2 Posting of notice; availability of the Act, regulations and

applicable standards.

Must comply with the recordkeeping requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1020 Access to employee exposure and

medical records (in 1996, 29 CFR 1910.20 was redesignated as 29 CFR 1910.1020).

Must comply with any recordkeeping and reporting requirements specified by other OSHA occupational safety

and health standards (such as the recordkeeping requirements specified by 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, -Commercial Diving Operations).

If notified by OSHA in writing, must participate in OSHA's Annual Occupational Injury and Illness Survey.

Participation in this survey involves maintaining a log of occupational injuries and illnesses under 29 CFR1904.4 (OSHA 300 Log) and making reports under 29 CFR 1904.41.

If the employer receives a Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Form from the Bureau of Labor

Statistics (BLS), or a BLS designee, the employer must promptly complete the form and return it following theinstructions contained on the survey form and as specified by 29 CFR 1904.42.

For diving companies under primary NAICS Code 561990, the following reporting and recordkeeping requirements

do not apply:

Requirement per 29 CFR 1904.4 to maintain a log and summary of all recordable occupational injuries and

illnesses at each of its establishments (OSHA 300 Log, or equivalent).

Requirement per 29 CFR 1904.29 to complete a supplemental record for each occupational injury or illness

that occurs at each of its establishments (OSHA 301 Incident Report, or equivalent).



Requirement per 29 CFR 1904.29 to post an annual summary of occupational injuries and illnesses for each of

its establishments.

APPENDIX H: Comparison of Requirements for the Primary Diving Modes

APPENDIX I: Checklist for Commercial Diving Operations

Symbols:

Knot = 1 nautical mile per hour fsw = feet of sea water < = less thanNo-D = no-decompression limits DPIC = Designated Person In Charge > = greater than

Requirements SCUBA Surface-supplied Air Mixed-Gas

Limits

Maximum depth = 130fsw; >1 knot thenline-tended; enclosedspace then linetended.

Maximum depth = 190fsw; except for dives<30 minutes, may diveup to 220 fsw.

Not Applicable.

Tender

Either line-tendedfrom surface or byanother diver incontinual visualcontact.

&Continually tended atall depths; 1 tender perdiver when >100 fsw or>no-D.

1 tender per diver.1 diver in bell as tender.

Standby Yes >100 fsw or >no-D. Yes

Diver-CarriedReserve

Yes (manual reserveor independentreserve cylinder).

>100 fsw or >no-D.

No direct ascent(except heavy gear andno space).

>100 fsw or >no-D.

No direct ascent (exceptheavy gear and no space).

Dive-LocationReserve

Not applicable. >100 fsw or >no-D. Yes

Inwater Stage Not applicable. Heavy gear.Heavy gear >100 fsw or>no-D (if no bell).

Chamber >100 fsw or >no-D. >100 fsw or >no-D. Yes

Bell Not applicable.

Open or closed bell>120 minutes (exceptheavy gear andconfined space).

Open or closed bell >220fsw or >120 minutes(except heavy gear andconfined space). Closed bell>300 fsw (except confinedspace).

Communications Emergency assistance.

Emergency assistance.Between diver and divelocation, diver and bell,bell and dive location.

Emergency assistance.Between diver and divelocation, diver and bell, belland dive location.

MiscellaneousDiver at point ofconfined space entry.Require DPIC.

Diver at point ofconfined space entry.For heavy gear needextra hose at divelocation.

Require DPIC.

Diver at point of confinedspace entry. For heavy gearneed extra hose at divelocation. Require DPIC.

1910.410 QUALIFICATIONS OF DIVE TEAM. Comments/Remarks/Notes

(a) General.

(1) Each dive-team member shall have the



experience or training necessary to perform assignedtasks in a safe and healthful manner.

(2) Each dive-team member shall have experience ortraining in the following:

(i) The use of tools, equipment and systems relevantto assigned tasks;

(ii) Techniques of the assigned diving mode; and

(iii) Diving operations and emergency procedures.

(3) All dive-team members shall be trained incardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid (AmericanRed Cross standard course or equivalent).

(4) Dive-team members who are exposed to orcontrol the exposure of others to hyperbaricconditions shall be trained in diving-related physicsand physiology.

(b) Assignments.

(1) Each dive-team member shall be assigned tasksin accordance with the employee's experience ortraining, except that limited additional tasks may beassigned to an employee undergoing trainingprovided that these tasks are performed under thedirect supervision of an experienced dive-teammember.

(2) The employer shall not require a dive-teammember to be exposed to hyperbaric conditionsagainst the employee's will, except when necessary tocomplete decompression or treatment procedures.

(3) The employer shall not permit a dive-teammember to dive or be otherwise exposed tohyperbaric conditions for the duration of anytemporary physical impairment or condition which isknown to the employer and is likely to affectadversely the safety or health of a dive-teammember.

(c) Designated person-in-charge.

(1) The employer or an employee designated by theemployer shall be at the dive location in charge of allaspects of the diving operation affecting the safetyand health of dive-team members.

(2) The designated person-in-charge shall haveexperience and training in the conduct of theassigned diving operation.

1910.420 SAFE PRACTICES MANUAL. Comments/Remarks/Notes

(a) General. The employer shall develop andmaintain a safe practices manual which shall be madeavailable at the dive location to each dive-teammember.

(1) The safe practices manual shall contain a copy ofthis standard and the employer's policies forimplementing the requirements of this standard [29CFR Part 1910, Subpart T].

(2) For each diving mode engaged in, the safepractices manual shall include:



(i) Safety procedures and checklists for divingoperations;

(ii) Assignments and responsibilities of the dive-teammembers;

(iii) Equipment procedures and checklists; and

(iv) Emergency procedures for fire, equipment failure,adverse environmental conditions, and medical illnessand injury.

1910.421 PRE-DIVE PROCEDURES. Comments/Remarks/Notes

(a) General. The employer shall comply with thefollowing requirements prior to each diving operation,unless otherwise specified.

(b) Emergency aid. A list shall be kept at the divelocation of the telephone or call numbers of thefollowing:

(1) An operational decompression chamber (if not atthe dive location);

(2) Accessible hospitals;

(3) Available physicians;

(4) Available means of transportation; and

(5) The nearest U.S. Coast Guard Rescue CoordinationCenter.

(c) First aid supplies.

(1) A first aid kit appropriate for the diving operationand approved by a physician shall be available at thedive location.

(2) When used in a decompression chamber or bell,the first aid kit shall be suitable for use underhyperbaric conditions.

(3) In addition to any other first aid supplies, anAmerican Red Cross standard first aid handbook orequivalent, and a bag-type manual resuscitator withtransparent mask and tubing shall be available at thedive location.

(d) Planning and assessment. Planning of a divingoperation shall include an assessment of the safetyand health aspects of the following:

(1) Diving mode;

(2) Surface and underwater conditions and hazards;

(3) Breathing-gas supply (including reserves);

(4) Thermal protection;

(5) Diving equipment and systems;

(6) Dive-team assignments and physical fitness ofdive-team members (including any impairmentsknown to the employer);

(7) Repetitive dive designation or residual inert-gas



status of dive-team members;

(8) Decompression and treatment procedures(including altitude corrections); and

(9) Emergency procedures.

(e) Hazardous activities. To minimize hazards tothe dive-team, diving operations shall be coordinatedwith other activities in the vicinity which are likely tointerfere with the diving operation.

(f) Employee briefing.

(1) Dive-team members shall be briefed on:

(i) The tasks to be undertaken;

(ii) Safety procedures for the diving mode;

(iii) Any unusual hazards or environmental conditionslikely to affect the safety of the diving operation; and

(iv) Any modifications to operating proceduresnecessitated by the specific diving operation.

(2) Prior to making individual dive-team memberassignments, the employer shall inquire into the dive-team member's current state of physical fitness, andindicate to the dive-team member the procedure forreporting physical problems or adverse physiologicaleffects during and after the dive.

(g) Equipment inspection. The breathing-gassupply system including reserve breathing-gassupplies, masks, helmets, thermal protection, and bellhandling mechanism (when appropriate) shall beinspected prior to each dive.

(h) Warning signal. When diving from surfacesother than vessels in areas capable of supportingmarine traffic, a rigid replica of the international codeflag "A" at least one meter in height shall be displayedat the dive location in a manner which allows all-roundvisibility, and shall be illuminated during night divingoperations.

1910.422 PROCEDURES DURING DIVE. Comments/Remarks/Notes

(a) General. The employer shall comply with thefollowing requirements which are applicable to eachdiving operation unless otherwise specified.

(b) Water entry and exit.

(1) A means capable of supporting the diver shall beprovided for entering and exiting the water.

(2) The means provided for exiting the water shallextend below the water surface.

(3) A means shall be provided to assist an injureddiver from the water or into a bell.

(c) Communications.

(1) An operational two-way voice communicationsystem shall be used between:

(i) Each surface-supplied air or mixed-gas diver and a



dive-team member at the dive location or bell (whenprovided or required); and

(ii) The bell and the dive location.

(2) An operational, two-way communication systemshall be available at the dive location to obtainemergency assistance.

(d) Decompression tables. Decompression,repetitive, and no-decompression tables (asappropriate) shall be at the dive location.

(e) Dive profiles. A depth-time profile, includingwhen appropriate any breathing-gas changes, shall bemaintained for each diver during the dive includingdecompression.

(f) Hand-held power tools and equipment.

(1) Hand-held electrical tools and equipment shall bede-energized before being placed into or retrievedfrom the water.

(2) Hand-held power tools shall not be supplied withpower from the dive location until requested by thediver.

(g) Welding and burning.

(1) A current supply switch to interrupt the currentflow to the welding or burning electrode shall be:

(i) Tended by a dive-team member in voicecommunication with the diver performing the weldingor burning.

(ii) Kept in the open position except when the diver iswelding or burning.

(2) The welding machine frame shall be grounded.

(3) Welding and burning cables, electrode holders, andconnections shall be capable of carrying the maximumcurrent required by the work, and shall be properlyinsulated.

(4) Insulated gloves shall be provided to diversperforming welding and burning operations.

(5) Prior to welding or burning on closedcompartments, structures or pipes, which contain aflammable vapor or in which a flammable vapor maybe generated by the work, they shall be vented,flooded, or purged with a mixture of gases which willnot support combustion.

(h) Explosives.

(1) Employers shall transport, store, and useexplosives in accordance with this section and theapplicable provisions of 29 CFR 1910.109 and 29 CFR1926.912.

(2) Electrical continuity of explosive circuits shall notbe tested until the diver is out of the water.

(3) Explosives shall not be detonated while the diver isin the water.

(i) Termination of dive. The working interval of adive shall be terminated when:

(1) A diver requests termination;



(2) A diver fails to respond correctly tocommunications or signals from a dive-team member;

(3) Communications are lost and cannot be quickly re-established between the diver and a dive-teammember at the dive location, and between thedesignated person-in-charge and the personcontrolling the vessel in liveboating operations; or

(4) A diver begins to use diver-carried reservebreathing gas or the dive-location reserve breathinggas.

1910.423 POST-DIVE PROCEDURES. Comments/Remarks/Notes

(a) General. The employer shall comply with thefollowing requirements which are applicable after eachdiving operation, unless otherwise specified.

(b) Precautions.

(1) After the completion of any dive, the employershall:

(i) Check the physical condition of the diver;

(ii) Instruct the diver to report any physical problemsor adverse physiological effects including symptoms ofdecompression sickness;

(iii) Advise the diver of the location of adecompression chamber which is ready for use; and

(iv) Alert the diver to the potential hazards of flyingafter diving.

(2) For any dive outside the no-decompression limits,deeper than 100 fsw or using mixed-gas as abreathing mixture, the employer shall instruct thediver to remain awake and in the vicinity of thedecompression chamber which is at the dive locationfor at least one hour after the dive (includingdecompression or treatment as appropriate).

(c) Recompression capability.

(1) A decompression chamber capable ofrecompressing the diver at the surface to a minimumof 165 fsw (6 ATA) shall be available at the divelocation for:

(i) Surface-supplied air diving to depths deeper than100 fsw and shallower than 220 fsw;

(ii) Mixed-gas diving shallower than 300 fsw; or

(iii) Diving outside the no-decompression limitsshallower than 300 fsw.

(2) A decompression chamber capable ofrecompressing the diver at the surface to themaximum depth of the dive shall be available at thedive location for dives deeper than 300 fsw.

(3) The decompression chamber shall be:

(i) Dual-lock;

(ii) Multi-place; and



(iii) Located within 5 minutes of the dive location.

(4) The decompression chamber shall be equippedwith:

(i) A pressure gauge for each pressurizedcompartment designed for human occupancy;

(ii) A built-in-breathing-system with a minimum ofone mask per occupant;

(iii) A two-way voice communication system betweenoccupants and a dive-team member at the divelocation;

(iv) A viewport; and

(v) Illumination capability to light the interior.

(5) Treatment tables, treatment gas appropriate tothe diving mode, and sufficient gas to conducttreatment shall be available at the dive location.

(6) A dive-team member shall be available at the divelocation during and for at least one hour after the diveto operate the decompression chamber (whenrequired or provided).

(d) Record of dive.

(1) The following information shall be recorded andmaintained for each diving operation:

(i) Names of dive-team members including thedesignated person-in-charge;

(ii) Date, time, and location;

(iii) Diving modes used;

(iv) General nature of work performed;

(v) Approximate underwater and surface conditions(visibility, water temperature and current); and

(vi) Maximum depth and bottom time for each diver.

(2) For each dive outside the no-decompression limits, deeper than 100 fsw or usingmixed-gas, the following additional information shallbe recorded and maintained:

(i) Depth-time and breathing-gas profiles;

(ii) Decompression table designation (includingmodification); and

(iii) Elapsed time since last pressure exposure if lessthan 24 hours or repetitive dive designation for eachdiver.

(3) For each dive in which decompression sickness issuspected or symptoms are evident, the followingadditional information shall be recorded andmaintained:

(i) Description of decompression sickness symptoms(including depth and time of onset); and



(ii) Description and results of treatment.

(e) Decompression procedure assessment. Theemployer shall:

(1) Investigate and evaluate each incident ofdecompression sickness based on the recordedinformation, consideration of the past performance ofthe decompression table used, and individualsusceptibility;

(2) Take appropriate corrective action to reduce theprobability of recurrence of decompression sickness;and

(3) Prepare a written evaluation of thedecompression procedure assessment, including anycorrective action taken, within 45 days of the incidentof decompression sickness.

1910.424 SCUBA DIVING. Comments/Remarks/Notes

(a) General. Employers engaged in SCUBA divingshall comply with the following requirements, unlessotherwise specified.

(b) Limits. SCUBA diving shall not be conducted:

(1) At depths deeper than 130 fsw;

(2) At depths deeper than 100 fsw or outside the no-decompression limits unless a decompression chamberis ready for use;

(3) Against currents exceeding one (1) knot unlessline-tended; or

(4) In enclosed or physically confining spaces unlessline-tended.

(c) Procedures.

(1) A standby diver shall be available while a diver isin the water.

(2) A diver shall be line-tended from the surface, oraccompanied by another diver in the water incontinuous visual contact during the diving operation.

