Diving Safe Practices Manual

Underwater Inspection Program

U.S. Department of the Interior February 2021

Mission Statements
The Department of the Interior conserves and manages the Nation’s
natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of
the American people, provides scientific and other information about
natural resources and natural hazards to address societal challenges and
create opportunities for the American people, and honors the Nation’s
trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians,
Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities to help them prosper.

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and

protect water and related resources in an environmentally and
economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.
Diving Safe Practices Manual
Underwater Inspection Program

Prepared by
R. L. Harris (September 2006)
Regional Dive Team Leader and Chair
Reclamation Diving Safety Advisory Board

Revised by
Reclamation Diving Safety Advisory Board (February 2021)
 Diving Safe Practices Manual

Contents

Page

Contents.................................................................................................................................. iii
1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Use of this Manual ............................................................................................. 1
1.2 Diving Safety ...................................................................................................... 1
2 Diving Policy ............................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Purpose ................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Regulatory Requirements and Operational Control for Underwater
Inspection Program ........................................................................................... 3
2.3 Reclamation Diving Safety Advisory Board .................................................. 3
2.3.1 RDSAB Functions ...................................................................................... 4
2.4 Scope and Objectives ........................................................................................ 4
2.5 Regional Diving Advisory Committee ............................................................ 6
2.5.1 RDAC Functions ........................................................................................ 6
3 Diving Responsibilities ............................................................................................ 9
3.1 Regional Dive Team Leader ............................................................................. 9
3.2 Dive Supervisor................................................................................................ 10
3.3 Journeyman Diver............................................................................................ 11
3.4 Diver .................................................................................................................. 11
3.5 Dive Tenders .................................................................................................... 12
4 Diver Qualifications ............................................................................................... 13
4.1 Training and Experience ................................................................................. 13
4.1.1 Entry Level Training................................................................................. 14
4.1.2 Checkout Dive........................................................................................... 14
4.1.3 Dive Rescue Training ............................................................................... 14
4.1.4 Advanced Training.................................................................................... 14
4.1.4.1 Required Periodic Diving-Related Training ................................. 14
4.1.5 First Aid and CPR Training ..................................................................... 14
4.1.6 Oxygen Provider Training ....................................................................... 14
4.2 Documentation of Diver Training and Qualifications ............................... 14
4.2.1 Drug Testing .............................................................................................. 15
4.2.2 Lightweight Surface Supplied Air (SSA) Diving................................... 15
4.3 Maintaining Eligibility as Reclamation Diver .............................................. 16
4.3.1 Dive Proficiency ........................................................................................ 16
4.3.2 Training ...................................................................................................... 16
4.3.3 Physical Fitness and Endurance.............................................................. 16
4.3.4 Degree of Suitability ................................................................................. 16
4.3.5 Good Judgment ......................................................................................... 16
4.3.6 Suspension ................................................................................................. 16

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5 Medical Surveillance of Divers ............................................................................. 17
5.1 Dive Medical Policy ......................................................................................... 17
5.2 Dive Medical Surveillance............................................................................... 18
5.2.1 Frequency of Diving Physical Exams .................................................... 18
5.2.2 Pre-Exam Information Requirements ................................................... 18
5.2.3 Minimum Exam Content ......................................................................... 18
5.2.4 Medical Contraindications to Diving and Hyperbaric Exposures ..... 20
5.3 Documentation of Physical Examinations................................................... 21
5.4 Medical Removal or Suspension from Diving ............................................ 21
5.5 Medical Recordkeeping Requirements ......................................................... 22
6 Dive Planning, Basic Guidelines, and Safety ...................................................... 23
6.1 Dive Hazard Analysis ...................................................................................... 23
6.1.1 Job Hazard Analysis ................................................................................. 24
6.2 Dive Planning ................................................................................................... 24
6.2.1 Operational Objectives ............................................................................ 25
6.2.2 Dive Site Description ............................................................................... 25
6.2.3 Diving Mode Selection ............................................................................. 25
6.2.4 Safety Stop ................................................................................................. 26
6.2.5 Air (Gas) Supply Requirements .............................................................. 26
6.2.6 Planned Thermal Protection ................................................................... 26
6.2.7 Diving Equipment and Systems and Required Support Equipment. 26
6.2.8 Dive Team Assignments and Responsibilities ...................................... 27
6.2.9 Decompression.......................................................................................... 27
6.2.10 Emergency Procedures........................................................................... 27
6.2.10.1 Evacuation Procedures and Recompression Treatment
Procedures ........................................................................................................ 27
6.2.10.2 Diving First Aid Kits and Emergency Oxygen Delivery
System .......................................................................................................... 28
6.2.10.3 General Emergency Procedures .................................................. 28
6.3 Pre-Mobilization and Dive Guidelines ......................................................... 28
6.3.1 Diver Briefing ............................................................................................ 28
6.3.2 Equipment Inspection.............................................................................. 29
6.3.3 Warning Flags and Marking Dive Locations ........................................ 29
6.4 General Diving Requirements and Guidelines ............................................ 29
6.4.1 Water Entry and Exit ............................................................................... 29
6.4.2 Confined Space or Ladder Entry ............................................................ 30
6.4.3 Communications ....................................................................................... 30
6.4.4 Dive Log ..................................................................................................... 30
6.4.5 Air Decompression Policy ....................................................................... 31
6.5 Post-Dive Requirements and Guidelines ..................................................... 31
6.5.1 Physical Condition Check ........................................................................ 31
6.5.2 Flying after Diving Rules ......................................................................... 32
6.6 Night Diving ..................................................................................................... 32
6.7 Low Visibility Diving ...................................................................................... 32
6.8 Standby (Safety) Diver Requirements ........................................................... 32
6.9 Diving Deeper than 100 fsw .......................................................................... 33
6.10 Termination of a Dive..................................................................................... 33
6.11 Diving Safety Guidelines ................................................................................ 34
 Diving Safe Practices Manual

6.11.1 Safety Precautions Applicable to all Diving ........................................ 34

6.11.2 Oxygen Safety .......................................................................................... 35
6.11.3 Pneumatic and Hydraulic Power Tool Safety ..................................... 36
6.11.4 Tending Safety ......................................................................................... 37
6.11.5 Jetting Safety ............................................................................................ 37
6.11.6 Lift Bag Safety ......................................................................................... 38
6.11.7 Compressed Gas Cylinder or Flask Safety .......................................... 38
7 Open Circuit SCUBA Diving – Modes I and II ................................................ 41
7.1 Open Circuit SCUBA Limits ......................................................................... 41
7.1.1 Current Diving .......................................................................................... 42
7.1.2 SCUBA Decompression .......................................................................... 42
7.1.3 Repetitive Diving ...................................................................................... 42
7.1.4 Dive Computers ........................................................................................ 43
7.2 General SCUBA Guidelines ........................................................................... 43
7.2.1 Buddy Diving............................................................................................. 44
7.2.2 SCUBA Standby (Safety) Diver .............................................................. 44
7.2.3 Safety Pickup Boat .................................................................................... 44
7.3 SCUBA Diving Procedures ............................................................................ 44
7.3.1 SCUBA Minimum Manning Requirements .......................................... 44
7.3.1.1 Mode I: SCUBA - Untethered ...................................................... 45
7.3.1.2 Mode II: SCUBA - Tethered ......................................................... 45
7.3.2 Communications ....................................................................................... 45
7.3.3 SCUBA Equipment Requirements ......................................................... 45
7.4 Scuba Emergency Procedures (EPs) ............................................................. 46
8 Surface Supply Air Diving (Lightweight) Mode III ........................................... 47
8.1 Limits for Surface Supply Air Diving ........................................................... 47
8.2 Operations using Surface Supply Air Mode III........................................... 48
8.2.1 Mode III – Minimum Manning .............................................................. 48
8.2.2 Communications ....................................................................................... 48
8.2.3 Recompression Capability Requirements .............................................. 49
8.2.4 Equipment Requirements ........................................................................ 49
8.2.5 Breathing Gas Supply ............................................................................... 50
8.3 Surface Supply Diving Systems...................................................................... 51
8.3.1 Air Flasks and HP Storage Cylinders ..................................................... 51
8.3.2 Volume Tanks or Air Receivers .............................................................. 51
8.3.3 Air (Gas) Distribution Piping .................................................................. 51
8.3.4 Gauges ........................................................................................................ 51
8.3.5 Hoses .......................................................................................................... 51
8.3.6 Compressors .............................................................................................. 51
8.3.7 Umbilical .................................................................................................... 52
8.4 Emergency Gas Supply (EGS) Requirements ............................................. 52
8.5 Surface Supply - Emergency Procedures...................................................... 52
9 Special Diving Guidelines...................................................................................... 55
9.1 Decompression Guidelines ............................................................................ 55
9.1.1 Standard Air Decompression .................................................................. 56
9.1.2 Unlimited/No-Decompression Table ................................................... 56
9.1.3 Repetitive Diving ...................................................................................... 56
9.1.4 Exceptional Exposure Diving ................................................................. 56

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 9.1.5 Altitude Diving .......................................................................................... 57
9.2 Physically Confined Space Diving ................................................................. 57
9.3 Drift Diving ...................................................................................................... 58
9.4 Contaminated Water Diving .......................................................................... 58
9.4.1 Diving in Waters Contaminated with Radioactive Materials .............. 58
9.4.2 Diving in Waters with Chemical Contamination ................................. 59
9.4.3 Diving in Condition of Biological Contamination ............................... 60
9.5 Diving in Other Jurisdictions ......................................................................... 60
9.5.1 Offshore Diving in USCG Jurisdiction ................................................. 60
9.5.2 Pool, Dock, and Lake Diving .................................................................. 60
9.6 Non-Reclamation Divers ................................................................................ 60
10 Diving Equipment Standards and Maintenance ................................................ 61
10.1 SCUBA Equipment ......................................................................................... 62
10.1.1 SCUBA Regulators ................................................................................. 62
10.1.2 SCUBA Cylinders, Valves and Manifolds ........................................... 63
10.1.3 Submersible Pressure Gauges and Consoles....................................... 63
10.1.4 Weight Belts and Harnesses .................................................................. 63
10.1.5 BCs/Inflatable Flotation Devices ......................................................... 64
10.1.6 Dry Suits ................................................................................................... 64
10.1.7 Full-Face Masks ....................................................................................... 64
10.1.8 SCUBA Dive Computers ....................................................................... 65
10.1.9 Accessories ............................................................................................... 65
10.2 Surface Supplied Equipment .......................................................................... 65
10.2.1 Helmets and Masks ................................................................................. 65
10.2.2 Hoses and Umbilicals ............................................................................. 66
10.2.3 Pneumofathometer Gauges ................................................................... 67
10.2.4 Buoyancy Control ................................................................................... 67
10.2.5 Weights and Harnesses........................................................................... 67
10.2.6 Compressed Gas Cylinders / Flasks .................................................... 67
10.2.7 Timekeeping............................................................................................. 68
10.3 Diving Support Systems ................................................................................. 68
10.3.1 Diving Systems ........................................................................................ 68
10.3.2 Air Compressors ..................................................................................... 69
10.3.3 Air Purity Standards ................................................................................ 70
10.3.4 Volume Tanks and Air Receivers ......................................................... 70
10.4 PVHO Chambers and Support Systems ...................................................... 71
10.4.1 Chamber maintenance ............................................................................ 71
10.4.2 BIBS (Built-In-Breathing System) Maintenance ................................. 72
10.4.3 Chamber Atmosphere Analysis Equipment........................................ 72
10.5 Handling Systems............................................................................................. 72
10.6 Diving Safety Boats ......................................................................................... 72
11 Diving Accident Reporting ................................................................................... 75
11.1 Investigation Responsibilities ......................................................................... 75
11.1.1 Diver or Topside Personnel .................................................................. 75
11.1.2 Dive Supervisor ....................................................................................... 75
11.1.3 Regional Dive Team Leader .................................................................. 76
11.2 Accident Reporting in Compliance with USCG Requirements ................ 76
Glossary of Diving Terminology and Definitions........................................................ G-1
 Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 1
Appendix A: Dive Hazard Analysis (Form) ......................................................... 1
Appendix B: Unlimited/No Decompression Dive Tables and Repetitive
Group Table (Tables)............................................................................................... 3
Appendix C: Emergency Gas Supply (EGS) Calculations ................................. 5
Appendix D: Decompression Tables (Table)....................................................... 7
Appendix E: Hand Signals for Underwater Communication (Figure) ........... 21
Appendix E1: Line Pull Signals (Table)........................................................ 24
Appendix F: Scuba Repetitive Dive Worksheet (Form) ................................... 25
Appendix G: Dive Log for Surface Supplied Air Diving Mode (Form) ........ 27
Appendix H: Altitude Correction, US Navy Sea Level Equivalent Depth
(fsw) (Table) ............................................................................................................ 29
Appendix H1: Penalty Group Upon Arrival at Altitude, US Navy (Table)
............................................................................................................................ 30
Appendix H2: Required Surface Interval Before Ascent to Altitude After
Diving, US Navy (Table) ................................................................................ 31
Appendix I: First Aid Kit (Diving) Recommended Items (Table) .................. 33
Appendix J: Emergency Procedures on SCUBA (Table).................................. 35
Appendix K: Emergency Procedures on Surface Supplied Air (SSA) (Table)
................................................................................................................................... 37
Appendix L: Equipment Maintenance/Repair Record (Example) ................. 39
Appendix L1: Equipment Maintenance/Repair Record (Scuba Cylinder
Inspection) (Example)..................................................................................... 40
Appendix L2: Equipment Maintenance/Repair Record (Regulator
Repair/Service) (Example) ............................................................................. 42
Appendix M: Scuba Diving Checklist (Example) ............................................. 43
Appendix N: Surface Supplied Air Checklist (Example) .................................. 45
Appendix O: Diving Accident Reporting (Form) ............................................. 49
Appendix P: Diving Services Request Form (Example) ................................... 53
Appendix Q: Chambers/PVHO .......................................................................... 55
Q-1 On-Site Chamber Recommendations .................................................... 55
Q-2 State of Readiness...................................................................................... 55
Q-3 Chamber Safety.......................................................................................... 56
Q-4 Chamber Hygiene...................................................................................... 57
Q-5 Gas Mixing ................................................................................................. 57
Q-6 Chamber Outfitting Requirements ......................................................... 58
Q-6.1 Outfitting List ................................................................................... 58
Q-6.2 Pressure Hull and Doors ................................................................. 59
Q-6.3 Viewports .......................................................................................... 59
Q-6.4 Electrical Systems ............................................................................. 60
Q-7 Outer Lock Operations ............................................................................ 60
Q-8 Chamber Pre-Operational Ready Checks .............................................. 60
Q-9 Chamber Operational Requirements ..................................................... 61
Q-9.1 Chamber Air Supply ........................................................................ 61
Q-9.2 Ventilation and Scrubbers ............................................................... 61
Q-9.3 Oxygen and Nitrox Systems ........................................................... 62
Q-10 Manning of Chambers ............................................................................ 63
Q-10.1 Chamber Dive Supervisor ............................................................ 63