(3) A diver shall be stationed at the underwater pointof entry when diving is conducted in enclosed orphysically confining spaces.

(4) A diver-carried reserve breathing-gas supply shallbe provided for each diver consisting of:

(i) A manual reserve (J-valve); or

(ii) An independent reserve cylinder with a separateregulator or connected to the underwater breathingapparatus.

(5) The valve of the reserve breathing-gas supply shallbe in the closed position prior to the dive. [For a J-valve, this is the up position.]

1910.425 SURFACE-SUPPLIED AIR DIVING. Comments/Remarks/Notes

(a) General. Employers engaged in surface-suppliedair diving shall comply with the followingrequirements, unless otherwise specified.

(b) Limits.



(1) Surface-supplied air diving shall not be conductedat depths deeper than 190 fsw, except that dives withbottom times of 30 minutes or less may be conductedto depths of 220 fsw.

(2) A decompression chamber shall be ready for useat the dive location for any dive outside the no-decompression limits or deeper than 100 fsw.

(3) A bell shall be used for dives with an inwaterdecompression time greater than 120 minutes, exceptwhen heavy gear is worn or diving is conducted inphysically confining spaces.

(c) Procedures.

(1) Each diver shall be continuously tended while inthe water.


(3) Each diving operation shall have a primarybreathing-gas supply sufficient to support divers forthe duration of the planned dive includingdecompression.

(4) For dives deeper than 100 fsw or outside the no-decompression limits:

(i) A separate dive-team member shall tend eachdiver in the water;

(ii) A standby diver shall be available while a diver isin the water;

(iii) A diver-carried reserve breathing-gas supply shallbe provided for each diver except when heavy gear isworn; and

(iv) A dive-location reserve breathing-gas supply shallbe provided.

(5) For heavy gear diving deeper than 100 fsw oroutside the no-decompression limits:

(i) An extra breathing-gas hose capable of supplyingbreathing gas to the diver in the water shall beavailable to the standby diver.

(ii) An inwater stage shall be provided to divers in thewater.

(6) Except when heavy gear is worn or where physicalspace does not permit, a diver-carried reservebreathing-gas supply shall be provided whenever thediver is prevented by the configuration of the divearea from ascending directly to the surface.

1910.426 MIXED-GAS DIVING. Comments/Remarks/Notes

(a) General. Employers engaged in mixed-gas divingshall comply with the following requirements, unlessotherwise specified.

(b) Limits. Mixed-gas diving shall be conducted onlywhen:



(1) A decompression chamber is ready for use at thedive location; and

(i) A bell is used at depths greater than 220 fsw orwhen the dive involves inwater decompression time ofgreater than 120 minutes, except when heavy gear isworn or when diving in physically confining spaces; or

(ii) A closed bell is used at depths greater than 300fsw, except when diving is conducted in physicallyconfining spaces.

(c) Procedures.

(1) A separate dive-team member shall tend eachdiver in the water.



(4) Each diving operation shall have a primarybreathing-gas supply sufficient to support divers forthe duration of the planned dive includingdecompression.

(5) Each diving operation shall have a dive-locationreserve breathing-gas supply.

(6) When heavy gear is worn:

(i) An extra breathing-gas hose capable of supplyingbreathing gas to the diver in the water shall beavailable to the standby diver; and

(ii) An inwater stage shall be provided to divers in thewater.

(7) An inwater stage shall be provided for diverswithout access to a bell for dives deeper than 100 fswor outside the no-decompression limits.

(8) When a closed bell is used, one dive-teammember in the bell shall be available and tend thediver in the water.

(9) Except when heavy gear is worn or wherephysical space does not permit, a diver-carriedreserve breathing-gas supply shall be provided foreach diver:

(i) Diving deeper than 100 fsw or outside the no-decompression limits; or

(ii) Prevented by the configuration of the dive areafrom directly ascending to the surface.

1910.427 LIVEBOATING. Comments/Remarks/Notes

(a) General. Employers engaged in diving operationsinvolving liveboating shall comply with the followingrequirements.

(b) Limits. Diving operations involving liveboatingshall not be conducted:

(1) With an inwater decompression time of greaterthan 120 minutes;



(2) Using surface-supplied air at depths deeper than190 fsw, except that dives with bottom times of 30minutes or less may be conducted to depths of 220fsw;

(3) Using mixed-gas at depths greater than 220 fsw;

(4) In rough seas which significantly impede divermobility or work function; or

(5) In other than daylight hours.

(c) Procedures.

(1) The propeller of the vessel shall be stopped beforethe diver enters or exits the water.

(2) A device shall be used which minimizes thepossibility of entanglement of the diver's hose in thepropeller of the vessel.

(3) Two-way voice communication between thedesignated person-in-charge and the personcontrolling the vessel shall be available while the diveris in the water.


(5) A diver-carried reserve breathing-gas supply shallbe carried by each diver engaged in liveboatingoperations.

1910.430 EQUIPMENT. Comments/Remarks/Notes

(a) General.

(1) All employers shall comply with the followingrequirements, unless otherwise specified.

(2) Each equipment modification, repair, test,calibration or maintenance service shall be recordedby means of a tagging or logging system, and includethe date and nature of work performed, and thename or initials of the person performing the work.

(b) Air compressor system.

(1) Compressors used to supply air to the diver shallbe equipped with a volume tank with a check valveon the inlet side, a pressure gauge, a relief valve, anda drain valve.

(2) Air compressor intakes shall be located away fromareas containing exhaust or other contaminants.

(3) Respirable air supplied to a diver shall notcontain:

(i) A level of carbon monoxide (CO) greater than 20ppm;

(ii) A level of carbon dioxide (CO2) greater than

1,000 ppm;

(iii) A level of oil mist greater than 5 milligrams percubic meter; or

(iv) A noxious or pronounced odor.

(4) The output of air compressor systems shall betested for air purity every 6 months by means of



samples taken at the connection to the distributionsystem, except that non-oil lubricated compressorsneed not be tested for oil mist.

(c) Breathing-gas supply hoses.

(1) Breathing-gas supply hoses shall:

(i) Have a working pressure at least equal to theworking pressure of the total breathing-gas system;

(ii) Have a rated bursting pressure at least equal to 4times the working pressure;

(iii) Be tested at least annually to 1.5 times theirworking pressure; and

(iv) Have their open ends taped, capped or pluggedwhen not in use.

(2) Breathing-gas supply hose connectors shall:

(i) Be made of corrosion-resistant materials;

(ii) Have a working pressure at least equal to theworking pressure of the hose to which they areattached; and

(iii) Be resistant to accidental disengagement.

(3) Umbilicals shall:

(i) Be marked in 10-foot increments to 100 feetbeginning at the diver's end, and in 50-footincrements thereafter;

(ii) Be made of kink-resistant materials; and

(iii) Have a working pressure greater than thepressure equivalent to the maximum depth of thedive (relative to the supply source) plus 100 psi.

(d) Buoyancy control.

(1) Helmets or masks connected directly to the drysuit or other buoyancy-changing equipment shall beequipped with an exhaust valve.

(2) A dry suit or other buoyancy-changing equipmentnot directly connected to the helmet or mask shall beequipped with an exhaust valve.

(3) When used for SCUBA diving, a buoyancycompensator shall have an inflation source separatefrom the breathing-gas supply.

(4) An inflatable flotation device capable ofmaintaining the diver at the surface in a face-upposition, having a manually activated inflation sourceindependent of the breathing supply, an oral inflationdevice, and an exhaust valve shall be used for SCUBAdiving.

(e) Compressed gas cylinders. Compressed gascylinders shall:

(1) Be designed, constructed and maintained inaccordance with the applicable provisions of 29 CFR1910.101 and 1910.169 through 1910.171;

(2) Be stored in a ventilated area and protected fromexcessive heat;



(3) Be secured from falling; and

(4) Have shut-off valves recessed into the cylinder orprotected by a cap, except when in use ormanifolded, or when used for SCUBA diving.

(f) Decompression chambers.

(1) Each decompression chamber manufactured afterthe effective date of this standard, shall be built andmaintained in accordance with the ASME Code orequivalent.

(2) Each decompression chamber manufactured priorto the effective date of this standard shall bemaintained in conformity with the code requirementsto which it was built, or equivalent.

(3) Each decompression chamber shall be equippedwith:

(i) Means to maintain the atmosphere below a levelof 25 percent oxygen by volume;

(ii) Mufflers on intake and exhaust lines, which shallbe regularly inspected and maintained;

(iii) Suction guards on exhaust line openings; and

(iv) A means for extinguishing fire, and shall bemaintained to minimize sources of ignition andcombustible material.

(g) Gauges and timekeeping devices.

(1) Gauges indicating diver depth which can be readat the dive location shall be used for all dives exceptSCUBA.

(2) Each depth gauge shall be dead-weight tested orcalibrated against a master reference gauge every 6months, and when there is a discrepancy greater thantwo percent (2 percent) of full scale between any twoequivalent gauges.

(3) A cylinder pressure gauge capable of beingmonitored by the diver during the dive shall be wornby each SCUBA diver.

(4) A timekeeping device shall be available at eachdive location.

(h) Masks and helmets.

(1) Surface-supplied air and mixed-gas masks andhelmets shall have:

(i) A non-return valve at the attachment pointbetween helmet or mask and hose which shall closereadily and positively; and

(ii) An exhaust valve.

(2) Surface-supplied air masks and helmets shallhave a minimum ventilation rate capability of 4.5acfm at any depth at which they are operated or thecapability of maintaining the diver's inspired carbondioxide partial pressure below 0.02 ATA when thediver is producing carbon dioxide at the rate of 1.6standard liters per minute.

(i) Oxygen safety.



(1) Equipment used with oxygen or mixturescontaining over forty percent (40%) by volumeoxygen shall be designed for oxygen service.

(2) Components (except umbilicals) exposed tooxygen or mixtures containing over forty percent(40%) by volume oxygen shall be cleaned offlammable materials before use.

(3) Oxygen systems over 125 psig and compressedair systems over 500 psig shall have slow-openingshut-off valves.

(j) Weights and harnesses.

(1) Except when heavy gear is worn, divers shall beequipped with a weight belt or assembly capable ofquick release.

(2) Except when heavy gear is worn or in SCUBAdiving, each diver shall wear a safety harness with:

(i) A positive buckling device;

(ii) An attachment point for the umbilical to preventstrain on the mask or helmet; and

(iii) A lifting point to distribute the pull force of theline over the diver's body.

1910.440 RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS. Comments/Remarks/Notes

(a) Recording diving-related injuries andillnesses.

(1) [Reserved]

(2) The employer shall record the occurrence of anydiving-related injury or illness which requires anydive-team member to be hospitalized for 24 hours ormore, specifying the circumstances of the incident andthe extent of any injuries or illnesses.

(b) Availability of records.

(1) Upon the request of the Assistant Secretary ofLabor [for OSHA], or the Director, National Institutefor Occupational Safety and Health, Department ofHealth and Human Services or their designees, theemployer shall make available for inspection andcopying any record or document required by thisstandard.

(2) Records and documents required by this standardshall be provided upon request to employees,designated representatives, and the AssistantSecretary in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020 (a)-(e) and (g)-(i) (in 1996, 29 CFR 1910.20 was re-designated as 29 CFR 1910.1020). Safe practicesmanuals (29 CFR 1910.420), depth-time profiles (29CFR 1910.422), decompression procedure assessmentevaluations (29 CFR 1910.423), and records ofhospitalizations (29 CFR 1910.440) shall be providedin the same manner as employee exposure records oranalyses using exposure or medical records.Equipment inspections and testing records whichpertain to employees (29 CFR 1910.430) shall also beprovided upon request to employees and theirdesignated representatives.



INDEX

Association of Diving Contractors InternationalCSHODecompressionDefinitionsDesignated person-in-charge (DPIC)ExemptionsFederal agenciesFirst aidGuidanceJurisdiction

(3) Records and documents required by this standardshall be retained by the employer for the followingperiod:

(i) Dive-team member medical records (physician'sreports) (29 CFR 1910.411) - 5 years; [NOTE: Nolonger required since 29 CFR 1910.411 was deletedfrom the standard];

(ii) Safe practices manual (29 CFR 1910.420) - currentdocument only;

(iii) Depth-time profile (29 CFR 1910.422) - untilcompletion of the recording of the dive, or untilcompletion of decompression procedure assessmentwhere there has been an incident of decompressionsickness;

(iv) Recording of dive (29 CFR 1910.423) - 1 year,except 5 years where there has been an incident ofdecompression sickness;

(v) Decompression procedure assessment evaluations(29 CFR 1910.423) - 5 years;

(vi) Equipment inspections and testing records (29CFR 1910.430) - current entry or tag, or untilequipment is withdrawn from service;

(vii) Records of hospitalizations (29 CFR 1910.440) - 5years.

(4) After the expiration of the retention period of anyrecord required to be kept for five (5) years, theemployer shall forward such records to the NationalInstitute for Occupational Safety and Health,Department of Health and Human Services. Theemployer shall also comply with any additionalrequirements set forth at 29 CFR 1910.1020(h) (in1996, 29 CFR 1910.20 was re-designated as 29 CFR1910.1020).

(5) In the event the employer ceases to do business:

(i) The successor employer shall receive and retain alldive and employee medical records required by thisstandard; or

(ii) If there is no successor employer, dive andemployee medical records shall be forwarded to theNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,Department of Health and Human Services.



LiveboatingNorth American Industry Classification System (NAICS)OCSOuter Continental Shelf (OCS)RecordkeepingRecreationalReferencesResearchScientificSelf-contained underwater-breathing apparatus (SCUBA)Shipyard "Tool Bag" DirectiveStandard Industry Classifications (SIC)TendersU.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

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Appendix B

Emergency ResponsePersonnel

02/08/02

Hyperbaric Chamber Locations

Facility 24hr Phone Phone Address City, State, Zip Location

Medical Center of South Arkansas 870-864-5490 460 West Oak Street El Dorado, AR 72205 Arkansas

Arkansas Hyperbaric Associates 501-660-2677 501-660-2693 #2 St. Vincents Circle Little Rock AR 72205 Arkansas

Martin Luther Hospital 714-491-5571 714-491-5581 1830 West Romneya Drive Anaheim, CA 92801 California

USC Catalina Hyperbaric Unit 310-510-1053 310-510-4020 P.O. Box 5069 Avalon, CA 90704-5069 California

Beale Air Force Base 916-634-4444 916-634-8317 Beale Air Force Base Beale AFB, CA 95903 California

Anaheim General Hospital – Buena Park Campus 818-244-2391 818-244-2391 5742 Beach Blvd Buena Park, CA 90621 California

St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital 805-389-5944 805-389-4688 2309 Antonio Avenue Camarillo, CA 93010 California

Washington Medical Center 310-636-1133 818-244-2391 12101 W. Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90231 California

95th Aerospace Medical Squadron, Sgpt. 805-277-2331 805-277-4535 65 N. Wolfe Avenue Edwards AFB, CA 93524-6175 California

Scripps Memorial Hospital 619-457-4123 619-457-6833 9888 Genesee Avenue La Jolia, CA 92037 California

Grossmont Hospital Corp. 619-644-4160 619-644-4165 5555 Grossmont Center Drive La Mesa, CA 91944-0158 California

Loma Linda University Medical Center 909-824-0800 909-478-8097 11234 Anderson Street, Room 9700G Loma Linda, CA 92354 California

Aventura Hospital and Medical Center 305-682-7200 305-692-8558 Biscayane Boulevard Aventura, FL 33180 Florida

Columbia Bartow Memorial Hospital 941-533-8111 941-533-8348 515 N. Hobard Avenue Bartow, FL 33830 Florida

Natural Health Plan of Palm Beach, Inc. 800-261-6262 561-989-9996 2900 N. Military, Suite 201 Boca Ratan, FL 33431 Florida

Bonita Bay Surgical Center 941-498-7029 26800 Tamiami Trail, South, Suite 150 Bonita Springs, FL 33923 Florida

Bethesda Memorial Hospital 800-492-6452 561-737-7733 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd Boynton Beach, FL 33435 Florida

Ravenswood Medical Center 954-962-5321 954-962-5321 5201 Ravenswood Road, Suite 103 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 Florida

Columbia Regional Medical Center SW 941-939-1147 941-939-8385 2727 Winkler Avenue Ft. Myers, FL 33901 Florida

Lee Memorial Hospital 941-332-1111 941-334-5454 Ft. Myers, FL 33902 Florida

Shands Teaching Hospital 352-395-0425 352-395-0425 Box 100376 Gainesville, FL 32610 Florida

02/08/02

Bayonet Point Wound Care Center 813-869-5551 813-869-5551 7525 Medical Drive Hudson, FL 34667 Florida

Baptist Medical Center 902-202-2136 904-202-1151 800 Prudential Drive Jacksonville, FL 32207 Florida

Hyperbarics International, Inc. 305-451-2551 305-451-2551 490 Caribbean Drive Key Largo, FL 33037 Florida

Ocean Hyperbaric Center 954-771-40000 954-771-4000 4001 Ocean Drive, Suite 105 Lauderdale By the Sea, FL Florida

Florida Keys Hyperbaric Chamber 305-743-9891 305-743-9891 13365 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Florida

Holmes Regional Medical Center 407-727-7000 407-722-8545 1350 S. Hickory Street Melbourne, FL 32901 Florida

Jackson Memorial Medical Center 305-585-5400 305-585-3483 1611 NW 12th Ave Miami, FL 33136 Florida

Mercy Hospital 800 NO-BENDS 305-854-0300 3663 South Miami Avenue Miami, FL 33133 Florida

Cedars Medical Center 305-325-555 305-325-555 1400 NW 12th Ave Miami, FL 33136 Florida

South Miami Hospital 305-662-8145 6200 SW 73rd Street Miami, FL 33143 Florida

Mount Sinai Medical Center 305-674-2209 4300 Alton Road Miami Beach, FL 33140 Florida

Perimutter Hyperbaric Center, Inc. 941-434-9699 Suite 160, 800 Goodlette Road Naples, FL 34102 Florida

Florida Hospital Medical Center 407-896-6611 407-897-1549 601 E. Rollins Street Orlando, FL 32803 Florida

Bay Medical Center 904-747-6000 904-747-6950 615 Bonita Avenue Panama City, FL 32401 Florida

Naval Diving & Salvage Training Center 904-234-4651 904-235-5215 350 S. Crag Road Panama City, FL 32407 Florida

Baptist Hospital 904-434-4479 904-434-4479 1000 West Moreno Street Pensacola, FL 32501 Florida

Naval Aerospace & Operational Medical 904-452-2252 904-452-3409 220 Hovey Road Pensacola, FL 32508 Florida

Pensacola Hyperbaric Care Center 850-969-7990 850-969-7990 8550 University Parkway Pensacola, FL 32514 Florida

Columbia Fawcett Memorial Hospital 941-629-1181 21298 Olean Blvd Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Florida

Columbia Medical Center, Sanford 407-321-4500 1401 W. Seminole Sanford, FL 32771 Florida

Sarasota Memorial Hospital 941-917-9000 941-917-1866 1700 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34239-3555 Florida

Columbia Doctor's Hospital of Sarasota 941-342-1100 941-342-8080 5741 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34233 Florida

Martin Memorial Medical Center 407-287-5200 407-287-5200 PO Box 9010 Stuart, FL 34995 Florida

Columbia Tallahassee Community Hospital 904-656-5000 904-656-5242 2626 Capital Medical Blvd Tallahassee, FL 32308 Florida

02/08/02

Hyperbaric Chamber Locations(Continued)


St. Joseph's Hospital 800-275-3483 813-870-4869 3001 Martin Luther King Blvd Tampa, FL 33607 Florida

Mariners Hospital 305-852-4418 305-852-4418 500 High Point Road Tavernier, FL 33070 Florida

Indian River Memorial Hospital 561-567-4311 561-567-4311 1000 36th Street Vero Beach, FL 32960 Florida

St. Mary's Hospital 561-881-2900 561-881-2852 901 45th Street W Palm Beach, FL 33407 Florida

Columbia Hospital 561-863-2155 561-863-2155 2201 45th Street W Palm Beach, FL 33407 Florida

Georgia Baptist Medical Center 404-265-4136 404-265-4815 303 Parkway Drive, NE, Box 266 Atlanta, GA 30312 Georgia

St. Joseph's Hospital 404-851-7001 404-847-9999 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30342-1701 Georgia

University Hospital 706-722-9011 706-774-5550 1350 Walton Way Augusta, GA 30342-2629 Georgia

Columbia Augusta Regional Medical Center 706-651-3232 706-868-5057 3651 Wheeler Road Augusta, GA 30909 Georgia

Atlanta Hyperbaric and Wound Care Clinic 404-501-7312 2675 North Decatur Road, Suite 312 Decatur, GA 30033 Georgia

Middle Georgia 912-751-1111 912-751-0290 Macon, GA 31201 Georgia

Cobb Hyperbaric Medicine 770-671-7774 770-422-4268 790 Church Street, Ext. Suite 150 Marietta, GA 30060 Georgia

Memorial Medical Center 912-350-8000 #710 912-350-8426 P.O. Box 23089 Savannah, GA 31403 Georgia

South Georgia Medical Center 912-245-6313 912-245-6313 2501 N. Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31602 Georgia

St. Francis Hospital 317-787-3311 317-783-8901 1600 Albany Street Beech Grove, IN 46107 Indiana

Bloomington Hospital 812-837-9415 812-335-2870 2920 McIntire Drive Bloomington, IN 47402 Indiana

Medical Center of Southern Indiana 812-256-7628 812-256-7628 2200 Market Street, Suite 354 Charlestown, IN 47111 Indiana

Deaconess Hospital 812-426-3405 812-426-3796 600 Mary Street Evansville, IN 47747 Indiana

Lutheran Wound Care Services 219-435-7001 219-435-7312 7950 W. Jefferson Blvd Ft. Wayne, IN 46804 Indiana

Parkview Memorial Hospital 219-484-6636 219-484-6636 2200 Randalia Drive Ft. Wayne, IN 46804 Indiana

02/08/02



Methodist Hospital 317-929-2000 317-929-5053 I65 at 21st Street Indianapolis, IN 46206 Indiana

Winona Memorial Hospital 307-927-2137 3232 N. American Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 Indiana

St. Elizabeth Medical Center 765-423-6162 765-423-6162 1501 Hartford Street Lafayette, IN 47903 Indiana

Green Valley Hyperbarics 502-583-0176 3118 Green Valley Road New Albany, IN 47150 Indiana

Medical Center of Southern Indiana 812-949-7107 812-949-7107 1919 State Street, Suite 342 New Albany, IN 47150 Indiana

Memorial Hospital 219-234-9041 219-264-7318 615 N. Michigan Street South Bend, IN 46601 Indiana

Porter Memorial Hospital 219-477-5242 219-477-5242 802 La Porte Avenue, Suite 102 Valparaiso, IN 46383 Indiana

Heritage Hyperbarics 765-423-6160 765-423-6160 3401 Soldiers Home Road, Room 19 W. Lafayette, IN 47906 Indiana

Jewish Hospital 502-587-4289 502-587-4695 217 E. Chestnut Street Louisville, KY 40404 Kentucky

UMMC/STC 410-328-7814 410-328-6152 22 South Greene Street Baltimore, MD 21201 Maryland

Greater Baltimore Medical Center 410-828-2000 410-512-8919 6701 N. Charles Street, Suite 4890 Baltimore, MD 21204 Maryland

St. Agnes Comprehensive Wound Healing Ctr. 410-368-8485 3421 Benson Avenue, Suite 210 Baltimore, MD 21207 Maryland

Naval Medical Research Institute 301-295-1839 301-295-5914 8901 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, MD 20889 Maryland

Shady Grove Adventist Hospital 301-279-6000 301-279-6242 9901 Medical Center Drive Rockfille, MD 20850 Maryland

Brick Hospital, MCOC-2 West 732-295-2265 732-840-3399 425 Jack Martin Boulevard Brick, NJ 08724 New Jersey

Hyperbaric Medicine Center 704-258-6591 445 Biltmore Avenue Asheville, NC 28801 N. Carolina

Presbyterian Hospital 704-384-4098 704-384-4098 200 Hawthorne Lane Charlotte, NC 28233 N. Carolina

Carolinas Medical Center 704-355-2000 704-355-6630 Charlotte, NC 28232 N. Carolina

F.G. Hall Lab/Duke University Medical Center 919-684-8111 919-684-3305 Durham, NC 27710 N. Carolina

Columbia Davis Medical Center 704-838-7429 704-838-7429 218 Old Mocksville Road Statesville, NC 28677 N. Carolina

02/08/02



Valdese General Hospital 704-874-2251 704-874-2251 720 Malcolm Blvd Valdese, NC 28690 N. Carolina

Akron General Medical Center 330-384-6111 330-384-6823 400 Wabash Avenue Akron, OH 44307 Ohio

Mercy Medical Center 216-489-1055 216-489-1393 1320 Mercy Drive, NW Canton, OH 44708 Ohio

University of Cincinnati Medical Center 513-558-4262 513-558-4262 Cincinnati, OH 45267 Ohio

Preventative Medicine Group 216-835-0104 216-835-0104 One King James South, 24700 Center Ridge Cleveland, OH 44115 Ohio

St. Vincent Charity Hospital 216-363-2356 216-363-2576 2351 E. 22nd Street Cleveland, OH 44115 Ohio

Ohio State University 614-293-8333 614-293-5551 410 W. 10th Avenue Columbus, OH 43210 Ohio

Kettering Hyperbaric Medicine 937-298-4331 937-296-7809 3535 Southern Blvd Kettering, OH 45429 Ohio

Springfield Community Hospital 513-328-9326 513-328-9497 2615 East High Street Springfield, OH 45505 Ohio

Toledo Hospital 419-471-2072 419-471-2072 2142 North Cove Blvd Toledo, OH 43606 Ohio

74th Medical Group/SGPH 937-257-2968 937-257-8603 4881 Sugar Maple, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-5529 Ohio

Youngstown Osteopathic Hospital 330-744-7454 330-744-9454 1319 Florencedale Avenue Youngstown, OH 44505 Ohio

North Side Hospital 423-854-5600 423-854-4111 401 Princeton Road Johnson City, TN 37601 Tennessee

The Center for Hyperbaric Medicine 423-929-2808 315 N. State of Franklin Road Johnson City, TN 37604 Tennessee

Holston Valley Hospital Medical Court 615-224-4000 615-224-6430 West Ravine Street Kingsport, TN 37660 Tennessee

University of Tennessee Hospital 423-544-9000 423-544-9775 1924 Alcoa Hwy Knoxville, TN 37920 Tennessee

Methodist Hospital 901-726-8061 1265 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 Tennessee

Baptist Memorial Hospital 901-227-5440 901-227-5440 899 Madison Avenue Memphis, TN 38146 Tennessee

Regional Medical Center 901-545-8999 901-545-6800 877 Jefferson Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 Tennessee

02/08/02



St. Francis Medical Center 901-765-1795 901-765-1795 5959 Park Avenue Memphis, TN 38229 Tennessee

Vanderbilt University Hospital 615-322-0988 615-322-4290 1211 22nd Avenue South Nashville, TN 37232 Tennessee

Ohio Valley Medical Center 304-234-0123 304-234-8199 2000 Eoff Street Wheeling, WV 26003 W. Virginia

Mt. Vernon Hospital 703-664-7000 703-664-7218 2501 Parkers Lane Alexandria, VA 22306 Virginia

Integrated Medical Center, Inc. 703-941-3606 703-941-3606 7023 Little River #207 Annandale, VA 22003 Virginia

University of Virginia Health Systems 800-251-3627 804-982-3999 Room 5405, Box 16 Charlottesville, VA 22908 Virginia

U.S. Army Diving Company 804-878-2404 804-878-3500 6th Transportation Battalion Fort Eustis, VA 23604 Virginia

Memorial Hospital of Martinsville & Henry County 540-666-7200 320 Hospital Drive Martinsville, VA 24112 Virginia

Mobile Diving & Salvage Unit 757-464-8801 757-363-3178 NAB Little Creek, Bldg 2052 Norfolk, VA 23521 Virginia

Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center 757-889-2300 757-889-2300 150 Kingsley Lane Norfolk, VA 23505 Virginia

Sentara Leigh Hospital 757-466-2325 757-466-2325 830 Kempsville Road Norfolk, VA 23502 Virginia

Capital Medical Center 804-775-4175 804-775-4256 701 West Grace Street Richmond, VA 23220 Virginia

Mount Roger's Clinic, Inc. 800-426-3551 540-677-3631 799 Ripshin Road Trout Dale, VA 24378 Virginia

Ohio Valley Medical Center 304-234-0123 304-234-8199 2000 Eoff Street Wheeling, WV 26003 Virginia

Appendix C

MSI Equipment and SafetyChecklist

Marine Solutions, Inc.e:\msi - general office\msi safe practice manual\msi pre-dive team meeting.doc Rev. 05/23/07

Pre-Dive Team Meeting

+MSI Project No. Date/Time

Supervisor Crew

Dive Mode:

SSA SCUBA Wading

Dive Plan

Objective of Dive

Hazards

What are the hazards on this job?