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 Q-10.2 Outside Tender/Chamber Operator .......................................... 63
Q-10.3 Inside Tender/Dive Medic ........................................................... 64
Q-11 Chamber Temperature Control ............................................................. 64
Table Q-1. Chamber Temperature Limits ................................................... 64
Q-12 Chamber Fire Precautions ..................................................................... 65
Q-12.1 Chamber Fire Prevention.............................................................. 65
Q-12.2 Chamber Fire Zone ....................................................................... 66
Q-12.3 Chamber Painting .......................................................................... 66
Q-12.4 Diver Chamber Fire Fighting Training ....................................... 66
Q-13 Chamber Prohibited Materials ............................................................... 67
Q-13.1 List of Items Prohibited Inside a Chamber ............................... 67
Q-13.2 List of Items Authorized Inside a Chamber............................... 68
Q-14 Gases, Analysis and Monitoring............................................................ 68
Q-15 Chamber Testing Requirements............................................................ 68
Q-15.1 Double Lock Chamber Pressure Test ......................................... 68
Q-15.2 Inflatable Hyperbaric Stretcher Pressure Test ........................... 69
Q-16 Hyperbaric Medical Kits ......................................................................... 69
Q-16.1 Primary Examination Kit.............................................................. 70
Q-16.2 Secondary Ancillary Hyperbaric Treatment Kit ........................ 70
Q-17 Chamber Emergency Procedures.......................................................... 70
Appendix R: OSHA Safe Practices Manual — 1910.401 .............................. 71
 Section 1 – Introduction
Diving Safe Practices Manual

1 Introduction
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) conducts a variety of underwater inspection and
maintenance programs that include the use of divers. In order to ensure employee safety and
regulatory compliance, Reclamation has developed this Diving Safe Practices Manual (DSPM).
This manual is intended to be the baseline for diving policy and is designed to address the most
common Reclamation diving activities. For operations extending beyond the scope of this manual,
additional specific instructions must be prepared and maintained by the dive team performing diving
operations, subject to approval of the Regional Diving Advisory Committee (RDAC) and the
Reclamation Diving Safety Advisory Board (RDSAB).

1.1 Use of this Manual

The DSPM is intended to provide details of procedures and requirements necessary to safely and
efficiently conduct Reclamation diving operations. The procedures and requirements presented in
this manual have been established to comply with applicable government regulations and standard
professional diving practices and related support operations. Rules and regulations established by
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and U.S. Navy
(USN), as well as those established by state and local governments, have been used as guidelines in
preparing the DSPM. This manual is published to meet the requirements of OSHA [29 CFR 1910,
Subpart T], USCG [46 CFR 197, Subpart B], and Reclamation Safety and Health Standards (2009 rev.). If
reference regulations change or safer and more effective operational methods are developed, it is the
responsibility of all divers to notify the appropriate Regional Dive Team Leader and provide input to
the RDSAB to effect changes to this document.

A copy of the DSPM shall be at every dive site. All divers shall have access to this manual.
Reclamation divers shall study this manual and have a working knowledge of the policies and
procedures contained within.

1.2 Diving Safety

Safety is of primary importance in all of Reclamation’s diving operations. It is Reclamation’s policy
to conduct diving operations in a manner that provides maximum safety to all personnel involved in
diving operations. Reclamation divers are considered professional divers. Compliance with
commercial diving industry standards will enhance safety in the workplace for Reclamation
personnel. With this in mind, Reclamation diving shall be conducted in a manner consistent with
OSHA Commercial Diving Regulations [29 CFR 1910, Subpart T] and Reclamation Safety and Health
Standards, “Requirements for Reclamation Diving Operations” [section 29.2]; divers will follow safe
commercial diving practices, use good operational judgment, use well-maintained equipment, and
have a professional attitude.

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Section 1 – Introduction
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Diving by its very nature is physically demanding. Divers should maintain themselves in good
physical condition and health. Environmental conditions should be evaluated carefully in each job
hazard analysis.

In the final analysis, each diver is responsible for his/her own safety and for each other. Each diver
is responsible for knowing his/her own limitations and physical condition, and should inform the
diving supervisor immediately when a task or conditions are beyond the diver’s capability or training.

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Diving Safe Practices Manual

2 Diving Policy

2.1 Purpose
Reclamation has requirements for expert underwater engineering, geotechnical, and biological
examinations and investigations of Reclamation-owned or contracted facilities and associated
features; inspection of underwater construction projects, facility foundations, and geologic
conditions; investigation of fisheries facilities and aquatic environments; underwater specification
review; safe-practices review of potential and actual contract diving operations; and other program-
related underwater services. To meet these requirements, technically oriented Reclamation
Underwater Inspection Teams have been established to provide this expertise in a concise, scientific
manner. The underwater inspection teams, also referred to in this document as dive teams, consist
of competent, designated Government employees (not full-time divers) performing collateral duties.

2.2 Regulatory Requirements and Operational Control for

Underwater Inspection Program
This Diving Safe Practices Manual complies with the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) [29 CFR 1910 Subpart T], “Commercial Diving Operations,” wherever applicable, and the
Reclamation Safety and Health Standards, section 29, “Marine and Diving Operations,” where applicable.

It is the Regional Director’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable dive safety
regulations and requirements within each region.

2.3 Reclamation Diving Safety Advisory Board

The Reclamation Diving Safety Advisory Board (RDSAB) was established in accordance with the
Department of Interior Safety and Health Handbook (DM 485), Chapter 27, “Underwater Diving Safety.”
The RDSAB establishes Reclamation-wide procedures and requirements that will ensure consistent
standards and operational coordination for all dives. The purpose of the RDSAB is to ensure the
highest level of oversight in the diving safety program; specifically, to provide administrative safety
guidance and oversight to ensure all underwater diving operations are conducted in a uniform
manner. Membership of the RDSAB, with the majority of its members being active divers, consists
of the following:

• A Reclamation Safety and Occupational Health professional appointed by

Reclamation’s Designated Agency Safety and Health Official (DASHO).

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Diving Safe Practices Manual

• An active diving representative from each participating region and the Technical Service
Center.

• An RDSAB chairperson elected by Board majority from the membership.

• Ex-officio members – Director, Technical Service Center, and the Manager,

Reclamation Safety and Health, who also represents the DASHO.

2.3.1 RDSAB Functions

The RDSAB shall be responsible for the following functions:

• Elect one of the Regional Dive Team Leaders to serve as Chair, RDSAB.

• Submit and maintain a written Diving Safety Program.

• Submit an action plan to the Reclamation Safety and Health Manager that
addresses Reclamation-wide implementation of the administrative, safety, and
operational requirements of the program.

• Develop, revise, and maintain a Diving Safe Practices Manual for diving
operations.

• Review and evaluate relevant diving incidents or accidents.

• Submit to the Reclamation safety and health office an annual consolidated

Reclamation-wide report of all diving incidents or accidents that cause, lead to,
or may have led to an injury. The report will contain an analysis of the
circumstances contributing to each incident or accident as well as actions taken
to prevent recurrence.

• Promulgate guidance to regional diving advisory committees.

• Evaluate requests for variances to Reclamation diving standards. Variances

must be reviewed by the RDSAB.

• RDSAB meetings will be held annually or more frequently as needed.

2.4 Scope and Objectives

The scope of the DSPM includes all diving operations conducted by Reclamation’s underwater
inspection teams. It includes all diving locations: pools, lakes, oceans, rivers, customer facilities,
piers, and remote locations. This manual also serves as a training and procedures manual to achieve
the following objectives:

• Facilitate administration of the underwater inspection (diving) program.

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Diving Safe Practices Manual

• Ensure the safety of Reclamation divers in all diving-related operations.

• Establish minimum standards for Reclamation divers and diving equipment.

• Protect Reclamation and its employees from liability.

Reclamation is a Federal agency conducting diving operations that are specifically described in this
manual. Some diving operations conducted by Reclamation can be classified as scientific diving. The
guidelines for scientific diving relate to academic institutions, which have established diving safety
programs that meet specific regulatory requirements in the support of scientific data collection.

Reclamation dives that do not meet the criteria for scientific diving should be considered professional
diving. Reclamation does not conduct commercial diving operations. Commercial diving is usually
defined as construction-type working dives where divers operate equipment (welders, hydraulic
tools, salvage gear, etc.). All dives will be conducted following the guidelines of the DSPM, whether
the dives are for the collection of data (scientific), or completion of underwater tasks (professional).

Deviations from the practices and rules of this manual are authorized in true emergency conditions
to the extent necessary to save lives, prevent serious physical harm, or prevent major environmental
damage. If Dive Supervisors, divers, or the persons-in-charge deviate for any of the above reasons,
the Reclamation RDSAB will be notified of the incident.

ADOPTED SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS

Reclamation dive teams shall adopt and include the following regulatory and industry standards in
the DSPM. In the event of a conflict between these regulations and standards, the most stringent
will apply.

• Reclamation Safety and Health Standards, 29.2 “Requirement for Reclamation Diving
Operations”

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart T, “Commercial Diving Operation”

• Department of Interior (DOI) Manual, Part 485, Chapter 27, “Underwater Diving
Safety”

• American Academy of Underwater Sciences, Standards for Scientific Diving, “Certification,

and Operation of Scientific Diving Programs”

DISCIPLINARY POLICY – All Reclamation divers are responsible for compliance with the
procedures recommended in these guidelines. Failure to comply after a written warning from a Dive
Supervisor or Regional Dive Team Leader may result in suspension of diving privileges or expulsion
from the dive team.

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Diving Safe Practices Manual

2.5 Regional Diving Advisory Committee

In those regions with a diving program, the Regional Director shall appoint a Regional Diving
Advisory Committee (RDAC), with the majority of its members being active divers, for the purpose
of implementing this manual at the regional level, and to assure an efficient and safe underwater
examination and inspection program. The committee members, in carrying out these functions, shall
be responsible to the RDAC chairman elected by RDAC membership. The chairperson shall report
directly to the Regional Director or the designated program manager. The RDAC shall advise the
Regional Director in formulation and control of the region’s underwater inspection program
practices.

The RDAC shall consist of at least five members and shall include the Regional Safety Manager and
the Regional Dive Team Leader.

2.5.1 RDAC Functions

The RDAC shall be responsible for the following specific functions:

• Establish regional practices for the operations of the underwater inspection

program by the underwater inspection team.

• Administer the underwater inspection program.

• Designate Regional Dive Team Leaders. Provide evaluation and approval of

nominees as dive team members. Candidates selected for the team must meet the
physical and psychological requirements of the diving medical examination criteria
and have suitable professional technical expertise prior to acceptance as a dive team
member.

• Select a qualified physician, preferably one who has been trained in hyperbaric
medicine, to perform physical examinations of team members.

• Evaluate and approve team and individual diver training programs that will fulfill
the requirements of these regulations and standards.