Thermal Protection:

Wet Suit Dry Suit Water Current Maximum Depth

Water Temperature °F <1 Knot <10' 40' to 50'

Dive Modifications/Operating Procedures 1 to 2 Knots 10' to 20' 50' to 60'

2 to 3 Knots 20' to 30' 60' to 70'

Over 3 Knots 30' to 40'

Team Assignments Loss of Air Weather

Supervisor Visibility

Diver Loss of Communication

Tender Entrapment/Entanglement

Tender Break Away from Moored Station

Assessment of Team Members Underwater Debris

Physically Fit Ready to Dive Valves/Pipes

Emergency Procedures Lockout Tagout

Emergency Action Plan Open Closed

Emergency Diver Operational Not Operational

Emergency HP Air System PSI Pipe Plugs

Emergency Diver Bailout Bottle PSI Braced

Cell Phone/2-Way Radio Operational Pressure Checked

Emergency Numbers Available Condition of Plug

Emergency Phone Numbers: Other:

1

2

3

Dive Team Attendees (Sign and Date)

1 3

2Date

4Date

Date Date

Marine Solutions, Inc.e:\msi - general office\msi safe practice manual\msi pre-dive equipment safety checklist.doc Rev. 5/23/07

Pre-Dive Equipment andSafety Checklist

MSI Project No. DateSupervisor Crew

Surface Supplied Air (SSA)Dive Compressor: E-34-1 (Gas)

Fuel Volume Tank Monolec Oil Filters Engine Oil ConnectionsRepairs or Corrections Made:

Reserve Air SupplyHP Tank PSI Diver 1 Pony Tank PSI Tanks SecureHP Tank Regulated to PSI Diver 2 Pony Tank PSI

Repairs or Corrections Made:

Umbilicals, Whips and Pressure GaugesConnections Tight Main Valves Open Check for Leaks


Dive HelmetsSuperlite 27-1 Superlite 27-2 Superlite 37-3 _________ __________ _________Non Return Valve Neck Dam Purge Valve Helmet O-RingsOral Nasal Communications KMB Hood KMB Spider


SCUBADiver 1 Diver 2

Primary Regulators Main Tank PSI Main Tank PSI SCUBA Masks

Backup Regulators Reserve Tank PSI Reserve Tank PSI Weight BeltsBuoyancy Compensators


Thermal Protection (Suits)Wet Suit Dry Suit Inflate Valves Condition of Suit Dry Suit Valves


Communications Two-Diver Comm. Boxes

Diver Communication: Yellow YellowBatteries Charged Connections Good Test Diver 1 Test Diver 2


Emergency CommunicationEmergency Phone List Marine Radio Test Cellular Phone Activated


GeneralDive Tables Dive Logs Dive Flags Out Fire Extinguishers ChargedDive Notes Dive Platform Securely Anchored Dive Knife


Appendix D

U.S. Navy Dive Tables

9-48 U.S. Navy Diving Manual — Volume 2

Table 9-4. Sea Level Equivalent Depth (fsw).

Actual Depth(fsw)

Altitude (feet)1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000

10 10 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 1515 15 20 20 20 20 20 20 25 25 2520 20 25 25 25 25 25 30 30 30 3025 25 30 30 30 35 35 35 35 35 4030 30 35 35 35 40 40 40 45 45 4535 35 40 40 45 45 45 50 50 50 6040 40 45 45 50 50 50 55 55 60 6045 45 50 55 55 55 60 60 70 70 7050 50 55 60 60 70 70 70 70 70 8055 55 60 70 70 70 70 80 80 80 8060 60 70 70 70 80 80 80 90 90 9065 65 70 80 80 80 90 90 90 100 10070 70 80 80 90 90 90 100 100 100 11075 75 90 90 90 100 100 100 110 110 11080 80 90 90 100 100 100 110 110 120 12085 85 100 100 100 110 110 120 120 120 13090 90 100 110 110 110 120 120 130 130 14095 95 110 110 110 120 120 130 130 140 140

100 100 110 120 120 130 130 130 140 140 150105 105 120 120 130 130 140 140 150 150 160110 110 120 130 130 140 140 150 150 160 160115 115 130 130 140 140 150 150 160 170 170120 120 130 140 140 150 150 160 170 170 180125 125 140 140 150 160 160 170 170 180 190130 130 140 150 160 160 170 170 180 190 190

135 135 150 160 160 170 170 180 190 190 200 140 140 160 160 170 170 180 190 190 200 210 145 145 160 170 170 180 190 190 200 210 150 160 170 170 180 190 190 200 210 155 170 170 180 180 190 200 210 160 170 180 180 190 200 200 165 180 180 190 200 200 170 180 190 190 200 175 190 190 200 180 190 200 210 185 200 200 190 200

TableWater Stops Equivalent Stop Depths (fsw)

10 10 9 9 9 8 8 8 7 7 720 19 19 18 17 17 16 15 15 14 1430 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 2140 39 37 36 35 33 32 31 30 29 2850 48 47 45 43 42 40 39 37 36 3460 58 56 54 52 50 48 46 45 43 41

Note: = Exceptional Exposure Limit

CHAPTER 9—Air Decompression 9-61

Table 9-6. Required Surface Interval Before Ascent to Altitude After Diving .

Repetitive Group

Designator

Increase in Altitude (feet)

1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000

A 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00

B 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 1:42

C 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 1:48 6:23

D 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 1:45 5:24 9:59

E 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 1:37 4:39 8:18 12:54

F 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 1:32 4:04 7:06 10:45 15:20

G 0:00 0:00 0:00 0:00 1:19 3:38 6:10 9:13 12:52 17:27

H 0:00 0:00 0:00 1:06 3:10 5:29 8:02 11:04 14:43 19:18

I 0:00 0:00 0:56 2:45 4:50 7:09 9:41 12:44 16:22 20:58

J 0:00 0:41 2:25 4:15 6:19 8:39 11:11 14:13 17:52 22:27

K 0:30 2:03 3:47 5:37 7:41 10:00 12:33 15:35 19:14 23:49

L 1:45 3:18 5:02 6:52 8:56 11:15 13:48 16:50 20:29 25:04

M 2:54 4:28 6:12 8:01 10:06 12:25 14:57 18:00 21:38 26:14

N 3:59 5:32 7:16 9:06 11:10 13:29 16:02 19:04 22:43 27:18

O 4:59 6:33 8:17 10:06 12:11 14:30 17:02 20:05 23:43 28:19

Z 5:56 7:29 9:13 11:03 13:07 15:26 17:59 21:01 24:40 29:15

ExceptionalExposure Wait48hoursbeforeascent

NOTE 1 When using Table 9-6, use the highest repetitive group designator obtained in the previous 24-hour period.

NOTE 2 Table 9-6 may only be used when the maximum altitude achieved is 10,000 feet or less. For ascents above 10,000 feet, consult NAVSEA 00C for guidance.

NOTE 3 The cabin pressure in commercial aircraft is maintained at a constant value regardless of the actual altitudeoftheflight.Thoughcabinpressurevariessomewhatwithaircrafttype,thenominalvalueis8,000feet.Forcommercialflights,useafinalaltitudeof8,000feettocomputetherequiredsurfaceintervalbeforeflying.

NOTE4Nosurfaceintervalisrequiredbeforetakingacommercialflightifthedivesiteisat8,000feetorhigher.Inthiscase,flyingresultsinanincreaseinatmosphericpressureratherthanadecrease.

NOTE 5 For ascent to altitude following a non-saturation helium-oxygen dive, wait 12 hours if the dive was a no-decompression dive. Wait 24 hours if the dive was a decompression dive.


Table 9-7. No-Decompression Limits and Repetitive Group Designators for No-Decompression Air Dives .

Depth (fsw)

No-Stop Limit

Repetitive Group DesignationA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O Z

10 Unlimited 57 101 158 245 426 *

15 Unlimited 36 60 88 121 163 217 297 449 *

20 Unlimited 26 43 61 82 106 133 165 205 256 330 461 *

25 595 20 33 47 62 78 97 117 140 166 198 236 285 354 469 595

30 371 17 27 38 50 62 76 91 107 125 145 167 193 223 260 307 371

35 232 14 23 32 42 52 63 74 87 100 115 131 148 168 190 215 232

40 163 12 20 27 36 44 53 63 73 84 95 108 121 135 151 163

45 125 11 17 24 31 39 46 55 63 72 82 92 102 114 125

50 92 9 15 21 28 34 41 48 56 63 71 80 89 92

55 74 8 14 19 25 31 37 43 50 56 63 71 74

60 60 7 12 17 22 28 33 39 45 51 57 60

70 48 6 10 14 19 23 28 32 37 42 47 48

80 39 5 9 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 39

90 30 4 7 11 14 17 21 24 28 30

100 25 4 6 9 12 15 18 21 25

110 20 3 6 8 11 14 16 19 20

120 15 3 5 7 10 12 15

130 10 2 4 6 9 10

140 10 2 4 6 8 10

150 5 2 3 5

160 5 3 5

170 5 4 5

180 5 4 5

190 5 3 5

* Highest repetitive group that can be achieved at this depth regardless of bottom time.


Table 9-8. Residual Nitrogen Time Table for Repetitive Air Dives .

Repetitive Group at B

eginning of Surfa

ce Interval

Locatethediver’srepetitivegroupdesignationfromhispreviousdivealongthediagonallineabovethetable .Readhorizontallytotheintervalinwhichthediver’ssurfaceintervallies .

Next,readverticallydownwardtothenewrepetitivegroupdesignation .Continuedownwardinthissamecolumntotherowthatrepresentsthedepthoftherepetitivedive .Thetimegivenattheintersectionisresidualnitrogentime,inminutes,tobeappliedtotherepetitivedive .

*Divesfollowingsurfaceintervalslongerthanthisarenotrepetitivedives .UseactualbottomtimesintheAirDecompressionTablestocomputedecompressionforsuchdives .

A :102:20*

B :10 1:171:16 3:36*

C :10 :56 2:12:55 2:11 4:31*

D :10 :53 1:48 3:04:52 1:47 3:03 5:23*

E :10 :53 1:45 2:40 3:56:52 1:44 2:39 3:55 6:15*

F :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:32 4:49:52 1:44 2:37 3:31 4:48 7:08*

G :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:24 5:41:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:23 5:40 8:00*

H :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:17 6:33:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:16 6:32 8:52*

I :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:09 7:25:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:08 7:24 9:44*

J :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:07 7:01 8:17:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:06 7:00 8:16 10:36*

K :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:07 6:59 7:53 9:10:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:06 6:58 7:52 9:09 11:29*

L :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:07 6:59 7:51 8:45 10:02:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:06 6:58 7:50 8:44 10:01 12:21*

M :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:07 6:59 7:51 8:43 9:38 10:54:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:06 6:58 7:50 8:42 9:37 10:53 13:13*

N :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:07 6:59 7:51 8:43 9:35 10:30 11:46:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:06 6:58 7:50 8:42 9:34 10:29 11:45 14:05*

O :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:07 6:59 7:51 8:43 9:35 10:28 11:22 12:38:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:06 6:58 7:50 8:42 9:34 10:27 11:21 12:37 14:58*

Z :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:07 6:59 7:51 8:43 9:35 10:28 11:20 12:14 13:31:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:06 6:58 7:50 8:42 9:34 10:27 11:19 12:13 13:30 15:50*

Dive Depth

Z O N M L K J I H G F E D C B ARepetitive Group at the End of the Surface Interval

10 ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** 427 246 159 101 5815 ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** 450 298 218 164 122 89 61 3720 ** ** ** ** ** 462 331 257 206 166 134 106 83 62 44 2725 † † 470 354 286 237 198 167 141 118 98 79 63 48 34 2130 372 308 261 224 194 168 146 126 108 92 77 63 51 39 28 1835 245 216 191 169 149 132 116 101 88 75 64 53 43 33 24 1540 188 169 152 136 122 109 97 85 74 64 55 45 37 29 21 1345 154 140 127 115 104 93 83 73 64 56 48 40 32 25 18 1250 131 120 109 99 90 81 73 65 57 49 42 35 29 23 17 1155 114 105 96 88 80 72 65 58 51 44 38 32 26 20 15 1060 101 93 86 79 72 65 58 52 46 40 35 29 24 19 14 970 83 77 71 65 59 54 49 44 39 34 29 25 20 16 12 880 70 65 60 55 51 46 42 38 33 29 25 22 18 14 10 790 61 57 52 48 44 41 37 33 29 26 22 19 16 12 9 6100 54 50 47 43 40 36 33 30 26 23 20 17 14 11 8 5110 48 45 42 39 36 33 30 27 24 21 18 16 13 10 8 5120 44 41 38 35 32 30 27 24 22 19 17 14 12 9 7 5130 40 37 35 32 30 27 25 22 20 18 15 13 11 9 6 4140 37 34 32 30 27 25 23 21 19 16 14 12 10 8 6 4150 34 32 30 28 26 23 21 19 17 15 13 11 9 8 6 4160 32 30 28 26 24 22 20 18 16 14 13 11 9 7 5 4170 30 28 26 24 22 21 19 17 15 14 12 10 8 7 5 3180 28 26 25 23 21 19 18 16 14 13 11 10 8 6 5 3190 26 25 23 22 20 18 17 15 14 12 11 9 8 6 5 3

Residual Nitrogen Times (Minutes)

**ResidualNitrogenTimecannotbedeterminedusingthistable(seeparagraph9-9 .1subparagraph8forinstructions) .† Readverticallydownwardtothe30fswrepetitivedivedepth .Usethecorrespondingresidualnitrogentimestocomputethe

equivalentsingledivetime .Decompressusingthe30fswairdecompressiontable .

APPENDIx 2A — Optional Shallow Water Diving Tables 2A-1

A P P E N D I X 2 A

Optional Shallow Water Diving Tables

2-A1.1 Introduction. At the shallow depths typical of ship husbandry diving, a small change in the diver’s maximum depth can make a significant difference in the allowable no-decompression time. For example, at 35 fsw the no-decompression time on air is 232 minutes; at 40 fsw it is only 163 minutes, more than an hour less. When the diver’s maximum depth is accurately known at the beginning of the dive, e.g., in ballast tank dives, or when continuous electronic depth recording is available, e.g., with a decompression computer, use of a decompression table with depth listed in one-foot increments rather than five-foot increments may result in a significant gain in no-decompression time.

Shallow Water Diving Tables covering the depth range of 30–50 fsw in one-foot increments are given in Tables 2A-1 and 2A-2. These tables are simply an expansion of Tables 9-7 and 9-8 and the rules for using Tables 2A-1 and 2A-2 are identical to the rules for using Tables 9-7 and 9-8. These Shallow Water Diving Tables are optional. They may be used instead of Tables 9-7 and 9-8 if they offer a gain in no-decompression time. The Optional Shallow Water Diving Tables are most suited to ship husbandry diving, but can be used in other shallow air diving applications as well.

2A-2 U.S. Navy Diving Manual — Volume 2

Table 2A-1. No-Decompression Limits and Repetitive Group Designators for Shallow Water Air No-Decompression Dives .

Depth (fsw)

No-Stop Limit (min)

Repetitive Group DesignationA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O Z

30 371 17 27 38 50 62 76 91 107 125 145 167 193 223 260 307 371

31 334 16 26 37 48 60 73 87 102 119 138 158 182 209 242 282 334

32 304 15 25 35 46 58 70 83 98 114 131 150 172 197 226 261 304

33 281 15 24 34 45 56 67 80 94 109 125 143 163 186 212 243 281

34 256 14 23 33 43 54 65 77 90 104 120 137 155 176 200 228 256

35 232 14 23 32 42 52 63 74 87 100 115 131 148 168 190 215 232

36 212 14 22 31 40 50 61 72 84 97 110 125 142 160 180 204 212

37 197 13 21 30 39 49 59 69 81 93 106 120 136 153 172 193 197

38 184 13 21 29 38 47 57 67 78 90 102 116 131 147 164 184

39 173 12 20 28 37 46 55 65 76 87 99 112 126 141 157 173

40 163 12 20 27 36 44 53 63 73 84 95 108 121 135 151 163

41 155 12 19 27 35 43 52 61 71 81 92 104 117 130 145 155

42 147 11 19 26 34 42 50 59 69 79 89 101 113 126 140 147

43 140 11 18 25 33 41 49 58 67 76 87 98 109 122 135 140

44 134 11 18 25 32 40 48 56 65 74 84 95 106 118 130 134

45 125 11 17 24 31 39 46 55 63 72 82 92 102 114 125

46 116 10 17 23 30 38 45 53 61 70 79 89 99 110 116

47 109 10 16 23 30 37 44 52 60 68 77 87 97 107 109

48 102 10 16 22 29 36 43 51 58 67 75 84 94 102

49 97 10 16 22 28 35 42 49 57 65 73 82 91 97

50 92 9 15 21 28 34 41 48 56 63 71 80 89 92

APPENDIx 2A — Optional Shallow Water Diving Tables 2A-3

Table 2A-2. Residual Nitrogen Time Table for Repetitive Shallow Water Air Dives .

Repetitive Group at B

eginning of Surfa

ce Interval

Locatethediver’srepetitivegroupdesignationfromhispreviousdivealongthediagonallineabovethetable .Readhorizontallytotheintervalinwhichthediver’ssurfaceintervallies .

Next,readverticallydownwardtothenewrepetitivegroupdesignation .Continuedownwardinthissamecolumntotherowthatrepresentsthedepthoftherepetitivedive .Thetimegivenattheintersectionisresidualnitrogentime,inminutes,tobeappliedtotherepetitivedive .

*Divesfollowingsurfaceintervalslongerthanthisarenotrepetitivedives .UseactualbottomtimesintheAirDecompressionTablestocomputedecompressionforsuchdives .

A :102:20*

B :10 1:171:16 3:36*

C :10 :56 2:12:55 2:11 4:31*

D :10 :53 1:48 3:04:52 1:47 3:03 5:23*

E :10 :53 1:45 2:40 3:56:52 1:44 2:39 3:55 6:15*

F :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:32 4:49:52 1:44 2:37 3:31 4:48 7:08*

G :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:24 5:41:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:23 5:40 8:00*

H :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:17 6:33:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:16 6:32 8:52*

I :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:09 7:25:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:08 7:24 9:44*

J :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:07 7:01 8:17:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:06 7:00 8:16 10:36*

K :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:07 6:59 7:53 9:10:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:06 6:58 7:52 9:09 11:29*

L :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:07 6:59 7:51 8:45 10:02:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:06 6:58 7:50 8:44 10:01 12:21*

M :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:07 6:59 7:51 8:43 9:38 10:54:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:06 6:58 7:50 8:42 9:37 10:53 13:13*

N :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:07 6:59 7:51 8:43 9:35 10:30 11:46:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:06 6:58 7:50 8:42 9:34 10:29 11:45 14:05*

O :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:07 6:59 7:51 8:43 9:35 10:28 11:22 12:38:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:06 6:58 7:50 8:42 9:34 10:27 11:21 12:37 14:58*

Z :10 :53 1:45 2:38 3:30 4:22 5:14 6:07 6:59 7:51 8:43 9:35 10:28 11:20 12:14 13:31:52 1:44 2:37 3:29 4:21 5:13 6:06 6:58 7:50 8:42 9:34 10:27 11:19 12:13 13:30 15:50*

Dive Depth

Z O N M L K J I H G F E D C B ARepetitive Group at the End of the Surface Interval

30 372 308 261 224 194 168 146 126 108 92 77 63 51 39 28 1831 334 282 243 210 183 159 139 120 103 88 74 61 49 38 27 1732 305 262 227 198 173 151 132 115 99 85 71 59 47 36 26 1733 282 244 213 187 164 144 126 110 95 81 69 57 46 35 25 1634 262 229 201 177 156 138 121 105 91 78 66 55 44 34 25 1635 245 216 191 169 149 132 116 101 88 75 64 53 43 33 24 1536 231 204 181 161 143 126 111 98 85 73 62 51 41 32 23 1537 218 194 173 154 137 122 107 94 82 70 60 50 40 31 23 1438 207 185 165 148 132 117 103 91 79 68 58 48 39 30 22 1439 197 177 158 142 127 113 100 88 77 66 56 47 38 29 21 1440 188 169 152 136 122 109 97 85 74 64 55 45 37 29 21 1341 180 163 146 132 118 105 93 82 72 62 53 44 36 28 20 1342 173 156 141 127 114 102 91 80 70 61 52 43 35 27 20 1343 166 150 136 123 110 99 88 78 68 59 50 42 34 26 19 1244 160 145 131 119 107 96 85 75 66 57 49 41 33 26 19 1245 154 140 127 115 104 93 83 73 64 56 48 40 32 25 18 1246 149 136 123 111 101 90 81 71 63 54 46 39 32 25 18 1247 144 131 119 108 98 88 78 70 61 53 45 38 31 24 18 1148 139 127 116 105 95 85 76 68 60 52 44 37 30 24 17 1149 135 123 112 102 92 83 74 66 58 51 43 36 30 23 17 1150 131 120 109 99 90 81 73 65 57 49 42 35 29 23 17 11

Residual Nitrogen Times (Minutes)


Table 9-9. Air Decompression Table .(DESCENTRATE75FPM—ASCENTRATE30FPM)

Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix

DECOMPRESSION STOPS (FSW)Stoptimes(min)includetraveltime,exceptfirstairandfirstO2stop

Total Ascent Time(M:S)

Chamber O2

PeriodsRepet Group100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20

30 FSW371 1:00 AIR 0 1:00 0 Z

AIR/O2 0 1:00380 0:20 AIR 5 6:00 0 .5 Z

AIR/O2 1 2:00In-WaterAir/O2DecompressionorSurDO2Recommended--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

420 0:20 AIR 22 23:00 0 .5 ZAIR/O2 5 6:00

480 0:20 AIR 42 43:00 0 .5AIR/O2 9 10:00

540 0:20 AIR 71 72:00 1AIR/O2 14 15:00

ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAirDecompression-------------In-WaterAir/O2DecompressionorSurDO2Required-----------600 0:20 AIR 92 93:00 1

AIR/O2 19 20:00660 0:20 AIR 120 121:00 1

AIR/O2 22 23:00720 0:20 AIR 158 159:00 1

AIR/O2 27 28:00

35 FSW232 1:10 AIR 0 1:10 0 Z

AIR/O2 0 1:10240 0:30 AIR 4 5:10 0 .5 Z


270 0:30 AIR 28 29:10 0 .5 ZAIR/O2 7 8:10

300 0:30 AIR 53 54:10 0 .5 ZAIR/O2 13 14:10

330 0:30 AIR 71 72:10 1 ZAIR/O2 18 19:10

360 0:30 AIR 88 89:10 1AIR/O2 22 23:10

ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAirDecompression-------------In-WaterAir/O2DecompressionorSurDO2Required-----------420 0:30 AIR 134 135:10 1 .5

AIR/O2 29 30:10480 0:30 AIR 173 174:10 1 .5

AIR/O2 38 44:10540 0:30 AIR 228 229:10 2

AIR/O2 45 51:10600 0:30 AIR 277 278:10 2

AIR/O2 53 59:10660 0:30 AIR 314 315:10 2 .5

AIR/O2 63 69:10720 0:30 AIR 342 343:10 3

AIR/O2 71 82:10


Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


40 FSW163 1:20 AIR 0 1:20 0 O

AIR/O2 0 1:20170 0:40 AIR 6 7:20 0 .5 O

AIR/O2 2 3:20180 0:40 AIR 14 15:20 0 .5 Z


190 0:40 AIR 21 22:20 0 .5 ZAIR/O2 7 8:20

200 0:40 AIR 27 28:20 0 .5 ZAIR/O2 9 10:20

210 0:40 AIR 39 40:20 0 .5 ZAIR/O2 11 12:20

220 0:40 AIR 52 53:20 0 .5 ZAIR/O2 12 13:20

230 0:40 AIR 64 65:20 1 ZAIR/O2 16 17:20

240 0:40 AIR 75 76:20 1 ZAIR/O2 19 20:20

ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAirDecompression-------------In-WaterAir/O2DecompressionorSurDO2Required-----------270 0:40 AIR 101 102:20 1 Z

AIR/O2 26 27:20300 0:40 AIR 128 129:20 1 .5

AIR/O2 33 34:20330 0:40 AIR 160 161:20 1 .5

AIR/O2 38 44:20360 0:40 AIR 184 185:20 2

AIR/O2 44 50:20420 0:40 AIR 248 249:20 2 .5

AIR/O2 56 62:20480 0:40 AIR 321 322:20 2 .5

AIR/O2 68 79:20ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAir/02Decompression-------------SurDO2Required-------------------------------------------------------

540 0:40 AIR 372 373:20 3AIR/O2 80 91:20

600 0:40 AIR 410 411:20 3 .5AIR/O2 93 104:20

660 0:40 AIR 439 440:20 4AIR/O2 103 119:20

ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------720 0:40 AIR 461 462:20 4 .5

AIR/O2 112 128:20

Table 9-9. Air Decompression Table (Continued) .(DESCENTRATE75FPM—ASCENTRATE30FPM)


Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


45 FSW125 1:30 AIR 0 1:30 0 N

AIR/O2 0 1:30130 0:50 AIR 2 3:30 0 .5 O

AIR/O2 1 2:30140 0:50 AIR 14 15:30 0 .5 O


150 0:50 AIR 25 26:30 0 .5 ZAIR/O2 8 9:30

160 0:50 AIR 34 35:30 0 .5 ZAIR/O2 11 12:30

170 0:50 AIR 41 42:30 1 ZAIR/O2 14 15:30

180 0:50 AIR 59 60:30 1 ZAIR/O2 17 18:30

190 0:50 AIR 75 76:30 1 ZAIR/O2 19 20:30


AIR/O2 23 24:30210 0:50 AIR 101 102:30 1 Z

AIR/O2 27 28:30220 0:50 AIR 112 113:30 1 .5 Z

AIR/O2 30 31:30230 0:50 AIR 121 122:30 1 .5 Z

AIR/O2 33 34:30240 0:50 AIR 130 131:30 1 .5 Z

AIR/O2 37 43:30270 0:50 AIR 173 174:30 2

AIR/O2 45 51:30300 0:50 AIR 206 207:30 2

AIR/O2 51 57:30330 0:50 AIR 243 244:30 2 .5

AIR/O2 61 67:30360 0:50 AIR 288 289:30 3


420 0:50 AIR 373 374:30 3 .5AIR/O2 84 95:30

480 0:50 AIR 431 432:30 4AIR/O2 101 117:30


AIR/O2 117 133:30



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


50 FSW92 1:40 AIR 0 1:40 0 M

AIR/O2 0 1:4095 1:00 AIR 2 3:40 0 .5 M

AIR/O2 1 2:40100 1:00 AIR 4 5:40 0 .5 N

AIR/O2 2 3:40110 1:00 AIR 8 9:40 0 .5 O


120 1:00 AIR 21 22:40 0 .5 OAIR/O2 7 8:40

130 1:00 AIR 34 35:40 0 .5 ZAIR/O2 12 13:40

140 1:00 AIR 45 46:40 1 ZAIR/O2 16 17:40

150 1:00 AIR 56 57:40 1 ZAIR/O2 19 20:40

160 1:00 AIR 78 79:40 1 ZAIR/O2 23 24:40


AIR/O2 26 27:40180 1:00 AIR 111 112:40 1 .5 Z

AIR/O2 30 31:40190 1:00 AIR 125 126:40 1 .5 Z

AIR/O2 35 36:40200 1:00 AIR 136 137:40 1 .5 Z

AIR/O2 39 45:40210 1:00 AIR 147 148:40 2

AIR/O2 43 49:40220 1:00 AIR 166 167:40 2

AIR/O2 47 53:40230 1:00 AIR 183 184:40 2

AIR/O2 50 56:40240 1:00 AIR 198 199:40 2

AIR/O2 53 59:40270 1:00 AIR 236 237:40 2 .5

AIR/O2 62 68:40300 1:00 AIR 285 286:40 3

AIR/O2 74 85:40ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAir/O2Decompression-------------SurDO2Required-------------------------------------------------------

330 1:00 AIR 345 346:40 3 .5AIR/O2 83 94:40

360 1:00 AIR 393 394:40 3 .5AIR/O2 92 103:40


AIR/O2 113 129:40



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


55 FSW74 1:50 AIR 0 1:50 0 L

AIR/O2 0 1:5075 1:10 AIR 1 2:50 0 .5 L

AIR/O2 1 2:5080 1:10 AIR 4 5:50 0 .5 M

AIR/O2 2 3:5090 1:10 AIR 10 11:50 0 .5 N


100 1:10 AIR 17 18:50 0 .5 OAIR/O2 8 9:50

110 1:10 AIR 34 35:50 0 .5 OAIR/O2 12 13:50

120 1:10 AIR 48 49:50 1 ZAIR/O2 17 18:50

130 1:10 AIR 59 60:50 1 ZAIR/O2 22 23:50

140 1:10 AIR 84 85:50 1 ZAIR/O2 26 27:50

ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAirDecompression-------------In-WaterAir/O2DecompressionorSurDO2Required-----------150 1:10 AIR 105 106:50 1 .5 Z

AIR/O2 30 31:50160 1:10 AIR 123 124:50 1 .5 Z

AIR/O2 34 35:50170 1:10 AIR 138 139:50 1 .5 Z

AIR/O2 40 46:50180 1:10 AIR 151 152:50 2 Z

AIR/O2 45 51:50190 1:10 AIR 169 170:50 2

AIR/O2 50 56:50200 1:10 AIR 190 191:50 2

AIR/O2 54 60:50210 1:10 AIR 208 209:50 2 .5

AIR/O2 58 64:50220 1:10 AIR 224 225:50 2 .5

AIR/O2 62 68:50230 1:10 AIR 239 240:50 2 .5

AIR/O2 66 77:50240 1:10 AIR 254 255:50 3

AIR/O2 69 80:50

ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAir/02Decompression-------------SurDO2Required-------------------------------------------------------270 1:10 AIR 313 314:50 3 .5