• Establish and administer the diving safety program to ensure compliance with
Reclamation requirements.

• Develop appropriate operational safety requirements to ensure safety precautions

are instituted.

• Provide periodic review and recommend revisions of the Diving Safe Practices Manual
to the RDSAB.

• Evaluate equipment requirements and make recommendations for the dive team.

• Review and approve written dive plans and dive hazard and safety analysis prior to
initiating a site-specific diving operation.

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Diving Safe Practices Manual

• Review and evaluate incidents that occur during Reclamation dives within the
regional area of responsibility. The review and conclusions shall be made available
to the RDSAB.

• Review and authorize reciprocity agreements and requests for diving services from
other Federal, State, county, or local governmental agencies.

• Document and review team-related disciplinary action for unsafe practices or failure
to maintain standards, such as suspension or removal from team.

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 Section 3 – Diving Responsibilities
Diving Safe Practices Manual

3 Diving Responsibilities
This section details the responsibilities of employees directly involved in diving operations. It does
not cover the general responsibilities of all employees to ensure safety and complete all jobs in a
professional manner.

3.1 Regional Dive Team Leader

The Regional Dive Team Leader will be a senior dive team member who has the experience and
training necessary to ensure that the diving operations are conducted safely and within Reclamation
policy and regulatory requirements. He or she must have the experience and formal training in dive
planning, diving procedures, CPR, first aid, etc. to conduct assigned diving operations. In addition,
he or she must have experience in conducting underwater inspections of Reclamation structures and
adequate expertise to manage dive operations. The Regional Dive Team Leader must have a working
knowledge of Reclamation Diving Standards, this Diving Safe Practices Manual, Reclamation
management policies, and appropriate local and state regulations. Specific responsibilities of the
Regional Dive Team Leader are:

• Managing the diving and operation of the dive team.

• Reviewing potential candidates’ qualifications for participation on the dive team.

Periodically reviews each diver’s suitability and adherence to Reclamation Policy and
Safety requirements and makes recommendations to the RDAC.

• Ensuring all divers are qualified to dive in the mode being used and trained on the tasks
to be performed during the operation.

• Ensuring the safety of the dive team and compliance with the Reclamation diving policy
by reviewing the prepared dive plan and dive hazard analysis prior to commencement of
diving operations.

• Reporting serious accidents or injuries in accordance with Reclamation diving policy and
accident reporting procedures.

• Ensuring that a copy of the DSPM is available to all dive team members.

• Maintaining dive team records and ensuring required individual dive logs are kept current
and accurate.

• Providing an annual written report to the RDAC and RDSAB summarizing the previous
calendar year’s diving activities, training, and accidents or near-miss accidents.

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Section 3 – Diving Responsibilities
Diving Safe Practices Manual

• Reviewing all dive team reports for operational and technical compliance and adequacy.

• Appointing journeyman divers to status of Dive Supervisor.

• Designating a Dive Supervisor for each diving activity.

• Shutting down diving operations at any time due to unsafe conditions or refusing work if
divers are exposed to unmitigated hazards or unacceptable risk levels.

3.2 Dive Supervisor

Dive Supervisors are experienced divers, trained extensively in dive operations, dive planning, diving
emergency procedures, and dive safety. Dive Supervisors are journeymen divers and are responsible for
a specific diving activity as assigned by the Regional Dive Team leader. Specific Dive Supervisor
responsibilities are:

• Scheduling, planning and executing diving activities in a safe manner and in accordance
with this Reclamation Diving Safe Practices Manual and Reclamation Safety and Health Standards.

• Establishing initial contact and coordination with personnel who will be onsite.

• Ensuring hazardous energy control and confined space procedures have been initiated
and coordinated with the responsible facility representative.

• Conducting and documenting the pre-dive briefing and safety meeting of the dive team.

• Ensuring pre-dive equipment checks are made, and performing pre- and post-dive
checks in accordance to Reclamation diving standards.

• Preparing and submitting a hazard or safety analysis to the Regional Dive Team Leader
and safety manager for approval prior to the assigned diving activity and checking the
validity of all contact information on the emergency response plan.

• Supervising the actual diving operations.

• Ensuring a log record of the dive is kept and submitted – depth, bottom time,
decompression, etc.

• Documenting dive operations, including observations, findings, inspection reports, etc.

• Coordinating and keeping the facility representative fully informed on the diving
operation.

• Notifying the facility representative of any diving-related accident or injury.

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 Section 3 – Diving Responsibilities
Diving Safe Practices Manual

• Maintaining professional competence by refresher training, re-qualification diving and

recertification of skills and knowledge.

• Serving as the focal point for any dive team member’s concerns about the safety of the
operation.

• Verifying the physical and mental condition of each diver prior to and after each dive.

• Shutting down diving operations at any time due to unsafe conditions.

• Designating a journeyman diver as Dive Supervisor prior to a dive.

3.3 Journeyman Diver

Journeyman divers are experienced divers with the following qualifications and experience:

• Participated actively for a minimum of three (3) years on the Reclamation Dive Team.

• Attended a minimum of two (2) Reclamation-sponsored diving training courses.

• Demonstrated to the Regional Dive Team Leader a high level of diving skills,
proficiency, and good judgment regarding safety.

• Is familiar with and adheres to the Reclamation Diving Standards and Reclamation Diving
Safe Practices Manual.

• Maintained professional competence and certification in CPR, First Aid, Dive Rescue
Techniques, and Oxygen Administration for Diving Emergencies.

• Certified as a Rescue Diver by a nationally recognized training agency.

• Trained and experienced in the use, operation and maintenance of Surface Supplied Air
(SSA) diving.

3.4 Diver
Diver refers to diving employees (including journeyman diver, divers, standby divers, lead diver and
Dive Supervisors) who participate in diving activities or are exposed to hyperbaric conditions.
Divers perform job tasks underwater. Before a dive buddy team enters the water, one diver shall be
designated as lead diver, responsible for the safe conduct of the dive and completion of tasks.
Specific diver responsibilities are:

• Conducting individual diving activities in accordance with the Reclamation Diving Safe
Practices Manual.

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Section 3 – Diving Responsibilities
Diving Safe Practices Manual

• Reporting to the Regional Dive Team Leader or Dive Supervisor any problems
associated with safety in diving operations.

• Conducting pre- and post-dive checks of diving equipment and systems.

• Reporting all accidents, diving symptoms, or physical ailments to the Regional Dive
Team Leader or Dive Supervisor before and after each dive.

• Conducting the diving task within the scope of his or her experience and training. This
policy applies to dive modes, depths, conditions, and any other factors that affect the
safety of the dive team.

Reclamation will not require a diver to be exposed to hyperbaric conditions against the employee’s
will, except when necessary to complete decompression or treatment procedures. Reclamation will
not require a diver to dive or otherwise be exposed to hyperbaric conditions for the duration of any
temporary physical impairment or condition which is known to Reclamation and is likely to
adversely affect the health of a dive team member.

3.5 Dive Tenders

A dive tender is a member of the dive team who tends a tethered diver, operates controls for a surface
supplied diver, and otherwise assists divers from the surface in ways that directly affect the health
and safety of the diver. Normally, dive tenders are fully qualified divers; however, in some
operations the use of non-divers to line-tend a tethered diver is permitted. Regional Dive Team
Leaders or Dive Supervisors using non-diver tenders will ensure the tender is trained to perform
assigned duties. Tenders report to the Dive Supervisor and assist divers. Specific dive tender
responsibilities are:

• Conducting diving support activities in accordance with the Reclamation Diving

Standards and Reclamation Diving Safe Practices Manual, and reporting to the Dive
Supervisor any problems associated with safety in diving operations.

• Following the instructions of the Dive Supervisor for each diving operation.

• Reporting accidents, equipment failures, or line-pull communication to the Dive

Supervisor.

• Monitoring surface conditions, such as weather, current, or vessel traffic that could
adversely affect the safety of the divers.

12
 Section 4 – Diver Qualifications
Diving Safe Practices Manual

4 Diver Qualifications
Reclamation conducts diving operations that have varying levels of complexity. It is the policy of
Reclamation to conduct dives only when the tasking of each dive team member is commensurate
with the individual diver’s experience and training.

The Regional Dive Team Leader is responsible for verifying and documenting that Reclamation
employees have the training and experience for their dive team assignments. Dive Team Leaders will
categorize dive team members according to their level of diving training and expertise. This
information will be used when assigning dive team responsibilities in the dive plan. A file will be
maintained on each diver, listing training, experience, and qualifications.

Diving within Reclamation is job and task related, not diving level related. Regional Dive Team
Leaders will ensure that divers are trained in detail on work tasks or jobs to be completed
underwater.

There are times when divers from other agencies or contractor personnel have a need to participate
in a Reclamation sponsored dive or training. Personnel meeting the minimum diver qualifications
and requirements outlined in this manual may be allowed to dive with Reclamation teams after a
signed reciprocity agreement has been approved by the RDAC.

4.1 Training and Experience

Employee Divers engaged in SCUBA or surface supply diving shall possess the necessary training,
experience, and proficiency to safely perform assigned work. Divers must be at least 21 years of age.
The Regional Dive Team Leader must have some method of documenting experience or training to
ensure that divers:

• Exposed to hyperbaric conditions are trained in diving-related physics or physiology [29

CFR 1910.410(a)(4)].

• Are trained in SCUBA or surface supplied (assigned diving mode) diving techniques and
procedures [29 CFR 1910.410(a)(2)(ii)].

• Have knowledge of SCUBA or surface supplied diving operations emergency procedures

[29 CFR 1910.410(a)(2)(iii)].

• Are trained in use of tools, equipment, and systems relevant to assigned tasks [29 CFR
1910.410(a)(2)(i)].

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Section 4 – Diver Qualifications
Diving Safe Practices Manual

4.1.1 Entry Level Training

Divers must demonstrate completion of a basic SCUBA certification course by a nationally
recognized dive training agency that is approved by the RDSAB, i.e., PADI, NAUI.

4.1.2 Checkout Dive

Before a job, a diver must make a checkout dive with the Regional Dive Team Leader in a
pool or other benign environment. The Regional Dive Team Leader should ensure the diver
is able to checkout his or her equipment, properly don all equipment, do proper
ingress/egress, and possess a working knowledge of emergency SCUBA diving procedures.

4.1.3 Dive Rescue Training

Dive rescue training and certification are required and must be kept current with periodic
refresher training.

4.1.4 Advanced Training

The objective of advanced dive training is to continually build on the skills, safety,
knowledge, and proficiency of each dive team member. Each diver should strive to reach a
higher level of diving certification, such as advanced SCUBA diver, Dive Supervisor, or
master SCUBA diver.

4.1.4.1 Required Periodic Diving-Related Training

Each member shall participate in a minimum of 40 hours of diving-related training over any
three-year period. At least 16 hours shall be in-water activities. At least 24 hours of the
training received during any three-year period must be conducted by a certified diving
instructor.

4.1.5 First Aid and CPR Training

All dive team members shall be trained in first aid [29 CFR 1910.410 (a) (3)], CPR at the
level of American Red Cross Standard First Aid or the equivalent, and AED.

4.1.6 Oxygen Provider Training

All dive team members shall be trained in oxygen provider at the level of Diver’s Alert
Network or equivalent.

4.2 Documentation of Diver Training and Qualifications

A training record will be maintained by the Regional Dive Team Leader for each qualified regional
dive team member. The training record will include:

• Copies of all dive related training courses (certifications, professional diving courses,
scientific diving training, special medical training, military training, equipment training,
etc.) and work experience

• Documentation of first aid and CPR training

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 Section 4 – Diver Qualifications
Diving Safe Practices Manual

• Emergency training

• Oxygen provider

• Diving equipment factory schools or training, 485 DM 27.3. B (6)

Records will be kept at the Reclamation location or region sponsoring the diver or dive team.

4.2.1 Drug Testing

All dive team members must take a drug test administered in accordance with 370 DM 792.9
and 370 DM 792.10 and receive a negative drug test prior to appointment. Dive team
members are subject to the Department of the Interior’s random drug testing program.

4.2.2 Lightweight Surface Supplied Air (SSA) Diving

Professional SSA training is required from a Reclamation approved instructor. Divers who
have graduated from an accredited commercial or military diving school or scientific training
programs are considered trained in diving-related physics and physiology as required by CFR
[29 CFR 1910.410 (a)(2)]. Divers who have not performed dives in years and have not kept
current must be carefully evaluated prior to being placed in an active diving status. The
Regional Dive Team Leader must document specific training in the following areas:

• Diving re-qualification (see Section 4.3), diving procedures and responsibilities

• Training for specific job responsibilities and diving modes to be used (i.e., dive
equipment maintenance and checkout, full-face masks, bailouts, or other diving
procedures)

• Safety training for specific jobs, diving modes, and specific equipment used
routinely (i.e., lift bags, acoustics, inspections, data collection, power [hydraulic or
air] tools, underwater work procedures, etc.)