AIR/O2 83 94:50300 1:10 AIR 380 381:50 3 .5

AIR/O2 94 105:50330 1:10 AIR 432 433:50 4

AIR/O2 106 122:50ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

360 1:10 AIR 474 475:50 4 .5AIR/O2 118 134:50



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


60 FSW60 2:00 AIR 0 2:00 0 K

AIR/O2 0 2:0065 1:20 AIR 2 4:00 0 .5 L

AIR/O2 1 3:0070 1:20 AIR 7 9:00 0 .5 L

AIR/O2 4 6:0080 1:20 AIR 14 16:00 0 .5 N


90 1:20 AIR 23 25:00 0 .5 OAIR/O2 10 12:00

100 1:20 AIR 42 44:00 1 ZAIR/O2 15 17:00

110 1:20 AIR 57 59:00 1 ZAIR/O2 21 23:00

120 1:20 AIR 75 77:00 1 ZAIR/O2 26 28:00


AIR/O2 31 33:00140 1:20 AIR 124 126:00 1 .5 Z

AIR/O2 35 37:00150 1:20 AIR 143 145:00 2 Z

AIR/O2 41 48:00160 1:20 AIR 158 160:00 2 Z

AIR/O2 48 55:00170 1:20 AIR 178 180:00 2

AIR/O2 53 60:00180 1:20 AIR 201 203:00 2 .5

AIR/O2 59 66:00190 1:20 AIR 222 224:00 2 .5

AIR/O2 64 71:00200 1:20 AIR 240 242:00 2 .5

AIR/O2 68 80:00210 1:20 AIR 256 258:00 3

AIR/O2 73 85:00220 1:20 AIR 278 280:00 3


230 1:20 AIR 300 302:00 3 .5AIR/O2 82 94:00

240 1:20 AIR 321 323:00 3 .5AIR/O2 88 100:00

270 1:20 AIR 398 400:00 4AIR/O2 102 119:00


AIR/O2 115 132:00



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


70 FSW48 2:20 AIR 0 2:20 0 K

AIR/O2 0 2:2050 1:40 AIR 2 4:20 0 .5 K

AIR/O2 1 3:2055 1:40 AIR 9 11:20 0 .5 L

AIR/O2 5 7:2060 1:40 AIR 14 16:20 0 .5 M


70 1:40 AIR 24 26:20 0 .5 NAIR/O2 13 15:20

80 1:40 AIR 44 46:20 1 OAIR/O2 17 19:20

90 1:40 AIR 64 66:20 1 ZAIR/O2 24 26:20

100 1:40 AIR 88 90:20 1 .5 ZAIR/O2 31 33:20


AIR/O2 38 45:20120 1:40 AIR 145 147:20 2 Z

AIR/O2 44 51:20130 1:40 AIR 167 169:20 2 Z

AIR/O2 51 58:20140 1:40 AIR 189 191:20 2 .5

AIR/O2 59 66:20150 1:40 AIR 219 221:20 2 .5

AIR/O2 66 78:20160 1:20 AIR 1 244 247:00 3

AIR/O2 1 72 85:00ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAir/02Decompression-------------SurDO2Required-------------------------------------------------------

170 1:20 AIR 2 265 269:00 3AIR/O2 1 78 91:00

180 1:20 AIR 4 289 295:00 3 .5AIR/O2 2 83 97:00

190 1:20 AIR 5 316 323:00 3 .5AIR/O2 3 88 103:00

200 1:20 AIR 9 345 356:00 4AIR/O2 5 93 115:00

210 1:20 AIR 13 378 393:00 4AIR/O2 7 98 122:00

ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------240 1:20 AIR 25 454 481:00 5

AIR/O2 13 110 140:00



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


80 FSW39 2:40 AIR 0 2:40 0 J

AIR/O2 0 2:4040 2:00 AIR 1 3:40 0 .5 J

AIR/O2 1 3:4045 2:00 AIR 10 12:40 0 .5 K


50 2:00 AIR 17 19:40 0 .5 MAIR/O2 9 11:40

55 2:00 AIR 24 26:40 0 .5 MAIR/O2 13 15:40

60 2:00 AIR 30 32:40 1 NAIR/O2 16 18:40

70 2:00 AIR 54 56:40 1 OAIR/O2 22 24:40

80 2:00 AIR 77 79:40 1 .5 ZAIR/O2 30 32:40


AIR/O2 39 46:40100 1:40 AIR 1 147 150:20 2 Z

AIR/O2 1 46 54:20110 1:40 AIR 6 171 179:20 2 Z

AIR/O2 3 51 61:20120 1:40 AIR 10 200 212:20 2 .5

AIR/O2 5 59 71:20130 1:40 AIR 14 232 248:20 3


140 1:40 AIR 17 258 277:20 3 .5AIR/O2 9 73 94:20

150 1:40 AIR 19 285 306:20 3 .5AIR/O2 10 80 102:20

160 1:40 AIR 21 318 341:20 4AIR/O2 11 86 114:20

170 1:40 AIR 27 354 383:20 4AIR/O2 14 90 121:20

ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------180 1:40 AIR 33 391 426:20 4 .5

AIR/O2 17 96 130:20210 1:40 AIR 50 474 526:20 5

AIR/O2 26 110 158:20



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


90 FSW30 3:00 AIR 0 3:00 0 I

AIR/O2 0 3:0035 2:20 AIR 4 7:00 0 .5 J

AIR/O2 2 5:0040 2:20 AIR 14 17:00 0 .5 L


45 2:20 AIR 23 26:00 0 .5 MAIR/O2 12 15:00

50 2:20 AIR 31 34:00 1 NAIR/O2 17 20:00

55 2:20 AIR 39 42:00 1 OAIR/O2 21 24:00

60 2:20 AIR 56 59:00 1 OAIR/O2 24 27:00

70 2:20 AIR 83 86:00 1 .5 ZAIR/O2 32 35:00

ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAirDecompression-------------In-WaterAir/O2DecompressionorSurDO2Required-----------80 2:00 AIR 5 125 132:40 2 Z

AIR/O2 3 40 50:4090 2:00 AIR 13 158 173:40 2 Z

AIR/O2 7 46 60:40100 2:00 AIR 19 185 206:40 2 .5

AIR/O2 10 53 70:40110 2:00 AIR 25 224 251:40 3


120 1:40 AIR 1 29 256 288:20 3 .5AIR/O2 1 15 70 98:40

130 1:40 AIR 5 28 291 326:20 3 .5AIR/O2 5 15 78 110:40

140 1:40 AIR 8 28 330 368:20 4AIR/O2 8 15 86 126:40

ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------150 1:40 AIR 11 34 378 425:20 4 .5

AIR/O2 11 17 94 139:40160 1:40 AIR 13 40 418 473:20 4 .5

AIR/O2 13 21 100 151:40170 1:40 AIR 15 45 451 513:20 5

AIR/O2 15 23 106 166:40180 1:40 AIR 16 51 479 548:20 5 .5

AIR/O2 16 26 112 176:40240 1:40 AIR 42 68 592 704:20 7 .5

AIR/O2 42 34 159 267:00



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


100 FSW25 3:20 AIR 0 3:20 0 H

AIR/O2 0 3:2030 2:40 AIR 3 6:20 0 .5 J

AIR/O2 2 5:2035 2:40 AIR 15 18:20 0 .5 L


40 2:40 AIR 26 29:20 1 MAIR/O2 14 17:20

45 2:40 AIR 36 39:20 1 NAIR/O2 19 22:20

50 2:40 AIR 47 50:20 1 OAIR/O2 24 27:20

55 2:40 AIR 65 68:20 1 .5 ZAIR/O2 28 31:20

60 2:40 AIR 81 84:20 1 .5 ZAIR/O2 33 35:20

ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAirDecompression-------------In-WaterAir/O2DecompressionorSurDO2Required-----------70 2:20 AIR 11 124 138:00 2 Z

AIR/O2 6 39 53:0080 2:20 AIR 21 160 184:00 2 .5 Z

AIR/O2 11 45 64:0090 2:00 AIR 2 28 196 228:40 2 .5

AIR/O2 2 15 52 82:00ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAir/02Decompression-------------SurDO2Required-------------------------------------------------------

100 2:00 AIR 9 28 241 280:40 3AIR/O2 9 14 66 102:00

110 2:00 AIR 14 28 278 322:40 3 .5AIR/O2 14 15 75 117:00

120 2:00 AIR 19 28 324 373:40 4AIR/O2 19 15 84 136:00

ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------150 1:40 AIR 3 26 46 461 538:20 5

AIR/O2 3 26 24 108 183:40



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


110 FSW20 3:40 AIR 0 3:40 0 H

AIR/O2 0 3:4025 3:00 AIR 3 6:40 0 .5 I

AIR/O2 2 5:4030 3:00 AIR 14 17:40 0 .5 K


35 3:00 AIR 27 30:40 1 MAIR/O2 14 17:40

40 3:00 AIR 39 42:40 1 NAIR/O2 20 23:40

45 3:00 AIR 50 53:40 1 OAIR/O2 26 29:40

50 3:00 AIR 71 74:40 1 .5 ZAIR/O2 31 34:40

ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAirDecompression-------------In-WaterAir/O2DecompressionorSurDO2Required-----------55 2:40 AIR 5 85 93:20 1 .5 Z

AIR/O2 3 33 44:2060 2:40 AIR 13 111 127:20 2 Z

AIR/O2 7 36 51:2070 2:40 AIR 26 155 184:20 2 .5 Z

AIR/O2 13 43 64:2080 2:20 AIR 9 28 200 240:00 2 .5


90 2:20 AIR 17 29 248 297:00 3 .5AIR/O2 17 15 67 112:20

100 2:20 AIR 25 28 295 351:00 3 .5AIR/O2 25 15 78 131:20

110 2:00 AIR 5 26 28 353 414:40 4AIR/O2 5 26 15 90 154:00

ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------120 2:00 AIR 10 26 35 413 486:40 4 .5

AIR/O2 10 26 18 101 173:00180 1:40 AIR 3 23 47 68 593 736:20 7 .5

AIR/O2 3 23 47 34 159 298:00



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


120 FSW15 4:00 AIR 0 4:00 0 F

AIR/O2 0 4:0020 3:20 AIR 2 6:00 0 .5 H

AIR/O2 1 5:0025 3:20 AIR 8 12:00 0 .5 J


30 3:20 AIR 24 28:00 0 .5 LAIR/O2 13 17:00

35 3:20 AIR 38 42:00 1 NAIR/O2 20 24:00

40 3:20 AIR 51 55:00 1 OAIR/O2 27 31:00

45 3:20 AIR 72 76:00 1 .5 ZAIR/O2 33 37:00


AIR/O2 5 33 46:4055 3:00 AIR 19 116 138:40 2 Z

AIR/O2 10 35 53:4060 3:00 AIR 27 142 172:40 2 Z

AIR/O2 14 39 61:4070 2:40 AIR 12 29 189 233:20 2 .5


80 2:40 AIR 24 28 246 301:20 3AIR/O2 24 14 67 118:40

90 2:20 AIR 7 26 28 303 367:00 3 .5AIR/O2 7 26 15 79 140:20

100 2:20 AIR 14 26 28 372 443:00 4AIR/O2 14 26 15 94 167:20

ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------110 2:20 AIR 21 25 38 433 520:00 5

AIR/O2 21 25 20 104 188:20120 2:00 AIR 3 23 25 47 480 580:40 5 .5

AIR/O2 3 23 25 24 113 211:00



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


130 FSW10 4:20 AIR 0 4:20 0 E

AIR/O2 0 4:2015 3:40 AIR 1 5:20 0 .5 G

AIR/O2 1 5:2020 3:40 AIR 4 8:20 0 .5 I


25 3:40 AIR 17 21:20 0 .5 KAIR/O2 9 13:20

30 3:40 AIR 34 38:20 1 MAIR/O2 18 22:20

35 3:40 AIR 49 53:20 1 NAIR/O2 26 30:20

40 3:20 AIR 3 67 74:00 1 .5 ZAIR/O2 2 31 37:00


AIR/O2 6 33 48:0050 3:20 AIR 22 116 142:00 2 Z

AIR/O2 11 35 55:0055 3:00 AIR 4 28 145 180:40 2 Z

AIR/O2 4 15 39 67:0060 3:00 AIR 12 28 170 213:40 2 .5 Z


70 2:40 AIR 1 26 28 235 293:20 3AIR/O2 1 26 14 63 117:40

80 2:40 AIR 12 26 28 297 366:20 3 .5AIR/O2 12 26 15 78 144:40

90 2:40 AIR 21 26 28 374 452:20 4AIR/O2 21 26 15 94 174:40

ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------100 2:20 AIR 6 23 26 38 444 540:00 5

AIR/O2 6 23 26 20 106 204:20120 2:20 AIR 17 23 28 57 533 661:00 6

AIR/O2 17 23 28 29 130 255:20180 2:00 AIR 13 21 45 57 94 658 890:40 9

AIR/O2 13 21 45 57 46 198 417:20



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


140 FSW10 4:40 AIR 0 4:40 0 E

AIR/O2 0 4:4015 4:00 AIR 2 6:40 0 .5 H

AIR/O2 1 5:4020 4:00 AIR 7 11:40 0 .5 J


25 4:00 AIR 26 30:40 1 LAIR/O2 14 18:40

30 4:00 AIR 44 48:40 1 NAIR/O2 23 27:40

35 3:40 AIR 4 59 67:20 1 .5 OAIR/O2 2 30 36:20


AIR/O2 6 33 48:2045 3:20 AIR 3 21 113 141:00 2 Z

AIR/O2 3 11 34 57:2050 3:20 AIR 7 28 145 184:00 2 Z

AIR/O2 7 14 40 70:2055 3:20 AIR 16 28 171 219:00 2 .5 Z


60 3:00 AIR 2 23 28 209 265:40 3AIR/O2 2 23 15 55 109:00

70 3:00 AIR 14 25 28 276 346:40 3 .5AIR/O2 14 25 15 74 142:00

80 2:40 AIR 2 24 25 29 362 445:20 4AIR/O2 2 24 25 15 91 175:40

ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------90 2:40 AIR 12 23 26 38 443 545:20 5

AIR/O2 12 23 26 19 107 210:40



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


150 FSW5 5:00 AIR 0 5:00 0 C

AIR/O2 0 5:0010 4:20 AIR 1 6:00 0 .5 F

AIR/O2 1 6:0015 4:20 AIR 3 8:00 0 .5 H

AIR/O2 2 7:0020 4:20 AIR 14 19:00 0 .5 K


25 4:20 AIR 35 40:00 1 MAIR/O2 19 24:00

30 4:00 AIR 3 51 58:40 1 .5 OAIR/O2 2 26 32:40

35 4:00 AIR 11 72 87:40 1 .5 ZAIR/O2 6 31 46:40

ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAirDecompression-------------In-WaterAir/O2DecompressionorSurDO2Required-----------40 3:40 AIR 4 18 102 128:20 2 Z

AIR/O2 4 9 34 56:4045 3:40 AIR 10 25 140 179:20 2 Z

AIR/O2 10 13 39 71:4050 3:20 AIR 3 15 28 170 220:00 2 .5 Z

AIR/O2 3 15 15 45 87:20ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAir/02Decompression-------------SurDO2Required-------------------------------------------------------

55 3:20 AIR 6 22 28 211 271:00 3AIR/O2 6 22 15 56 113:20

60 3:20 AIR 11 26 28 248 317:00 3AIR/O2 11 26 15 66 132:20

70 3:00 AIR 3 24 25 28 330 413:40 4AIR/O2 3 24 25 15 84 170:00

ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------80 3:00 AIR 15 23 26 35 430 532:40 4 .5

AIR/O2 15 23 26 18 104 205:0090 2:40 AIR 3 22 23 26 47 496 620:20 5 .5

AIR/O2 3 22 23 26 24 118 239:40120 2:20 AIR 3 20 22 23 50 75 608 804:00 8

AIR/O2 3 20 22 23 50 37 168 355:40180 2:00 AIR 2 19 20 42 48 79 121 694 1027:40 10 .5

AIR/O2 2 19 20 42 48 79 58 222 537:20



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


160 FSW5 5:20 AIR 0 5:20 0 C

AIR/O2 0 5:2010 4:40 AIR 1 6:20 0 .5 F

AIR/O2 1 6:2015 4:40 AIR 5 10:20 0 .5 I


20 4:40 AIR 22 27:20 0 .5 LAIR/O2 12 17:20

25 4:20 AIR 3 41 49:00 1 NAIR/O2 2 21 28:00

30 4:00 AIR 1 8 60 73:40 1 .5 OAIR/O2 1 5 28 39:00

ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAirDecompression-------------In-WaterAir/O2DecompressionorSurDO2Required-----------35 4:00 AIR 4 14 84 106:40 1 .5 Z