• Diving emergency procedures, diving medicine, and emergency evacuation of

divers

• Review and familiarization with Reclamation Diving Standards and Diving Safe
Practices Manual

• Dive planning and air decompression procedures

• CPR and first aid

• Employee accident reporting requirements

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Section 4 – Diver Qualifications
Diving Safe Practices Manual

4.3 Maintaining Eligibility as Reclamation Diver

4.3.1 Dive Proficiency
Each diver must make twelve (12) dives annually in the modes of diving for which he or she is
qualified with at least one dive every six months. At least one (1) dive shall be done under the
supervision of the Regional Dive Team Leader or their representative every twelve (12) months.

4.3.2 Training
Each diver must complete required diver training every three years. Divers unable to accomplish this
requirement due to illness or other unavoidable circumstance shall be suspended from Reclamation
diving activities. A suspended diver may be reinstated by the Regional Dive Team Leader upon
demonstrating acceptable diving skills and a working knowledge of diving first aid, rescue diving
techniques, and oxygen first aid administration.

4.3.3 Physical Fitness and Endurance

Each diver must demonstrate a minimum level of physical fitness and endurance (PFE) every 12
months. This PFE test consists of a 500-meter swim, 10-minute tread water – with hands out of the
water the last 2 minutes, and a 100-meter inverted diver tow in full gear.

4.3.4 Degree of Suitability

Each diver must demonstrate suitable participation in diving activities. Demonstration includes, but
is not limited to, the following factors: watermanship (comfort in the water); contributions to the
goals of the underwater inspection team as stated in Section 2.1, Purpose; willingness to comply with
these regulations and standards; willingness to work in a team-oriented environment; exercising
sound judgment; and acting in a safe manner at all times.

4.3.5 Good Judgment

Any diver who does not possess and demonstrate the necessary professional and safe judgment
during diving-related activities may be denied continued participation as a dive team member. Team
members are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical manner with respect to fellow team
members, other personnel on site, and the general public.

4.3.6 Suspension
When a diver fails to meet these proficiency requirements, the diver shall be suspended from
Reclamation diving activities. Suspended divers may be reinstated by the Regional Dive Team
Leader, provided the diver can demonstrate acceptable diving skills as stated in section 4.3.2 to the
Dive Team Leader or their representative.

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 Section 5 – Medical Surveillance of Divers
Diving Safe Practices Manual

5 Medical Surveillance of Divers

Diving activities are physically challenging and Reclamation encourages divers to engage in routine
exercise as part of an ongoing personal fitness program. There is no upper age limitation if the
individual can meet the medical standards and has adequate reserves of pulmonary and
cardiovascular fitness.

All employees who are assigned as divers or who may be exposed to hyperbaric conditions shall
have successfully completed a physical examination by a licensed physician, preferably trained in
diving or hyperbaric medicine, prior to any diving or exposures. Reclamation employees will not be
permitted to make dives unless a licensed physician has examined them and determined that they are
medically fit to tolerate the pressure exposures.

OSHA and the Department of the Interior Office of Occupational Health Medical Program Handbook provides
medical conditions and/or physical impairments that may be incompatible with safe and efficient
job performance, and as result be disqualifying. If a person, as determined by a licensed physician,
does not meet the diving medical standards and still desires to participate in Reclamation diving,
then he or she must appeal to the RDAC after a second medical opinion has been obtained. Based
on the recommendations by the DOI Chief Medical Officer, the RDAC will render a decision on
the fitness of an individual to dive under the Reclamation program. Medical records will be
protected in accordance with the Privacy Act.

5.1 Dive Medical Policy

The Regional Dive Team Leader is responsible for ensuring that all dive team members have an
initial examination and re-examinations as required by this section and the U.S. Department of the
Interior, Office of Occupational Health Medical Program Handbook, Chapter 7, Medical Standards.

This section establishes the minimum requirements for medical fitness that are considered necessary
for the safe and efficient performance of the full range of essential functions of divers.

The Regional Dive Team Leader must ensure that each diver assigned has a current physical exam
and has been determined medically qualified to dive. Divers shall inform Dive Team Leaders or
Dive Supervisors of significant findings or health problems that might affect the ability to dive
safely. Before the diver can dive, the Regional Dive Team Leader must receive a dive clearance letter
from the examining physician as to the diver’s medical fitness to dive.

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Section 5 – Medical Surveillance of Divers
Diving Safe Practices Manual

5.2 Dive Medical Surveillance

5.2.1 Frequency of Diving Physical Exams
Divers will have complete physical examinations performed by a licensed physician
experienced in diving medicine at the following intervals:

• Initially, before any Reclamation diving or hyperbaric exposures.

• At one year intervals (annually) thereafter.

• After an injury, surgery, or illness requiring more than 24 hours of

hospitalization.

• After diving injuries, recompression treatments, or any episode of

unconsciousness related to diving activities. The exam shall be appropriate with
respect to the nature and extent of the injury or illness as determined by the
examining physician. Information must include the diving modes and the level of
physical activity that is expected and other relevant information from previous
medical exams.

• Exit exam within one month after leaving the team.

5.2.2 Pre-Exam Information Requirements

A letter containing the following information will be provided to the examining physician
prior to the exam.

• A copy of this section on medical surveillance

• A summary of the nature and extent of the diving conditions to which the diver
will be exposed

• Information on the diving modes and the level of physical activity expected

• Other relevant information from previous medical exams

5.2.3 Minimum Exam Content

The medical evaluation criteria found in the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of
Occupational Health Medical Program Handbook, Chapter 7, Medical Standards should be used as
a guide by the examining physician. See:
https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/migrated/bureaus/doi_medical_handbook_2018_
-draft.pdf

Diving physical examinations, initial exams, re-exams, and exit exams will consist of the
following:

• General medical and occupational history

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 Section 5 – Medical Surveillance of Divers
Diving Safe Practices Manual

• Noise exposure history

• General appearance and vital signs

• General physical examination with focus on:

• Skin
• Head, Eyes, Ears (including TM movement), Nose, Mouth, and Throat
• Thyroid
• Endocrine and Metabolic System
• Cardiovascular System, including sensation, reflexes, and proprioception
• Respirator System
• Central Nervous System
• Peripheral Nervous System, including sensation, reflexes, and
proprioception
• Back and Musculoskeletal System, including strength, ROM, flexibility,
stability
• Genitourinary System, including inguinal ring
• Gastrointestinal System, including umbilicus and abdominal wall

• Diving-related medical history (i.e., decompression sickness, vertigo, lung

squeeze)

• Diagnostic Test/Procedures (Table 5-1).

• Any additional tests the physician feels are necessary based on examination
results

Table 5-1: Physical Exam Content

Initial Annual re-
Test Exit exam
examination examination
Vision Acuity (Far & Near) Yes Yes Yes
Peripheral Vision
Color Vision Acuity Yes No No
Spirometry –Pulmonary Function Yes Yes Yes
Chest X-Ray (PA and LAT) Yes See Note (a) Yes
Urinalysis (RandM) Yes Yes Yes
Complete Blood Count (w/
Yes Yes Yes
Hematocrit or Hemoglobin)

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Section 5 – Medical Surveillance of Divers
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Initial Annual re-

Test Exit exam
examination examination
Chemistry Panel (fasting glucose,
electrolytes, renal function, liver Yes Yes Yes
function, and cardiac risk factor
assessment)
EKG rest or equivalent Yes See Note (b) Yes
Audiogram Yes Yes Yes
PPD (tuberculosis skin test) Yes No No
(a) Every 3 years unless medical conditions dictate otherwise.
(b) Annually. If an exercise EKG is conducted, it replaces any requirement for a resting EKG. Exercise stress test
requires department medical office clearance.

5.2.4 Medical Contraindications to Diving and Hyperbaric Exposures

The disorders listed below may restrict or limit diving or occupational exposures to
hyperbaric conditions, depending on the severity of the condition, presence of residual
effects, response to therapy, number of occurrences, diving mode, depth of exposure, and
degree and duration of isolation.

• History of seizure disorders

• Malignancies (active) unless treated and without recurrence for 5 years

• Chronic inability to equalize sinus and/or middle ear pressure

• Cystic or cavitary disease of the lungs, significant spontaneous recurrent

pneumothorax, or obstructive or restrictive lung disease

• Conditions which require continuous medications for control (i.e.,

antihistamines, steroids, barbiturates, mood altering drugs, insulin, etc.)

• Meniere’s disease

• Hemoglobinopathies

• Pregnancy

• Vestibular end organ destruction

• Cardiac abnormalities (i.e., pathological heart block, valvular disease,

intraventricular conditions other than isolated right bundle branch block, angina
pectoris, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, etc.)

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 Section 5 – Medical Surveillance of Divers
Diving Safe Practices Manual

• Juxta–articular osteonecrosis

• Decompression sickness with any residual neurological symptoms after treatment

5.3 Documentation of Physical Examinations

Reclamation shall require that the examining physician provide a written report to the employee and
Reclamation’s Regional Human Resource Office.

The examining physician’s report to the employee is usually a copy of the examination forms and
attached tests. In all cases the results must include:

• Detected medical conditions that would interfere with the employee’s health on the job

• Detected medical conditions that would interfere with the employee’s fitness for diving

• Results of the complete medical examination

• Conditions the employee might have that require further examination or treatment,
regardless of whether they are occupationally related

The examining physician’s report to Reclamation’s Regional Human Resource Office will include:

• A written final opinion on the individual’s fitness for diving, including any
interpretation of results related to occupational exposures. Reclamation will provide the
employee with a copy of the physician’s written final opinion.

• Recommendation of any limitations (related to the employee’s job duties) on the

employee

5.4 Medical Removal or Suspension from Diving

It will be determined by the RDAC, based on the physician’s written report, whether the diver is
medically fit or unfit for diving.

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Section 5 – Medical Surveillance of Divers
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5.5 Medical Recordkeeping Requirements

Medical records must be kept in accordance with regulatory requirements at 29 CFR 1910.1020 and
Reclamation Records Information Management Handbook.

Medical information is considered confidential and all persons who gain medical information on an
individual during a hyperbaric treatment will protect the confidentially of such information under
the provisions of the Privacy Act.

The Regional Dive Team Leader will keep a copy of the medical clearance forms.

The Human Resources Office will maintain the medical record for each diver in the medical folder.
The medical record should contain copies of all physical examinations, copies of all lab results,
examining physicians report, hyperbaric treatments, accident reports, diving incidents, and any work-
related disability incidents which might affect the diver’s ability to perform diving duties.

Each record must contain a signed “Authorization to Release Medical Records” to ensure the
privacy of each diver is protected. The diver must be informed of all disclosures.

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 Section 6 – Dive Planning, Basic Guidelines, and Safety
Diving Safe Practices Manual

6 Dive Planning, Basic Guidelines, and Safety

The success of any diving operation is a direct result of careful and complete planning. A diving
services request form provides the Dive Supervisor with the basic information needed to begin
planning a safe dive. The scope of the planning effort is determined by the objectives.
Considerations listed in this section provide guidelines and requirements for ensuring the safety of
divers while planning successful diving operations.

Reclamation diving is limited to SCUBA (self contained underwater breathing apparatus) and surface
supply air diving. All other modes require prior approval by the Reclamation Diving Safety Advisory
Board and documentation or certification of training in their use. Current commercial diving
standards and regulations define differences between lightweight and heavyweight surface supply air
diving. ‘Heavyweight’ refers to divers using open circuit or free flow helmets with variable-volume
dry suits. ‘Lightweight’ equipment is defined as full face, demand regulator masks, or helmets.
Currently, Reclamation only uses lightweight surface supply air diving with demand regulator
helmets or masks.

Depth limitations, specific manning, and equipment requirements for each mode are outlined in
greater detail in Sections 7 and 8. Training and certification requirements are outlined in Section 4.
Any diving operations that are outside the scope of the DSPM, but within OSHA regulations, will
require approval by Reclamation’s RDSAB.

At the dive site, any changes to the dive plan may be made by the Regional Dive Team Leader or
Dive Supervisor if the changes are within the scope of this manual (i.e., night diving, needing a
bailout, etc.) and meet the intent of the original approved dive plan. Changes that are outside the
scope of the DSPM (i.e., need for decompression, etc.) must be approved by the RDSAB before
proceeding (see Section 9, Special Diving Guidelines).

6.1 Dive Hazard Analysis

A dive hazard analysis (DHA) of both surface and underwater conditions shall be prepared by the
Dive Supervisor and approved by the Regional Dive Team Leader, RDAC Regional Safety and
Occupational Health Manager, and one other RDAC member, see Appendix A. In the absence of
the Dive Team Leader or the RDAC Regional Safety and Occupational Health Manager, a
journeyman diver on the RDAC may sign in their place, but not for both. The DHA shall be
reviewed by all divers and non-divers involved prior to beginning the dive operation. At a minimum,
the DHA should include the following:

• Emergency information and phone numbers

• Planned depths and no-decompression limits

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Section 6 – Dive Planning, Basic Guidelines, and Safety
Diving Safe Practices Manual

• Mode of diving

• Altitude and altitude depth corrections

• Environmental conditions, currents, visibility, temperature, and other natural and man-
made hazards

• Activities in the area of operations that may interfere with the dive or that pose a safety
hazard to dive team members (i.e., vessel traffic, noise, pollution, etc.)