AIR/O2 4 8 32 54:0040 4:00 AIR 12 20 130 166:40 2 Z

AIR/O2 12 11 37 70:0045 3:40 AIR 5 13 28 164 214:20 2 .5 Z


50 3:40 AIR 10 19 28 207 268:20 3AIR/O2 10 19 15 54 112:40

55 3:20 AIR 2 12 26 28 248 320:00 3AIR/O2 2 12 26 14 67 135:20

60 3:20 AIR 5 18 25 29 290 371:00 3 .5AIR/O2 5 18 25 15 77 154:20

ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------70 3:20 AIR 15 23 26 29 399 496:00 4 .5

AIR/O2 15 23 26 15 99 197:2080 3:00 AIR 6 21 24 25 44 482 605:40 5 .5

AIR/O2 6 21 24 25 23 114 237:00



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


170 FSW5 5:40 AIR 0 5:40 0 D

AIR/O2 0 5:4010 5:00 AIR 2 7:40 0 .5 G

AIR/O2 1 6:4015 5:00 AIR 7 12:40 0 .5 J


20 4:40 AIR 1 29 35:20 1 LAIR/O2 1 15 21:20

25 4:20 AIR 1 6 46 58:00 1 NAIR/O2 1 4 23 33:20

ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAirDecompression-------------In-WaterAir/O2DecompressionorSurDO2Required-----------30 4:20 AIR 5 11 72 93:00 1 .5 Z

AIR/O2 5 6 29 45:2035 4:00 AIR 2 9 17 113 145:40 2 Z

AIR/O2 2 9 9 35 65:0040 4:00 AIR 6 13 23 155 201:40 2 .5 Z


45 4:00 AIR 12 16 28 194 254:40 2 .5AIR/O2 12 16 15 51 109:00

50 3:40 AIR 5 12 23 28 243 315:20 3AIR/O2 5 12 23 15 65 134:40

55 3:40 AIR 9 16 25 28 287 369:20 3 .5AIR/O2 9 16 25 15 76 155:40

60 3:20 AIR 2 11 21 26 28 344 436:00 4AIR/O2 2 11 21 26 15 87 181:20

ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------70 3:20 AIR 7 19 24 25 39 454 572:00 5

AIR/O2 7 19 24 25 20 109 228:2080 3:20 AIR 17 22 23 26 53 525 670:00 6

AIR/O2 17 22 23 26 27 128 267:2090 3:00 AIR 7 20 22 23 37 66 574 752:40 7

AIR/O2 7 20 22 23 37 33 148 318:20120 2:40 AIR 9 19 20 22 42 60 94 659 928:20 9

AIR/O2 9 19 20 22 42 60 46 198 454:00180 2:20 AIR 10 18 19 40 43 70 97 156 703 1159:00 11 .5

AIR/O2 10 18 19 40 43 70 97 75 228 648:00



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


180 FSW5 6:00 AIR 0 6:00 0 D

AIR/O2 0 6:0010 5:20 AIR 3 9:00 0 .5 G

AIR/O2 2 8:0015 5:20 AIR 11 17:00 0 .5 J


20 5:00 AIR 4 34 43:40 1 MAIR/O2 2 18 25:40

25 4:40 AIR 4 7 54 70:20 1 .5 OAIR/O2 4 4 26 39:40

ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAirDecompression-------------In-WaterAir/O2DecompressionorSurDO2Required-----------30 4:20 AIR 2 7 14 83 111:00 1 .5 Z

AIR/O2 2 7 7 31 57:2035 4:20 AIR 5 13 19 138 180:00 2 Z


40 4:00 AIR 2 11 12 28 175 232:40 2 .5 ZAIR/O2 2 11 12 14 47 96:00

45 4:00 AIR 7 11 20 28 231 301:40 3AIR/O2 7 11 20 15 61 129:00

50 3:40 AIR 1 11 13 25 28 276 358:20 3 .5AIR/O2 1 11 13 25 15 74 153:40

55 3:40 AIR 5 11 19 26 28 336 429:20 4AIR/O2 5 11 19 26 14 87 181:40

ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------60 3:40 AIR 8 13 24 25 31 405 510:20 4 .5

AIR/O2 8 13 24 25 16 100 205:4070 3:20 AIR 3 13 21 24 25 48 498 636:00 5 .5

AIR/O2 3 13 21 24 25 25 118 253:20



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


190 FSW5 6:20 AIR 0 6:20 0 D

AIR/O2 0 6:2010 5:40 AIR 4 10:20 0 .5 H


15 5:40 AIR 17 23:20 0 .5 KAIR/O2 9 15:20

20 5:00 AIR 1 7 37 50:40 1 NAIR/O2 1 4 19 30:00

25 4:40 AIR 2 6 9 67 89:20 1 .5 ZAIR/O2 2 6 5 28 46:40

ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAirDecompression-------------In-WaterAir/O2DecompressionorSurDO2Required-----------30 4:40 AIR 6 8 14 111 144:20 2 Z

AIR/O2 6 8 8 35 67:4035 4:20 AIR 3 8 13 22 160 211:00 2 .5 Z

AIR/O2 3 8 13 12 44 90:20ExceptionalExposure:In-WaterAir/02Decompression-------------SurDO2Required-------------------------------------------------------

40 4:20 AIR 7 12 14 29 210 277:00 3AIR/O2 7 12 14 15 56 119:20

45 4:00 AIR 2 11 12 23 28 262 342:40 3 .5AIR/O2 2 11 12 23 15 70 148:00

50 4:00 AIR 7 11 16 26 28 321 413:40 4AIR/O2 7 11 16 26 15 83 178:00

ExceptionalExposure:SurDO2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------55 3:40 AIR 2 10 10 24 25 30 396 501:20 4 .5

AIR/O2 2 10 10 24 25 16 98 204:4060 3:40 AIR 5 10 16 24 25 40 454 578:20 5

AIR/O2 5 10 16 24 25 21 108 233:4090 3:20 AIR 11 19 20 21 28 51 83 626 863:00 8 .5

AIR/O2 11 19 20 21 28 51 42 177 408:40120 3:00 AIR 15 17 19 20 37 46 79 113 691 1040:40 10 .5

AIR/O2 15 17 19 20 37 46 79 55 219 550:20



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2


200 FSWExceptionalExposure---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 6:00 AIR 1 7:40 0 .5AIR/O2 1 7:40

10 6:00 AIR 2 8:40 0 .5AIR/O2 1 7:40

15 5:40 AIR 2 22 30:20 0 .5AIR/O2 1 11 18:20

20 5:20 AIR 5 6 43 60:00 1AIR/O2 5 4 21 36:20

25 5:00 AIR 5 6 11 78 105:40 1 .5AIR/O2 5 6 6 29 52:00

30 4:40 AIR 4 5 11 18 136 179:20 2AIR/O2 4 5 11 9 40 79:40

35 4:20 AIR 1 6 10 13 26 179 240:00 2 .5AIR/O2 1 6 10 13 13 49 102:20

40 4:20 AIR 3 10 12 18 28 243 319:00 3AIR/O2 3 10 12 18 15 65 138:20

45 4:20 AIR 8 11 12 26 28 300 390:00 3 .5AIR/O2 8 11 12 26 15 79 166:20

50 4:00 AIR 3 10 11 20 26 28 377 479:40 4 .5AIR/O2 3 10 11 20 26 15 95 200:00


5 6:20 AIR 1 8:00 0 .5AIR/O2 1 8:00

10 6:20 AIR 5 12:00 0 .5AIR/O2 3 10:00

15 6:00 AIR 5 26 37:40 1AIR/O2 3 13 22:40

20 5:20 AIR 2 6 7 50 71:00 1 .5AIR/O2 2 6 4 24 42:20

25 5:00 AIR 2 6 7 13 94 127:40 1 .5AIR/O2 2 6 7 7 32 65:00

30 4:40 AIR 2 5 6 13 21 156 208:20 2AIR/O2 2 5 6 13 11 43 90:40

35 4:40 AIR 5 6 12 14 28 214 284:20 3AIR/O2 5 6 12 14 14 58 124:40

40 4:20 AIR 2 6 11 12 22 28 271 357:00 3 .5AIR/O2 2 6 11 12 22 15 74 157:20

45 4:20 AIR 4 10 11 16 25 29 347 447:00 4AIR/O2 4 10 11 16 25 15 89 190:20

50 4:20 AIR 9 10 11 23 26 35 426 545:00 4 .5AIR/O2 9 10 11 23 26 18 104 221:20



Bottom Time (min)

Time to First

Stop(M:S) Gas Mix



Chamber O2



5 6:40 AIR 2 9:20 0 .5AIR/O2 1 8:20

10 6:40 AIR 8 15:20 0 .5AIR/O2 4 11:20

15 6:00 AIR 1 7 30 44:40 1AIR/O2 1 4 15 27:00

20 5:40 AIR 5 6 7 63 87:20 1 .5AIR/O2 5 6 4 27 48:40

25 5:20 AIR 5 6 8 14 119 158:00 2AIR/O2 5 6 8 7 38 75:20

30 5:00 AIR 5 5 8 13 24 174 234:40 2 .5AIR/O2 5 5 8 13 13 47 102:00

35 4:40 AIR 3 5 9 11 18 28 244 323:20 3AIR/O2 3 5 9 11 18 15 66 142:40

40 4:20 AIR 1 4 9 11 11 26 28 312 407:00 4AIR/O2 1 4 9 11 11 26 15 82 179:20


5 7:40 AIR 3 11:20 0 .5AIR/O2 2 10:20

10 7:20 AIR 2 15 25:00 0 .5AIR/O2 1 8 17:00

15 6:40 AIR 3 7 7 41 65:20 1AIR/O2 3 7 4 21 42:40

20 6:00 AIR 2 6 5 7 12 106 144:40 2AIR/O2 2 6 5 7 6 35 73:00

25 5:40 AIR 4 5 5 7 13 24 175 239:20 2 .5AIR/O2 4 5 5 7 13 13 47 105:40

30 5:20 AIR 4 4 5 9 11 20 28 257 344:00 3 .5AIR/O2 4 4 5 9 11 20 14 70 153:20

35 5:00 AIR 2 5 4 10 11 14 25 29 347 452:40 4AIR/O2 2 5 4 10 11 14 25 15 89 196:00


5 9:20 AIR 6 16:00 0 .5AIR/O2 3 13:00

10 8:20 AIR 2 5 7 32 55:00 1AIR/O2 2 5 4 16 36:20

15 7:20 AIR 1 4 5 6 6 10 102 142:00 1 .5AIR/O2 1 4 5 6 6 5 35 75:20

20 6:40 AIR 1 4 5 5 5 6 14 28 196 271:20 2 .5AIR/O2 1 4 5 5 5 6 14 15 52 124:40

25 6:40 AIR 7 4 5 5 10 12 25 29 305 409:00 3 .5AIR/O2 7 4 5 5 10 12 25 15 80 180:20


Appendix E

MSI Confined Space EntrySheet

1

Permit #

Confined Space Entry Permit

Marine Solutions, Inc.

Permit space to be entered:

Purpose of entry:

Date of entry: Duration of entry permit:

Authorized entrants:

Attendants:

Entry supervisor: Time:

Record hazards of the space to be entered.

Hazard Yes No N/A

A. Lack of Oxygen

B. Combustible Gases

C. Combustible Vapors

D. Combustible Dust

E. Toxic Gases

F. Toxic Vapors

G. Chemical Contact

H. Electrical Hazards

I. Mechanical Exposure

J. Temperature

K. Engulfment

L. Entrapment

M. Others

Check or list the measures used to isolate and/or eliminate or control permit space hazards before entry.

A. Purge-Flush and Vent E. Blanking, Blocking, Bleeding

B. Ventilation F. External Barricades

C. Lockout/Tag Out G. Confined Space ID Signs

D. Inerting

Comments:

2

This Permit to be kept at Job Site.Return to Safety Office following job completion.

Tests to be taken.Permissibleentry levels Test #1 Test #2

A. Oxygen % 19.5 - 23.5

B. Explosive % L.E.L. < 10%

C. Toxic P{PM < 35 PPM

D.

E.

Name of Tester:

Test Times:

Rescue and Emergency Services Available:

Fire Department - Phone 911

Equipment Supplied to Employee:

Gas Test and Monitoring Ventilating Lighting

Communication:

Voice Radio Hand Signals Other

Personal Protective Equipment

Safety Harness Face Eye

Respiratory Hand Ear

Hard Hats Foot Clothing

Barriers/ShieldsPedestrian Vehicle

Other safety equipment:

Additional permits:

This Confined Space Entry Permit has been Cancelled:

By: Time:

Date:

Appendix F

U.S. Navy DecompressionTreatment Tables

21-36 U.S. Navy Diving Manual—Volume 5

Figure 21-3. Treatment of Decompression Sickness Occurring while at Decompression Stop in the Water.

NOTES:

1. If 100 percent O2 is available for divers with a helmet or full face mask, shift to this gas at depths of 30 fsw or less.

2. As an option, the Diving Supervisor may elect not to recompress the diver 10 feet in the water, but to remove the diver from the water when decompression risks are acceptable and treat the diver in the chamber.

3. If recompression goes deeper than the depth of the first stop in the Decompression Table use a stop time equal to 1-1/2 times the first stop in the Decompression Table for the one stop deeper than the first stop. Always take a stop every 10 feet.

4. No oxygen available.

CHAPTER 21 — Recompression Therapy 21-37

Figure 21-4. Decompression Sickness Treatment from Diving or Altitude Exposures.

NOTES

1. If a complete neurological exam was not completed before recompression, treat as a Type II symptom.

2. Treatment Table 6 may be extended up to four additional oxygen-breathing periods, two at 30 feet and/or two at 60 feet.

3. Diving Supervisor may elect to treat on Treatment Table 6.

4. Treatment Table 5 may be extended two oxygen-breathing periods at 30 fsw.


Figure 21-5. Treatment of Arterial Gas Embolism or Decompression Sickness.

NOTES:

1. A Diving Medical Officer shall be consulted before committing to a Treatment Table 4 or 7.

2. Treatment Table 6A may be extended if necessary at 60 and/or under 30 feet.

3. Cardiac arrest requires Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). For the greatest chance of resuscitation consultation with a Diving Medical Officer is required as soon as possible (see paragraph 20-2.6).

4. Recompression chamber must be surfaced to perform defibrillation.

5. Assessment of patient must be made within 20 minutes. If the stricken diver remains pulseless after 20 minutes, termination of resuscitation may be considered.

6. Additional time may be required according to paragraph 21-5.4.5.4.

7. Enter Treatment Table 6A at depth of relief or significant improvement.


Figure 21-6. Treatment of Symptom Recurrence.