• Analysis of underwater job tasks with solutions to eliminate, guard against, or prevent
hazards

• Analysis of required hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout and confined spaces) at

the facility

6.1.1 Job Hazard Analysis

When diving around structures where local facility support personnel are operating cranes, man-
skips, motorized equipment, vessels, etc. or when non-divers are involved in the diving activity, a
standard job hazard analysis (JHA) shall be completed by the responsible facility representative and
discussed prior to any diving activities. This requirement is in addition to the dive hazard analysis.

6.2 Dive Planning

Dive planning will vary according to the tasks and conditions of the diving operation. A dive plan
will be included as part of the dive hazard analysis. The dive plan must be completed and approved
by the Regional Dive Team Leader, Regional Safety and Occupational Health Manager, and at least
one other RDAC member before beginning diving operations. The RDSAB must approve dive
plans outside the scope of this manual (see Section 9, Special Diving Guidelines, for additional
guidance).

The following elements are required to be included in all dive plans [29 CFR 1910.421]:

• Operational objectives

• Dive site description

• Diving mode selection

• Surface and underwater conditions and hazard analysis

• Air supply requirements

• Thermal protection (see Section 6.2.6 for special cold-water instructions)

• Diving equipment and systems and required support equipment

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 Section 6 – Dive Planning, Basic Guidelines, and Safety
Diving Safe Practices Manual

• Dive team assignments and responsibilities

• No-Decompression limits

• Emergency procedures

• Evacuation procedures and recompression treatment procedures

6.2.1 Operational Objectives

A clear statement of the goals, desired results, and the diving tasks needed to achieve the
objective(s) must be included in every dive plan. The Regional Dive Team Leader or Dive
Supervisor will provide details of what is needed. The dive planner must ensure these needs
and operational goals can be met in consideration of the chosen diving mode and the
limitations of on-site systems.

6.2.2 Dive Site Description

List the following: physical location, depth of water, temperature (surface ambient and water
at working depth), access, and any other vital information (currents, tides, traffic, etc.).

6.2.3 Diving Mode Selection

The selection of diving mode depends on the depth of the planned dives, the labor intensity
of planned work, use of underwater tools, bottom conditions, and other environmental
factors. All penetration dives greater than 50 feet from the ingress/egress point or in
conditions where the diver could easily become disoriented shall be performed on surface
supplied air. Lack of training will not be a justification. A chamber is required on-scene for
dives deeper than 100 fsw (foot sea water) and for any dive requiring decompression. For
dives at altitude greater than 1,000 feet, the corrected depth will be used. Section 9.1.5
addresses diving at altitude. The following three diving techniques are normally used in
Reclamation diving operations:

• Mode I: SCUBA - Untethered: Open circuit SCUBA with two (or three) buddy
divers, free swimming in visual/contact communication with each other. SCUBA is
limited to 100 fsw. Dives shall stay within the Unlimited/No Decompression table
limits. Minimum crew size is four, with three being divers. (Refer to Section 7.3.1)
[29 CFR 1910.424]

• Mode II: SCUBA - Tethered: Open circuit SCUBA diver alone in the water, line
tended from the surface. Tethered SCUBA is limited to 30 fsw. Divers working in
currents exceeding 1 knot or entering physically confining spaces must be line tended
from point of entry. Drift diving in ocean currents or river currents does not require
tethering (see Section 9.3). Minimum crew size is three, with two being divers. (Refer
to Section 7.3.1) [29 CFR 1910.424]

• Mode III: Surface Supplied Air (Lightweight): Surface supplied divers are
tethered with an umbilical that must be tended continuously while the diver is in the
water. Reclamation surface supplied dives are limited to 130 fsw. Minimum manning
is 4 divers. Depth beyond 100 fsw requires pre-approval by the RDSAB, a written

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Section 6 – Dive Planning, Basic Guidelines, and Safety
Diving Safe Practices Manual

variance to the Reclamation Safety and Health Standards, and an on-site re-compression
chamber with a certified chamber operator.

6.2.4 Safety Stop

When diving to depths of 30 feet or more, a degassing safety stop is recommended. The
safety stop will be at a depth of 15 feet for a minimum of 3 minutes.

6.2.5 Air (Gas) Supply Requirements

The Regional Dive Team Leader or Dive Supervisor, as part of the planning process, shall
calculate the amount of air needed for a planned dive profile. Calculations should include:

• The size and capacities of diver-worn cylinders, surface banks, flasks and compressor
outputs

• Duration of diver-worn cylinders

• Unusable air in the cylinders and flasks

• Anticipated consumption of divers based on equipment used and work levels

• Emergency air requirements and bailout size selection

• All planned air sources

• Reserve air requirements

6.2.6 Planned Thermal Protection

Water temperature is a primary factor in determining dive duration. Most divers require
thermal protection in water below 70 ºF. If wet or dry suits are not used, it is recommended
that working divers wear coveralls for protection. Dry suits are recommended for long
exposures, in water temperatures below 50 ºF, or in contaminated waters. Dive plans should
include:

• Water temperature versus duration of dives

• Type of thermal protection

• Plan for handling exposure problems in harsh conditions

6.2.7 Diving Equipment and Systems and Required Support Equipment

List all diving equipment for the entire operation. The equipment list should include the
following:

• Sufficient equipment and spares to support the planned operation

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 Section 6 – Dive Planning, Basic Guidelines, and Safety
Diving Safe Practices Manual

• Vessel or platform where diving is being performed including power, fuel, and gas
requirements, lay down area needs, safety boats, etc.

• Logistics plan for re-supply and support

6.2.8 Dive Team Assignments and Responsibilities

Dive Team assignments and responsibilities may vary through the diving operation.
Assignments and responsibilities will be rotated through the available divers to reduce
fatigue and hyperbaric exposure. Prior to each dive, the Dive Supervisor shall assign:

• A journeyman diver to record dive times, dive notes, and monitor surface activities

• Individual divers or dive buddies with specific task(s) to be accomplished during the
dive

• One diver for each buddy pair as the lead diver

• One diver as standby (safety) diver

6.2.9 Decompression
Diving should be conducted in the Unlimited/No-Decompression diving range.
Decompression diving must be requested as part of the Dive Plan and must be approved by
the RDSAB and written variance to the Reclamation Safety and Health Standards. Carefully
follow all repetitive diving procedures. See Decompression Policy 6-4.5, 10-1 and Appendix
D for decompression procedures. At a minimum, list the following:

• Planned diving and repetitive diving tables

• Planned bottom depth work times

6.2.10 Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures are the actions or procedures needed to regain control of a situation
and prevent or minimize injury to the diver or support personnel.

6.2.10.1 Evacuation Procedures and Recompression Treatment Procedures

Emergency aid, evacuation, and contacts must be listed on the dive hazard analysis for each
dive operation. The information will be reviewed in pre-dive briefings and must include, but
is not limited to, the following:

• Operation-specific emergency procedures (i.e., location and vessel specific

procedures, equipment failure, fire, or other possible emergencies, etc.)

• Emergency response and evacuation contacts and telephone numbers for diving and
diving-related accidents: site-specific emergency response network contacts for
diving and non-diving accidents, evacuation transport options, diving- and non-
diving-related hospitals and clinics

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• Physicians available 24 hours a day for consultation (i.e., divers alert network)

• Location of closest recompression chamber

6.2.10.2 Diving First Aid Kits and Emergency Oxygen Delivery System
First aid supplies that are appropriate for the diving operation must be available at the dive
location. Minimum requirements for first aid and medical supplies for all diving operations
are:

• An American Red Cross Standard First Aid Handbook (or equivalent)

• A diving first aid kit composed of at least the items listed in Appendix I

• Emergency oxygen delivery system with sufficient gas to stabilize the patient while in
transport to a medical facility

• A spine board

6.2.10.3 General Emergency Procedures

Depending on the nature of the diving accident, stabilize the patient, administer 100
percent oxygen, contact local emergency medical system for transport to medical facility,
and contact diving alert network (DAN) for assistance from a diving physician, as
appropriate, (emergency phone numbers are listed in the dive hazard analysis). Explain the
circumstances of the dive incident to the evacuation teams, medics, and physicians. Do not
assume that they understand why 100 percent oxygen is required for the diving accident
victim or that recompression treatment may be necessary. Accompany the evacuation team
to the hospital. For specific emergency procedures use Scuba (diving Mode I and II) and
Surface Supplied Air (diving Mode III) see Sections 7.4 and 8.5, respectively.

6.3 Pre-Mobilization and Dive Guidelines

At a minimum, the following procedures [29 CFR 1910.421] will be used in pre-dive preparation at
the dive location. The Dive Supervisor or person in charge may require additional operation-specific
requirements.

6.3.1 Diver Briefing

Dive team members shall be briefed on the tasks to be undertaken, safety procedures for the
diving mode, any unusual hazards or environmental conditions likely to be encountered, and
any modifications to standard operating procedures. Before each dive, the Dive Supervisor
will brief each diver and ensure the diver has an understanding of the tasks to be completed
underwater. During the pre-dive briefing, the Dive Supervisor will inquire as to each diver’s
current state of physical fitness and will indicate the procedure for reporting physical
problems resulting from the dive.

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6.3.2 Equipment Inspection

The Dive Supervisor will ensure that all breathing air supply systems and diver support
systems are inspected prior to each dive. He will ensure that all normal and reserve breathing
air supplies are adequate. Furthermore, both the diver and the Dive Supervisor will ensure
that the diver is wearing the minimum equipment required and that pre-dive inspections
have been made on all diver-worn life support equipment, especially the following:

• SCUBA cylinders, including valves or manifolds

• Buoyancy compensator devices (BCDs), including secondary inflation

• Regulators, submersible pressure gauges and depth gauges

• Face masks

• SCUBA tending lines (when applicable)

• Surface supply diving helmets

• Surface supply umbilicals

• Dry suits, particularly those with variable inflation attachments and dumps

• Weight belts or harness

• Any auxiliary equipment required (i.e., fins, boots, knife, watches, etc.)

6.3.3 Warning Flags and Marking Dive Locations

An international flag “A” (alpha or replica if diving from other than a vessel in areas capable
of supporting marine traffic) shall be displayed at the dive location in a manner that allows
all around visibility. It shall be illuminated during night diving operations. Additionally, the
work vessel (safety boat) shall be illuminated as specified in USCG Rules of the Road or in-
inland situations as per state or local regulations. When diving at night, turn on deck lights –
make yourself visible (see Section 6.6, Night Diving). The red diver’s flag with a diagonal
white stripe may also be displayed.

6.4 General Diving Requirements and Guidelines

At a minimum, the following procedures will be used during diving operations (29 CFR 1910.422).
Depending on the nature of the task, the Dive Supervisor may dictate additional requirements.

6.4.1 Water Entry and Exit

Diver shall be able to safely enter and exit the water. The Dive Supervisor must evaluate the
situation and ensure an adequate means is available for egress/ingress. When required for

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safe entry and exit, ladders capable of supporting the diver shall be provided. The ladder
shall extend below the water surface at least 3 feet [29 CFR 1910.422(b) (1)].

A descent line should be used in situations where divers need a guideline from the surface to
an underwater work site.

6.4.2 Confined Space or Ladder Entry

Divers entering a confined space, such as a pump chamber, gate chamber, or basin that
requires ingress/egress via a ladder (over 3 feet vertical distance) or man-skip shall wear a fall
restraint/retrieval harness. A retrieval tripod/winch or other mechanical means of hoisting
an incapacitated diver to ground surface shall be on site.

6.4.3 Communications
An operational two-way voice communication system must be used between each surface
supplied air diver and Dive Supervisor on the diving station. Tenders and divers will know
and use line pull signals.

An effective communication system should be used on SCUBA dives. This can include two-
way voice communication devices, thru-water communication devices, hand signals, or slates
for writing. Line pull signals will be used for communications with surface tended SCUBA
divers. See Appendices E and E1 for a list of approved hand and line-pull signals.

An operational two-way communication system shall be available at the dive location to

obtain emergency assistance. Two-way communication systems include radio and/or cellular
telephone equipment.

An effective scuba diver recall signaling device, such as banging on a scuba tank or
underwater air horn must be used.

6.4.4 Dive Log

The Dive Supervisor is responsible for maintaining a dive log for each dive. A depth time
profile of the dive shall be maintained for each diver during the dive and must include
decompression. See Appendix F for SCUBA Repetitive Dive Worksheet and Appendix G
for Surface Supplied Air Diving Mode Log. An equivalent form or database may be used;
however, completed logs will remain on file as a permanent record at each Region [29 CFR
1910.423(e), 29 CFR 197.410 (a) (4)]. If a SCUBA diver keeps, his/her own time during a
dive, the dive log must be completed as soon as possible after surfacing. Each Region may
tailor their own log; however, the dive profile/log must include the following information:

• Name of the diver, Dive Supervisor and other positions of dive team members

• Date, time and location of the dive

• Diving mode

• Nature of the work performed, and underwater tools used

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• Underwater and surface conditions (visibility, water temperature, current, etc.)

• Log record of the dive events, including maximum depth, total bottom time, and
decompression profile, etc.

• Residual nitrogen obligations at the beginning and end of the dive, including altitude
adjustments upon arrival at dive site.

• Mode of determining residual nitrogen (RNT) , dive tables or dive computer

• Altitude depth correction

• General nature of the work performed

• Any emergency incidents during the dive

• PSI of bailout cylinder before the dive

6.4.5 Air Decompression Policy

It is the policy of Reclamation not to plan or perform decompression diving. No
exceptional exposure diving will be planned. If an emergency situation occurs where the
no-decompression limit is exceeded due to entrapment, entanglement or timing device
failure, in-water decompression is permitted to avoid injury to the diver. The U.S. Navy
Standard Decompression Tables shall be used to calculate decompression depths and times.
The tables from the U.S. Navy Diving Manual (Revision 7/01 December 2016) are included as
Appendix D to this manual.

Normal diving procedures shall be conducted in Unlimited /No-Decompression. See

Appendix B: Unlimited/No Decompression Dive Tables and C: Emergency Gas Supply
Calculations. Repetitive diving procedures will be followed carefully; each diver shall always
know his or her repetitive group and last time of reached surface, so surface intervals can be
quickly determined for daily dive planning.

The Regional Dive Team Leader and the Dive Supervisor shall ensure that all divers are
trained on the use of standard and repetitive diving procedures (see also Sections 7.1.3,
Repetitive Diving, and 7.1.4, Dive Computers).

6.5 Post-Dive Requirements and Guidelines

At a minimum, the following procedures will be used post-dive. The Regional Dive Team Leader or
Dive Supervisor may specify additional operation-specific requirements.

6.5.1 Physical Condition Check

At the end of each dive, the Dive Supervisor will assess the physical condition of each diver.
Diver “OK” means the diver has no symptoms of any decompression sickness (DCS) or
arterial gas embolism (AGE) and is feeling well after the dive. Divers will not respond “OK”

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if they are not feeling well. Dive Supervisors will not only get an “OK” from the diver but
shall also observe each diver for any signs of DCS, AGE, trauma, or environmental
exposure.

6.5.2 Flying after Diving Rules

Ascent to altitude after diving increases the risk of decompression sickness. Reclamation
follows the U.S. Navy policy in Appendix H2, regarding flying after diving. The waiting time
required between the last dive and flying depends on the repetitive group of the diver after
diving. Appendix H2 lists the surface interval allowed between the last dive and flying.
Commercial airliners are assumed to be pressurized in flight to 8,000 feet.

6.6 Night Diving

Night diving is defined as diving during the periods from one hour after sunset to one hour before
sunrise. Divers must have lights for visual illumination underwater and the diver’s helmets or heads
need to be marked with some type of warning light so the divers can easily be seen on the surface.
Typical head marking lights can be chemical lights or colored strobe lights. The deck working areas
must be appropriately illuminated. Deck workers shall wear life jackets with lights while working at
night. Safety stops should be illuminated on the descent line (this is easily done with chemical lights).
See Appendix E for night diving signals.

6.7 Low Visibility Diving

Some of Reclamation’s diving is performed in low/no visibility environments. Diving in these
conditions requires special provisions. Divers must be equipped with two working dive lights (one
primary and one back-up). The lights will be checked to make sure they are working before leaving
the surface. A down line will be established to the structure to be examined so divers have a
reference to and from the structure to be inspected. Divers will remain in physical contact with one
another throughout the dive. If contact is lost, divers will have one minute to try to find each other.
If contact is not re-established, the divers will ascend to the surface. Divers can then regroup and ,if
they have sufficient air and time remaining on their dive tables, they can descend together and
resume the dive inspection.

6.8 Standby (Safety) Diver Requirements

A standby diver is a fully qualified diver, trained and certified as a rescue diver, ready to enter the
water and render assistance any time during a dive. Standby divers must be briefed along with the
primary divers on the job and tasks, so they are fully aware of the dive situation and conditions. It is
a good idea, if possible, to position the standby diver near the communications box so the standby is
fully aware of the dive progress. Standby divers shall not be assigned as the tender for the primary
diver. His or her sole responsibility is as emergency standby diver. A standby (safety) diver is
required at all times.

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6.9 Diving Deeper than 100 fsw

When diving deeper than 100 fsw the following additional equipment is required:

• Must be pre-approved by the RDSAB (see Section 2.3.1)

• Must obtain a written waiver to the Reclamation Safety and Health Standards

• Must be performed with surface supplied air

• An emergency recompression chamber (PVHO) must be on site. A certified PVHO

operator other than the diver must be available to operate the chamber [46 CFR 197.410
(a) (8)].

• A bailout reserve breathing supply with sufficient air for the diver to return to the
surface in a controlled manner must be carried by the diver.

6.10 Termination of a Dive

Working dives shall be terminated under the following conditions:

• Diver requests termination

• Diver fails to respond correctly to communications or signals from another diver or

tender

• Communications are lost between the dive station and diver

• Communications are lost between the Dive Supervisor or other critical controlling
operators (i.e., vessel operator when liveboating, crane operators, etc.)

• Air supply system failure or interruption (SSA). Diver goes on bailout supply or topside
shifts to reserve or emergency supply, etc.

• Diver loses his buddy in SCUBA operations. After one minute, both divers should
immediately surface. Unless the diver has through-water communications, he or she
should inform the Dive Supervisor, then follow the lost diver emergency procedure.

• Failure of a dive computer or submersible depth gauge in the water

• Scuba tank cylinder pressure below 500 psi

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6.11 Diving Safety Guidelines

No set of standard procedures can anticipate all operating situations that may be encountered, and
consequently, no diver or employee supporting diving operations may assume safe operation by
merely following these guidelines.

Safety rules do not exist as a substitute for common sense, sound judgment, and a continuing
concern and vigilance for maximum safety.

6.11.1 Safety Precautions Applicable to all Diving

• Care must be taken to secure or neutralize any equipment or system at the work site
that present a potential hazard to the diver.

• The depth of water, condition of the diver, water temperature, and type of work shall
determine the length of the dive. The amount of work shall not be a factor.

• Boats or craft of any kind shall not come alongside a vessel from which diving
operations are being conducted while a diver is in the water without receiving
permission from the Dive Supervisor.

• Hazardous energy clearances, lockout, warning tags, and equipment position or

status shall not be modified while divers are in the water.

• Whenever diving operations are conducted from a boat, precautions shall be taken to
ensure that the diver’s umbilical does not become fouled in the propellers.

• Before lifting heavy objects or weights from the bottom, the diver should leave the
water or ensure he/she and his/her umbilical is clear of the load.

• Appropriate signals and flags such as International Code Alpha, and day shapes shall
be displayed in a prominently visible location during daylight diving operations.
Night operations should ensure that proper anchor lights, RAM light, etc. are
displayed.

• Mode for signaling diver recall, such as diver-to-surface communications, line pull, or
underwater air horn shall be in place.

• Every precaution must be taken to prevent the diver from becoming fouled on the
bottom.

• Divers must not cut any lines until their purpose is known or until directed by the
Dive Supervisor.

• No diver, tender, or dive support personnel who shows signs of intoxication, its
after-effects, or appears to be under the influence of drugs or medications will be
allowed on the station during diving operations.

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• All work activities in close proximity to the dive site shall be informed before diving
operations begin and after diving operations are completed.

• Whenever a diving operation requires a diver to go into a pipe, structure or other

restricted underwater area, a standby diver shall be available at the point of entry to
tend the diver who has entered the confined area.

• Divers must be properly trained on the safe operation of tools and equipment to be
used in the water.

• All power tools passed to the diver or recovered from the diver shall be turned off.

• Any diver who has a cold, sinus infection, inability to clear ears, or any other physical
or mental problem that may interfere with his ability to perform the assigned task in
the water in a safe and healthful manner will inform the Dive Supervisor, and will
not be allowed to dive until he can dive in a safe and healthful manner.

6.11.2 Oxygen Safety

Oxygen by its very nature can be a hazardous gas if handled improperly because it lowers the
ignition temperature of flammable substances and greatly accelerates combustion.
Hydrocarbons can ignite spontaneously in the presence of high oxygen percentages;
additionally, oxygen fires also create intense heat. The following rules apply when working
with oxygen.

• Always use an oxygen-clean regulator to get oxygen from a cylinder.

• Never lubricate or allow oil or grease to get on oxygen connections, blowpipes, or

other oxygen equipment. Do not use oil-filled gauges in an oxygen system.

• Oxygen systems with pressure greater than 125 psig (pounds per square in gauge)
should have slow opening shutoff valves. All valves will be the appropriate
Compressed Gas Association (CGA) recommended valve.

• Lubricants, gaskets, plastics, cleaning solvents, sealants, threading compounds,

diaphragm materials, insulation, and other items used on oxygen systems which are
potential fuels must be O2 compatible.

• Oxygen systems must be assembled free of organic elements and loose particles.
Valves, gauges, piping and other elements used in oxygen systems must have been
cleaned for oxygen service.

• Oxygen for breathing in diving operations/first aid should be Type II, Grade A or B.

• Never use oxygen for compressed air or as a source of pressure.

• Oxygen cylinders should never be completely emptied, but should be maintained

with a minimum of 25 psig in the cylinder to prevent contamination.

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6.11.3 Pneumatic and Hydraulic Power Tool Safety

Each tool and item of support equipment has its own detailed set of safety instructions,
which should be consulted prior to any operation. Hydraulic tools designed for diver use
normally have extra seals to prevent salt-water contamination of the hydraulic system. If oil
leaks occur or water contamination is suspected, using the tools should be stopped and
repairs effected. Hydraulic tools designed for diver use normally do not have any cooling
heat exchangers, because the hoses being immersed in water cools the oil. Prolonged surface
use of diver tools should be avoided. Care should be taken to adjust the oil flow to support
the individual tool requirements. If a hydraulic tool results in an environmental
contamination spill, it must be reported as specified in current regulations.

The following general safety precautions are applicable to all hydraulic and/or pneumatic
tools that divers use:

• Pneumatic and hydraulic tools that are used underwater should be specially designed
for diving use.

• A separate air source should be used to supply pneumatic tools. Diver’s air must not
be used.

• Whenever pneumatic or hydraulic tools are used on the surface, eye protection must
be worn.

• Pneumatic tools, when not in use, should be disconnected from the air source.
Secure air prior to disconnecting.

• Gloves should be used by the diver when using pneumatic or hydraulic tools
underwater.

• Never use equipment that is not in good working condition.

• Arrange to have all required gear and tools readily available.

• Electrical tools require a ground fault interrupter (GFI) in the circuit between the
power source and the tool. Use of electrical tools underwater requires pre-approval
from the Reclamation Diving Safety Advisory Board.

• Never have loose items on the diver that could be entangled in the tool.

• The diver must always tend his umbilical when working with grinding tools to ensure
that an umbilical is not severed.

• Hold the tool firmly with two hands while running; never overreach.

• Inspect tools topside before sending the tool down to the diver. Ensure grinding
wheels, drill bits, etc. are in good condition and function properly.

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• Never override the on/off trigger. Only the diver in the water at the work site shall
operate the on/off trigger switch.

• The diver should make sure he is clear and all other divers are clear before energizing
any tool.

• Never exceed the maximum operating pressure and flow rating of a tool.

• Always ensure that the tool rotation is proper. Do not reverse the oil flow to reverse
the direction of the tool.

• Never clean or inspect a tool with the hydraulic power source connected.

• Always ensure hydraulic chain saws have water supply flow to the tool. Chain saws
need a continuous flow to remove the slurry, even underwater.

• Hydraulic chain saws require visibility or safety straps to prevent kick back injury.

• Power tools shall be off when sent to a diver and when brought to the surface. Make
sure any moving blade has stopped moving before setting down the tool. Topside
should shut off the oil flow before moving the tool up from or down to the diver.

6.11.4 Tending Safety

When tending an umbilical, hose, etc., tend about 1-3 feet from the side rail, if possible, and
hand over hand the umbilical over the side. Never let it slip freely through your hands. A
backup tender should be used on a heavy umbilical.

If an umbilical, hose, or line starts to run free, do not try to stop it by jumping on it, stepping
on it, or grabbing it by hand. Pick it up at the coil or figure 8 stack and use a line to tie it
down to a cleat or foundation.

The NEVER list of tending safety:

• Never step into the bight

• Never let an umbilical slip freely through your hands

• Never tend over the rail

• Never tend loosely; always feel the diver

• Never step or jump on a running umbilical, hose, or line.

6.11.5 Jetting Safety

A jetting nozzle will be fitted with a balanced jet that should be taken over the diver’s
shoulder in such a manner as to prevent blowing off the diver’s mask or causing injury.
Divers and tenders must be extra alert when working in reduced visibility situations.