NOTES:

1. A Diving Medical Officer shall be consulted before committing to a Treatment Table 4 or 7.

2. Treatment Table 6 may be extended up to two additional oxygen breathing periods at 30 and/or 60 feet.

3. Additional time may be required according to paragraph 21-5.4.5.4.


Treatment Table 51. Descent rate - 20 ft/min.2. Ascent rate - Not to exceed 1 ft/min. Do not compensate

for slower ascent rates. Compensate for faster rates by halting the ascent.

3. Time on oxygen begins on arrival at 60 feet.4. If oxygen breathing must be interrupted because of CNS

Oxygen Toxicity, allow 15 minutes after the reaction has entirely subsided and resume schedule at point of interruption (see paragraph 21-5.5.6.1.1)

5. Treatment Table may be extended two oxygen-breathing periods at the 30-foot stop. No air break required between oxygen-breathing periods or prior to ascent.

6. Tender breathes 100 percent O2 during ascent from the 30-foot stop to the surface. If the tender had a previous hyperbaric exposure in the previous 12 hours, an additional 20 minutes of oxygen breathing is required prior to ascent.

Figure 21-7. Treatment Table 5.


Treatment Table 61. Descent rate - 20 ft/min.2. Ascent rate - Not to exceed 1 ft/min. Do not compensate

for slower ascent rates. Compensate for faster rates by halting the ascent.

3. Time on oxygen begins on arrival at 60 feet.4. If oxygen breathing must be interrupted because of CNS

Oxygen Toxicity, allow 15 minutes after the reaction has entirely subsided and resume schedule at point of interruption (see paragraph 21-5.5.6.1.1).

5. Table 6 can be lengthened up to 2 additional 25-minute periods at 60 feet (20 minutes on oxygen and 5 minutes on air), or up to 2 additional 75-minute periods at 30 feet (15 minutes on air and 60 minutes on oxygen), or both.

6. Tender breathes 100 percent O2 during the last 30 min. at 30 fsw and during ascent to the surface for an unmodified table or where there has been only a single extension at 30 or 60 feet. If there has been more than one extension, the O2 breathing at 30 feet is increased to 60 minutes. If the tender had a hyperbaric exposure within the past 12 hours an additional 60-minute O2 period is taken at 30 feet.



Treatment Table 6A1. Descent rate - 20 ft/min.2. Ascent rate - 165 fsw to 60 fsw not to exceed 3 ft/min, 60

fsw and shallower, not to exceed 1 ft/min. Do not compensate for slower ascent rates. Compensate for faster rates by halting the ascent.

3. Time at treatment depth does not include compression time.

4. Table begins with initial compression to depth of 60 fsw. If initial treatment was at 60 feet, up to 20 minutes may be spent at 60 feet before compression to 165 fsw. Contact a Diving Medical Officer.

5. If a chamber is equipped with a high-O2 treatment gas, it may be administered at 165 fsw and shallower, not to exceed 2.8 ata O2 in accordance with paragraph 21-5.7. Treatment gas is administered for 25 minutes interrupted by 5 minutes of air. Treatment gas is breathed during ascent from the treatment depth to 60 fsw.

6. Deeper than 60 feet, if treatment gas must be interrupted because of CNS oxygen toxicity, allow 15 minutes after the reaction has entirely subsided before resuming treatment gas. The time off treatment gas is counted as part of the time at treatment depth. If at 60 feet or shallower and oxygen breathing must be interrupted because of CNS oxygen toxicity, allow 15 minutes after the reaction has entirely subsided and resume schedule at point of interruption (see paragraph 21-5.5.6.1.1).

7. Table 6A can be lengthened up to 2 additional 25-minute periods at 60 feet (20 minutes on oxygen and 5 minutes on air), or up to 2 additional 75-minute periods at 30 feet (60-minutes on oxygen and 15 minutes on air), or both.

8. Tenders breathes 100 percent O2 during the last 60 minutes at 30 fsw and during ascent to the surface for an unmodified table or where there has been only a single extension at 30 or 60 fsw. If there has been more than one extension, the O2 breathing at 30 fsw is increased to 90 minutes. If the tender had a hyperbaric exposure within the past 12 hours, an additional 60 minute O2 breathing period is taken at 30 fsw.

9. If significant improvement is not obtained within 30 minutes at 165 feet, consult with a Diving Medical Officer before switching to Treatment Table 4.

Figure 21-9. Treatment Table 6A.


Treatment Table 41. Descent rate - 20 ft/min.2. Ascent rate - 1 ft/min.3. Time at 165 feet includes compression.4. If only air is available, decompress on air. If oxygen is

available, patient begins oxygen breathing upon arrival at 60 feet with appropriate air breaks. Both tender and patient breathe oxygen beginning 2 hours before leaving 30 feet. (see paragraph 21-5.4.4.2).

5. Ensure life-support considerations can be met before committing to a Table 4. (see paragraph 21-5.6) Internal chamber temperature should be below 85° F.

6. If oxygen breathing is interrupted, no compensatory lengthening of the table is required.

7. If switching from Treatment Table 6A or 3 at 165 feet, stay a maximum of 2 hours at 165 feet before decompressing.

8. If the chamber is equipped with a high-O2 treatment gas, it may be administered at 165 fsw, not to exceed 2.8 ata O2. Treatment gas is administered for 25 minutes interupted by 5 minutes of air.



Treatment Table 71. Table begins upon arrival at 60 feet. Arrival at 60 feet is

accomplished by initial treatment on Table 6, 6A or 4. If initial treatment has progressed to a depth shallower than 60 feet, compress to 60 feet at 20 ft/min to begin Table 7.

2. Maximum duration at 60 feet is unlimited. Remain at 60 feet a minimum of 12 hours unless overriding circumstances dictate earlier decompression.

3. Patient begins oxygen breathing periods at 60 feet. Tender need breathe only chamber atmosphere throughout. If oxygen breathing is interrupted, no lengthening of the table is required.

4. Minimum chamber O2 concentration is 19 percent. Maximum CO2 concentration is 1.5 percent SEV (11.4 mmHg). Maximum chamber internal temperature is 85°F (paragraph 21-5.6.5).

5. Decompression starts with a 2-foot upward excursion from 60 to 58 feet. Decompress with stops every 2 feet for times shown in profile below. Ascent time between stops is approximately 30 seconds. Stop time begins with ascent from deeper to next shallower step. Stop at 4 feet for 4 hours and then ascend to the surface at 1 ft/min.

6. Ensure chamber life-support requirements can be met before committing to a Treatment Table 7.

7. A Diving Medical Officer shall be consulted before committing to this treatment table.



Treatment Table 81. Enter the table at the depth which is exactly equal to or

next greater than the deepest depth attained in the recompression. The descent rate is as fast as tolerable.

2. The maximum time that can be spent at the deepest depth is shown in the second column. The maximum time for 225 fsw is 30 minutes; for 165 fsw, 3 hours. For an asymptomatic diver, the maximum time at depth is 30 minutes for depths exceeding 165 fsw and 2 hours for depths equal to or shallower than 165 fsw.

3. Decompression is begun with a 2-fsw reduction in pressure if the depth is an even number. Decompression is begun with a 3-fsw reduction in pressure if the depth is an odd number. Subsequent stops are carried out every 2 fsw. Stop times are given in column three. The stop time begins when leaving the previous depth. Ascend to the next stop in approximately 30 seconds.

4. Stop times apply to all stops within the band up to the next quoted depth. For example, for ascent from 165 fsw, stops for 12 minutes are made at 162 fsw and at every two-foot interval to 140 fsw. At 140 fsw, the stop time becomes 15 minutes. When traveling from 225 fsw, the 166-foot stop is 5 minutes; the 164-foot stop is 12 minutes. Once begun, decompression is continuous. For example, when decompressing from 225 feet, ascent is not halted at 165 fsw for 3 hours. However, ascent may be halted at 60 fsw and shallower for any desired period of time.

5. While deeper than 165 fsw, helium-oxygen mixture with 16-21 percent oxygen may be breathed by mask to reduce narcosis. At 165 fsw and shallower, a heliox mix with a pO2 not to exceed 2.8 ata may be given to the diver as a treatment gas. At 60 fsw and shallower, pure oxygen may be given to the diver as a treatment gas. For all treatment gases (HeO2, N2O2, and O2), a schedule of 25 minutes on gas and 5 minutes on chamber air should be followed for a total of four cycles. Additional oxygen may be given at 60 fsw after a 2-hour interval of chamber air. See Treatment Table 7 for guidance.

6. A high-O2 treatment mix can be used at treatment depth and during decompression. If high O2 breathing is interrupted, no lengthening of the table is required.

7. To avoid loss of the chamber seal, ascent may be halted at 4 fsw and the total remaining stop time of 240 minutes taken at this depth. Ascend directly to the surface upon completion of the required time.

8. Total ascent time from 225 fsw is 56 hours, 29 minutes. For a 165-fsw recompression, total ascent time is 53 hours, 52 minutes, and for a 60-fsw recompression, 36 hours, 0 minutes.

Depth (fsw)Max Time at Initial

Treatment Depth (hours)2-fsw

Stop TImes (minutes)

225 0.5 5

165 3 12

140 5 15

120 8 20

100 11 25

80 15 30

60 Unlimited 40

40 Unlimited 60

20 Unlimited 120



Treatment Table 91. Descent rate - 20 ft/min.2. Ascent rate - 20 ft/min. Rate may be slowed to 1 ft/min

depending upon the patient’s medical condition.3. Time at 45 feet begins on arrival at 45 feet.4. If oxygen breathing must be interrupted because of CNS

Oxygen Toxicity, oxygen breathing may be restarted 15 minutes after all symptoms have subsided. Resume schedule at point of interruption (see paragraph 21-5.5.6.1.1).

5. Tender breathes 100 percent O2 during last 15 minutes at 45 feet and during ascent to the surface regardless of ascent rate used.

6. If patient cannot tolerate oxygen at 45 feet, this table can be modified to allow a treatment depth of 30 feet. The oxygen breathing time can be extended to a maximum of 3 to 4 hours.



Air Treatment Table 1A1. Descent rate - 20 ft/min.2. Ascent rate - 1 ft/min.3. Time at 100 feet includes time from the surface.

Figure 21-14. Air Treatment Table 1A.


Air Treatment Table 2A1. Descent rate - 20 ft/min.2. Ascent rate - 1 ft/min.3. Time at 165 feet includes time from the surface.

Figure 21-15. Air Treatment Table 2A.


Air Treatment Table 31. Descent rate - 20 ft/min.2. Ascent rate - 1 ft/min.3. Time at 100 feet-includes time from the surface.

Figure 21-16. Air Treatment Table 3.


Page Left Blank Intentionally

Appendix G

MSI Dive Record

Marine Solutions, Inc.

Daily Dive Log

MSI Project No. Date Job Site Location: Diver LS Max Depth Dive No.

Tender RS Air Temp/Water Temp SSA - Air Supervisor TBT Visibility/Current Helmet Used

Pony Bottle PSI SI/Group Bottom Condition Pier Number Work Performed Date Last Dive Time Last Dive Diver LS Max Depth Dive No.
















Pony Bottle PSI SI/Group Bottom Condition Pier Number Work Performed Date Last Dive Time Last Dive

e:\msi - general office\msi safe practice manual\msi repetitive dive worksheet.doc 1 6/15/07

MSI Project No. Date:

Diver: Supervisor:

1. PREVIOUS DIVE

minutes Standard Air Table Unlimited/No-Decompression Table

+ = feet Surface Table Using Oxygen Surface Table Using Air

repetitive group letter designation

2. SURFACE INTERVAL

hours minutes on surface

repetitive group from Item 1 above

new repetitive group letter designation from Residual Nitrogen Timetable

3. RESIDUAL NITROGEN TIME

+ = feet, depth of repetitive dive

new repetitive group letter designation from Item 2 above

minutes, residual nitrogen time from Residual Nitrogen Timetable or bottom time of previous Sur D dive

4. EQUIVALENT SINGLE DIVE TIME

minutes, residual nitrogen tie from Item 3 above or bottom time of previous Sur D dive

minutes, actual bottom time of repetitive dive

minutes, equivalent single dive time

5. DECOMPRESSION FOR REPETITVE DIVE

+ = feet, depth of repetitive dive

minutes, equivalent single dive time from Item 4 above

Decompression from (check one):

Standard Air Table Unlimited/No-Decompression Table

Surface Table Using Oxygen Surface Table Using Air

Depth Water Chamber

Decompression Stops feet minutes minutes

feet minutes minutes





schedule used (depth/time)

repetitive group letter designation

Repetitive Dive WorksheetInspection Rating Form

Page 1 of 1

Appendix H

Line Pull Signals

Line-Pull Signals

From Tender to Diver Searching Signals (Without Circling Line)1 Pull “Are you all right?” When diver is descending,

on pull means “Stop”.7 Pulls “Go on (or off) searching signals.”

2 Pulls “Going Down.” During ascent, two pulls mean“You have come up too far; go back downuntil we stop you.”

1 Pull “Stop and search where you are.”

3 Pulls “Stand by to come up.” 2 Pulls “Move directly away form the tender if givenslack; move toward the tender if strain is takenon the life line.”

4 Pulls “Come up.” 3 Pulls “Face your umbilical, take a strain, move right.”

2-1 Pulls “I understand” or “Talk to me” 4 Pulls “Face your umbilical, take a strain, move left.”

3-2 Pulls “Ventilate.”

4-3 Pulls “Circulate.”

From Diver to Tender Searching Signals (With Circling Line)

1 Pull “I am all right.” When descending, one pullmeans “Stop” or “I am on the bottom.”

7 Pulls Same

2 Pulls “Lower” or “Give me slack.” 1 Pull Same

3 Pulls “Take up my slack.” 2 Pulls “Move away form the weight.”

4 Pulls “Haul me up.” 3 Pulls “Face the weight and go right.”

2-1 Pulls “I understand” or “Talk to me.” 4 Pulls “Face the weight and go left.”

3-2 “More air.”

4-3 “Less air.”

Special Signals From the Diver Emergency Signals From the Diver

1-2-3 Pulls “Send me a square mark.” 2-2-2 Pulls “I am fouled and need the assistance ofanother diver.”

5 Pulls “Send me a line.” 3-3-3 Pulls “I am fouled but can clear myself.”

2-1-2 Pulls “Send me a slate.” 4-4-4 Pulls “Haul me up immediately.”

ALL EMERGENCY SIGNALS SHALL BE ANSWERED AS GIVEN EXCEPT 4-4-4

A special group of searching signals is used by the tender to direct a diver in moving along thebottom. These signals are duplicates of standard line-pull signals, but their use is indicated byan initial seven-pull signal to the diver that instructs the diver to interpret succeeding signals assearching signals. When the tender wants to revert to standard signals, another seven-pullsignal is sent to the diver which means searching signals are no longer in use. Only thetender uses searching signals; all signals initiated by the diver are standard signals. To beproperly oriented for using searching signals, the diver must face the line (either the lifeline orthe descent line, if a circling line is being employed).

Appendix I

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS

MSI Project No.: Project Location: Date: Page ____of ______ New Revised

Project or Task:

No. Basic Job Steps Potential Hazards Recommended Safe Procedures/Protection Responsibility

Prepared By: Reviewed By: Approved By:

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