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6.11.6 Lift Bag Safety

There are many potential safety hazards when divers are using lift bags. If a lift bag should
get away from the diver or break loose from whatever it is attached to, the lift bag could
snag the diver or the diver’s umbilical, and bring the diver to the surface, creating a blowup
situation. The following safety procedures must be observed when using lift bags:

• Lower lift bags deflated. Attach the bag securely to the object being lifted.

• If at all possible, use a safety line from the bottom to the lift.

• Divers should control the lift bag at all times, ensuring they are clear and not fouled
in either the object being lifted or the lift bag. If control is lost, the diver should get
clear and maintain a normal ascent.

• Always deflate bags when finished. Send them to the surface with a crane or tugger,
or tied off to the down line. Never cut bags loose and allow them to rise free to the
surface.

• Always calculate the amount of lift required and use the proper size lift bag.
Oversized bags will continue to expand as they rise through the water column and
accelerate rapidly toward the surface

• If the object to be lifted is very large, attach the lift bags as low as possible and in a
manner that will keep the object stable and floating on the surface.

• On soft or muddy bottoms, suction must be overcome between the mud and the
object. If the object is light, pull up firmly after each burst to break the suction. On
heavy items, the lift bags are located near the surface (10 feet) and rigging is extended
to the object requiring lift. Once the object is off the bottom, the object can be
moved to the surface by repeating this procedure with additional lift bags.

6.11.7 Compressed Gas Cylinder or Flask Safety

Hazards associated with cylinders of high pressure gasses can be avoided by careful handling
of the cylinders at all times.

• Never use cylinders as rollers or supports even if they are empty.

• Use valve protection caps when lifting or moving cylinders.

• Never use a hammer to open cylinder valves.

• Never drop or allow any cylinder to fall, especially oxygen cylinders. Handle
cylinders carefully—do not bang, clang, or batter.

• Never tamper with safety fuses or blowout plugs.

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• Always open cylinder valves slowly to allow the pressure to build up evenly and
prevent the hammering of tubing, piping, hoses, or regulators.

• Always keep cylinders far enough away from hot areas and work so that sparks, slag,
or flames will not reach them. Aluminum cylinders subjected to more than 350 ºF
must be condemned.

• Always store cylinders securely, both full and empty, to prevent them from being
knocked over, causing damage to personnel and equipment.

• Always check for leaks. Soap test (Snoop®) new connections.

• Always shut the valves when the work is finished, even for a short time.

• Always replace the valve safety protection cap when the regulator is removed or the
cylinder is not connected. Always move the cylinders with the safety protection cap
in place.

• Always secure cylinders in proper racks or tie cylinders down. Never leave cylinders
free standing.

• Always store cylinders in a ventilated area.

• Always check that cylinder hydrostatic and annual visual test date has not lapsed.

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 Section 7 – Open Circuit SCUBA Diving – Modes I and II
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7 Open Circuit SCUBA Diving – Modes I and II

This section covers diving operations using open circuit Self Contained Underwater Breathing
Apparatus (SCUBA) while breathing air. SCUBA is a lightweight and rapidly deployed mode of
diving that can be used to conduct a wide variety of tasks. Mode l open circuit is defined as a diving
buddy pair on SCUBA. Mode II open circuit diving is defined as a single tethered diver on SCUBA.

Divers and Dive Supervisors must be properly trained, safety conscious, and alert at all times when
conducting SCUBA operations. Prior to leaving the surface, divers must be thoroughly briefed
concerning maximum depth, times permitted on the bottom to remain within the no-decompression
limits, and what decompression obligations would be required if the planned bottom time is
exceeded.

Modes I and II air SCUBA diving policies outlined here represent safe commercial practices that
comply with the minimum standards listed in OSHA 29 CFR 1910, Subpart T. These modes of
diving include tethered or buddy air SCUBA divers with appropriate support personnel. Due to
special programmatic needs or operational conditions, more specific or stringent procedures may be
required. Implementing more specific procedures will be at the discretion of the Dive Supervisor or
the Regional Dive Team Leader.

All personnel using SCUBA equipment for Reclamation diving operations must possess a working
knowledge of the equipment, equipment limitations, diving procedures, and any other tools and
techniques that may apply to SCUBA diving operations [29 CFR 1910.410 (a)]. Dive Supervisors
must ensure that all divers assigned on a given job are currently qualified to dive in that mode and
have been properly trained on any special equipment used and tasks to be performed [29 CFR
1910.410(b)]. The Regional Dive Team Leader will ensure that dive plans include dive team
assignments and comply with this policy.

7.1 Open Circuit SCUBA Limits

Open circuit air SCUBA diving shall not be conducted under the following conditions:

• At depths greater than 100 fsw

• Against currents exceeding one knot unless the diver is line tended

• In enclosed or physically confined spaces unless the diver is line tended (see Section 9.2,
Physically Confined Space Diving)

• Penetration/Confined Space dives over 50 feet from the point of entry shall not be
permitted on SCUBA

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7.1.1 Current Diving

The maximum allowable current that a SCUBA diver can swim against is 1 knot or 1.69
feet/second velocity. Dives against currents above 1 knot shall be performed with a tethered
scuba diver or a tethered surface supplied diver. Drift diving in a river, canal, or ocean tidal
current in excess of 1 knot is permitted if a chase boat is accompanying the divers.

7.1.2 SCUBA Decompression

Reclamation does not normally conduct decompression SCUBA dives. Diving outside the
unlimited /no-decompression limits must be approved by Reclamation’s RDSAB. If some
unusual situation occurs where it is necessary to conduct decompression diving, then the
following rules apply.

• A written variance to the Reclamation Safety and Health Standards will be obtained.

• The diver shall be trained in decompression diving.

• A decompression chamber will be ready for use at the dive location.

• Divers must remain awake and in the vicinity of the chamber for 1 hour after the
dive.

• Standby diver must be available on the surface while divers are in the water.

• A safety pickup boat must be available.

Reclamation uses the U.S. Navy (USN)-based Dive Decompression Tables contained in
Appendix D. These tables are based on data taken from the U.S. Navy Diving Manual,
Revision 7, dated 01 December 2016. It is the intent of Reclamation to use the most current
version of these tables. Newer versions will be used as they become available. Refer to
Sections 6.4.5, Air Decompression Policy, and 9.1, Decompression Guidelines, for detailed
discussions on decompression tables.

The use of other tables or methods must be pre-approved by the RDSAB.

7.1.3 Repetitive Diving

Repetitive diving is a routine procedure in SCUBA and surface supplied air diving. The
tables will be followed to determine a diver’s repetitive group after 10 minutes on the surface
and less than 12 hours. The diver and the Dive Supervisor must know a diver’s repetitive
group at all times. When planning repetitive dives, every effort should be made to dive deep
first then make subsequently shallower dives. Care should be taken to ensure that only USN-
based tables are used – some tables published by other agencies are not USN-based tables
and have different times listed. Appendix B: Unlimited/No Decompression Dive Tables and
Repetitive Group Table will be used to compute the new group after a specific surface
interval. Using the new group and depth of the repetitive dive the residual nitrogen time can
be determined.

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7.1.4 Dive Computers

Use of dive computers while performing dives is acceptable; however, it is still important to
plan all dives using the USN-based tables (rev 7) and have them on hand to consult. The
following are general guidelines for dive computer use.

• Divers must have a working knowledge of the proper operation of the specific dive
computer being used.

• Dive computers may not be shared or exchanged between divers at any time.

• Divers must have an 18-hour surface interval before activating a dive computer.

• Once the computer is in use, it will not be switched off until it indicates complete off
gassing has occurred or 18 hours, whichever comes first.

• On a buddy pair the diver with the shorter allowable bottom time dictates when the
pair will leave the bottom.

• If the dive computer fails, the dive must be terminated.

• Never use the computer and dive tables together—use one or the other.

• Rate of ascent is still 30 feet per minute (fpm).

7.2 General SCUBA Guidelines

The following rules and procedures apply to all air SCUBA operations.

• All equipment will be checked for readiness and proper operation prior to each dive by
the diver.

• Equipment that is not operating properly will not be used.

• Dive Supervisors are responsible for calculating the primary air supply to ensure there is
sufficient air to complete the planned dive, including reserve air for returning to the
surface.

• SCUBA divers must carry/wear an emergency gas supply (EGS). This requirement can
be met by either an independent cylinder with a separate regulator or a manual reserve
on the main cylinder (J valve). It is recommended that the EGS provide at least 4
minutes of breathing air at working depth. Refer to Appendix C. The diver must verify
EGS pressure prior to the dive.

• When diving in open water, such as an intake structure in a reservoir, a safety pickup
boat should be used in Mode I, unless the Dive Supervisor has a justification for not
using a boat.

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Diving Safe Practices Manual

7.2.1 Buddy Diving

It is Reclamation’s policy to conduct normal SCUBA diving using the buddy system. The
buddy system calls for two divers to be in the water together and able to effectively
communicate with each other throughout the dive. Usually this is best achieved by remaining
in visual sight of each other or connected together with a buddy line. On SCUBA dives
where only one diver is in the water, the diver should be tended from the surface, as a Mode
II diver.

A buddy pair shall:

• Be familiar with the equipment and alternative source of breathing air for the buddy
diver. Complete buddy check prior to entering the water.

• Maintain effective communications.

• Discuss and agree upon a reuniting location to return to should they become
separated while diving.

• Any diver unable to locate a buddy within one minute shall return to the surface and
notify the person in charge (Dive Supervisor).

7.2.2 SCUBA Standby (Safety) Diver

A standby diver, in immediate readiness to enter the water, will be available during all
SCUBA operations, while the divers are actually in the water.

7.2.3 Safety Pickup Boat

A pickup boat is required for open water dives, where access to the dive site from the
shoreline or a maintained road is limited or diving on structures that are more than 200 feet
from shore. Drift diving in a river, canal, or in a tidal current requires a chase boat.

7.3 SCUBA Diving Procedures

Dive Supervisors will ensure that divers have performed pre-dive inspections on all equipment. The
divers will be briefed as to maximum depth and bottom time for the planned dive. Divers will
ensure the open circuit SCUBA cylinders contain sufficient air for the planned dive, and the pressure
is checked just prior to the dive. The cylinder shall be filled from a known source of safe breathing
air (see Section 10.3.3, Air Purity Standards). After entering the water, the divers will do a final check
of all equipment before descending.

7.3.1 SCUBA Minimum Manning Requirements

OSHA and other regulatory agencies have various interpretations on dive team minimum
manning. The Regional Dive Team Leader should carefully evaluate the proposed dive plan,
including the conditions, potential emergency response plans, regulations, experience and
abilities of the proposed dive team and any other conditions that may materially affect the
safety of personnel when determining the required manning, particularly when using

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minimum manning. No dive may be conducted with less than the manning described in the
following section.

7.3.1.1 Mode I: SCUBA - Untethered

This mode requires a minimum of 4 personnel: a diver, a buddy diver, a standby
safety diver, and a topside person in charge (Dive Supervisor). The person in charge
must be available to render assistance and emergency response. The topside person
in charge should be experienced in diving-related emergency response procedures.

7.3.1.2 Mode II: SCUBA - Tethered

This mode requires a minimum of 3 personnel: a diver, a standby diver, and a
topside person in charge. The person in charge must be available to render
assistance and emergency response. The topside person in charge (Journeyman
Diver) should be experienced in diving-related emergency response procedures. The
use of a three-diver SCUBA team is limited to a single tethered diver in the water
and depths not to exceed 30 fsw.

7.3.2 Communications
The diver and buddy diver shall remain in continuous communication during the dive.
Standard hand signals will be used (see Appendix E); special signals can be established prior
to the dive. Details of communication plans will be addressed individually for each dive
operation. Divers in the tethered Mode II will use standard line pull signals to communicate.
The use of through-water communications does not allow deviation from minimum SCUBA
manning requirements.

There will be a diver recall procedure in place for SCUBA divers in a free-swimming mode.
Use acoustic recall systems, through-water communications, or some method of placing a
predetermined recall noise or signal into the water. Divers who are line tended can be
recalled by line signals (see Appendix E1).

7.3.3 SCUBA Equipment Requirements

Each diver using open-circuit air SCUBA must have the following equipment:

• High pressure SCUBA cylinder(s) outfitted with approved valves or manifolds.

Cylinders will be connected with backpack and harness capable of quick release.

• A regulator assembly comprised of a first stage, second stage, and alternate air
source, such as an octopus or buoyancy compensator device (BCD) with built-in
regulator, such as an Air II. Only those models specifically approved by the RDAC
shall be used.

• A high pressure (HP) submersible pressure gauge

• Diving wristwatch, timer with second indication, or dive computer

• Depth gage or dive computer that automatically corrects for altitudes up to 10,000
feet elevation

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• A full-face mask with through-water communication. Full-face mask used shall have
an oral nasal or mouthpiece to minimize dead space volume.

• Buoyancy compensator device (BCD), inflatable personal flotation device

• Weight belt or harness, capable of quick release by the diver in the water. The use of
BCDs with an integrated weight system is allowed.

• Bailout cylinder (Emergency Gas Supply)

• A knife or other cutting tool (sharp and able to cut wet line). Knives should have a
protective sheath or be folding. Knives should be attached directly to the SCUBA
diver in a manner that no matter what equipment is jettisoned, the knife is still on the
diver.

• Swim fins

• Thermal protection: wet suit, dry suit, or coveralls with hood and gloves

• Lights (2) – primary and backup

• Compass

• Optional equipment

• Through-water communications or underwater signaling device

• Dive tables, slates, and pencils or pens that write underwater

7.4 Scuba Emergency Procedures (EPs)

Emergencies by definition are unexpected and require prompt corrective action. Each Dive Team
routinely performing SCUBA dives will have a standard set of Scuba Emergency Procedures. The
EPs will include the procedure and the operator who must perform the action, and options and
considerations concerning the emergency. They will include but should not be limited to:

Scuba EP-1 Lost Diver

Scuba EP-2 Fouling or Entrapment
Scuba EP-3 Loss of Air/Out of Air
Scuba EP-4 In-water trauma or injury
Scuba EP-5 Unconscious Diver
Scuba EP-6 In-water equipment failure
Appendix J Scuba Emergency Procedures, Situation and Recommended Action

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 Section 8 – Surface Supply Air Diving – Mode III
Diving Safe Practices Manual

8 Surface Supply Air Diving (Lightweight)

Mode III
Surface supplied air diving involves all forms of diving in which the breathing mixture is supplied
from the surface to the diver through a flexible hose called an umbilical. Surface supply diving can
be further categorized as surface supply free flow and surface supply demand. Only surface supply
demand mode is approved for use during Reclamation surface supply air dives.

Mode III diving policies outlined here represent safe dive practices that comply with the minimum
standards of 29 CFR 1910, Subpart T. This mode of diving includes a surface supplied, tethered
diver, and support personnel.

Air for surface supplied diving operations is supplied either from an air compressor(s) or from high
pressure (H.P.) air cylinders. All air supplies must meet the purity requirements as set forth in
Section 10, Diving Equipment Standards and Maintenance, of this manual.

8.1 Limits for Surface Supply Air Diving

Surface supplied diving shall not be conducted for dives deeper than 100 fsw [29 CFR 1910.425] or
for dives greater than the U.S. Navy no-compressions limits.

For dives deeper than 100 fsw or outside the no-decompression limits, a recompression chamber
and certified operator must be ready for use at the dive location.

Reclamation will conduct dives only when the tasking of each dive team member is commensurate
with documented experience and training. The Regional Dive Team Leader and Dive Supervisor are
responsible for ensuring that dive team member assignments comply with this policy.

Diving outside the unlimited/no-decompression limits must be pre-approved by Reclamation’s

RDSAB. A written variance to the Reclamation Safety and Health Standards will also be required.
Decompression diving will not be allowed unless the diver is trained in decompression diving and a
chamber is available for use at the dive location.

Reclamation shall use the unlimited/no-decompression dive tables contained in Appendix D. These
tables are taken from the U.S. Navy Diving Manual, Revision 7.

It is the intent of Reclamation to use the most current version of these tables. Newer versions will
be used as they become available.

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8.2 Operations using Surface Supply Air Mode III

Surface supplied diving should be done from a stable vessel or platform that is anchored or secured
to a structure.

8.2.1 Mode III – Minimum Manning

Dives between 0 to 100 fsw and within the no-decompression limits require a minimum
manning of 4:

• 1 Dive Supervisor

• 1 diver

• 1 standby (safety) diver

• 1 tender

Additional personnel are needed under the following conditions:

• When diving is conducted in physically confining or enclosed spaces, an

additional diver shall be stationed at the underwater point of entry.

• Penetration dives, whether horizontal or vertical. Each diver in the water must
have a tender.

• Any crane/ tugger operations associated with the dive.

• Use of additional surface-tended equipment by the diver. This includes, but is

not limited to, jetting, pneumatic or hydraulic tools, etc.

• Additional divers may be necessary as determined by the Dive Supervisor or

person in charge to provide for proper shift relief, particularly in remote
locations where assistance from non-diving crew personnel is not immediately
available. The use of qualified non-diver helpers may be needed in these
operations to run compressors, charge flasks, operate cranes, etc. More divers
may be required to support a proper rotation and ensure divers obtain rest
between dives.

8.2.2 Communications
Continuous, two-way voice communications between the diver(s) and the surface will be
maintained throughout the diving operation. If communications are lost, terminate the dive
and use line pull signals for diver’s ascent to surface (see Appendix E1). Communications
must be established for emergency assistance, using radio or phone.

When a diver fails to respond correctly to communications or signals from another dive
team member, the dive shall be terminated. If communications are lost and cannot be

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quickly re-established between the diver and the topside supervisor or another diver at the
dive location, then the dive shall be terminated.

8.2.3 Recompression Capability Requirements

An approved recompression chamber and certified operator must be ready for use at the
dive location when dives are:

• Deeper than 100 fsw

• Outside the unlimited / no-decompression limits

• Planning surface decompression

8.2.4 Equipment Requirements

Minimum support and diver-worn equipment needed for a surface supply dive are listed
below.

• Supply of primary breathing air that can be supplied by a low pressure air
compressor (LPAC) or from fixed flasks or cylinders

• Emergency or reserve breathing air with at least 4 minutes of breathing air at

working depth

• Diver communications system

• Pneumofathometer system (diver depth monitoring system)

• Umbilical capable of providing air, communications, pneumofathometer, and

safety strength member

• Air distribution box or rack (i.e., central air [gas] distribution center)

Minimum Diver-Worn Equipment

• Helmet or mask equipped with a non-return valve and an exhaust valve. Must
have a minimum ventilation rate of 4.5 ACFM (actual cubic feet per minute) at
any depth and/or capable of maintaining CO2 levels below 0.02 ATA
(atmospheres absolute) when the diver is producing CO2 at the rate of 1.6 liters
per minute [29 CFR 1910.430]. Fitted with a two-way audio communications
system and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

• Safety Harness designed to be attached around the diver’s body with leg straps
and of sufficient strength to permit the lifting of the diver and his equipment
from the water. There will be a mechanical quick release between the harness
and the umbilical. The harness shall not be used as a weight belt; however, it can
be integrated with the bailout cylinder.

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• Bailout supply (i.e., emergency gas supply – EGS). Diver-worn emergency

supply gas cylinder must provide sufficient air (gas) to allow the diver to return
to the surface and at least 4 minutes breathing gas at the planned working depth.
Must be configured such that the diver can activate bailout without assistance.

• Thermal protection suit. The thermal protection suit shall be suitable for the
water temperature and duration of exposure. The suit will be sized to the diver
properly to prevent injury.

• Weight belt or harness with sufficient weight to maintain the diver at working
depth. The weight belt or harness shall not be used to attach the umbilical to the
diver. It will be equipped with an appropriate release buckle and attached to the
diver in a manner to prevent accidental disengagement.

• Knife. Carried in a sheath or folding, must be sharp and capable of cutting wet
line.

• Boots. As appropriate for the type of dive.

• Fins are optional.

• Lights. Primary and backup.

Table 8-1. List of air system requirements for commonly used equipment
Working Average Maximum
Type of Equipment Minimum Over Bottom Pressure
ACFM ACFM ACFM
for depths less than 60’
(D x 0.445) + 135 = OB psi

Kirby Morgan Dive for depths deeper than 60’

0.9 1.2 4.5
Helmets and Bandmask (D x 0.445) + 170 = OB psi

Inlet pressures between 115 and 225

OB permitted.
AGA (D x 0.445) + 135 = OB psi 0.7 1.0 3.2
EXO-26 (D x 0.445) + 135 = OB psi 0.8 1.2 3.2
*Notes: Refer to technical manual for any helmet or mask not listed.
ACFM (actual cubic feet per minute)

8.2.5 Breathing Gas Supply

Each diving operation shall have a primary breathing air (gas) supply sufficient to support
divers for the duration of the planned dive. The Dive Supervisor must carefully calculate to
ensure both over bottom pressure and flow requirements are met (See Table 8-1).

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8.3 Surface Supply Diving Systems

All air piping systems, air compressors, volume tanks, and distribution consoles shall be constructed,
cleaned, and maintained as life support equipment. Refer to Section 10, Diving Equipment
Standards and Maintenance, for other details on required preventive maintenance service
requirements.

8.3.1 Air Flasks and HP Storage Cylinders

High pressure cylinders must be manufactured to a recognized code or standard and
approved by DOT. Valves will be standard as specified by the Compressed Gas Association.
Valves must be equipped with an over pressure relief device. Each flask must be labeled as
to its contents and color coded. They should be stored in a well-ventilated area, protected
from overheating, and secured.

8.3.2 Volume Tanks or Air Receivers

Volume tanks shall be designed, fabricated, inspected, and tested in accordance with ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Unfired Pressure Vessels, or equivalent. They will be
equipped with pressure gauges, a check valve on the inlet side, a drain valve at the lowest
point, and a relief valve set at 110 percent of maximum working pressure.

8.3.3 Air (Gas) Distribution Piping

Piping, tubing, valves, regulators, filters, etc. must be manufactured to a recognized ASNI
code or standard to ensure the piping and tubing is rated to the maximum working pressure
and permits flow rates. Valves will be slow opening when design pressure exceeds 500 psi.
Piping systems must be equipped with over-pressure relief devices. Each system must be
labeled by its contents.

8.3.4 Gauges
Gauges utilized in diving systems and equipment should be of rugged construction and
suitable for the purpose. Gauges for depth and life support systems must be calibrated or
tested every twelve months.

8.3.5 Hoses
Flexible hoses used to interconnect various components of diving equipment must have a
minimum burst pressure equal to 2.5 times the maximum allowable pressure and sized to
permit required flow rates for diver consumption. They shall be of rugged construction,
kink-resistant, and corrosion-resistant.

Connectors shall be rated to a pressure in excess of the hose on which they are installed.

8.3.6 Compressors
Compressors used for diver air should be designed specifically for delivering divers breathing
air. Personnel protection will be installed as per OSHA requirements for rotating machinery.
Air intakes shall be arranged to be clear of engine exhausts or other airborne contaminants.
Diesel or gasoline exhaust must be kept clear of air intakes. National Electrical Code
requirements for control, wiring, and drive units must be met.

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A low pressure air compressor (LPAC) used to supply diving air must be equipped with a
volume tank. The volume tank shall have a check valve on the inlet side, a pressure
indication gauge, a relief valve, and a drain valve. It is recommended, but not required, to
have a filter on the outlet side of the compressor and a particle filter on the inlet side.

A high pressure air compressor (HPAC) used to charge diving air and high pressure
cylinders should have filter packages installed on the outlet side. Oils used in compressors
shall be of an approved non-hydrocarbon type.

All compressors shall have air tested every six months, or after each repair or alteration to
the system. A current air sample test shall be kept with the compressor. [29 CFR 1910.430
(b) (4)] (See Section 10.3.3, Air Purity Standards.)

8.3.7 Umbilical
The umbilical shall be marked in 10-foot increments to 100 feet, beginning on the diver’s
end. There shall be 50-foot increments marked after the first 100 feet.

Umbilical shall be made of kink-resistant materials and have a nominal breaking strength of
at least 1,000 pounds. A strength member with a breaking strength of at least 2,650 pounds
shall be included as an integral part of each umbilical. The umbilical line shall be purged of
foreign material with breathable air prior to connection to the helmet or mask.

8.4 Emergency Gas Supply (EGS) Requirements

A diver will wear or carry an emergency gas supply for all lightweight surface supply dives. The
diver-worn or carried emergency gas supply shall have a minimum calculated 4-minute supply of air
at the anticipated working depth. Refer to Appendix C for calculating EGS requirements.
Emergency gas supply must be equipped with a SCUBA HP regulator capable of being adjusted to
an outlet pressure of at least 135 psi over bottom pressure or as recommended by the helmet
manufacturer. The EGS regulators should have a relief valve installed (set to 165 psi or using the
manufacturer’s requirements). The valve to activate the EGS shall be positioned for easy access by
the diver. EGS hoses should be connected to the helmet or mask with connections that permit ease
of donning or doffing the helmet or mask.

8.5 Surface Supply - Emergency Procedures

Each diver and Dive Supervisor shall know his or her responsibilities and necessary action in each
emergency situation. Divers and Dive Supervisors will train on and thoroughly understand each
emergency situation.

Each dive team conducting surface supply air diving in Mode III must have an understanding of at
least the emergency procedures listed below, in addition to any other job specific EPs needed. See
Appendix K, Emergency Procedures on Surface Supplied Air.

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SS EP-1 Fouled or Entrapped Diver

SS EP-2 Loss of Air
SS EP-3 Severance of Divers Umbilical
SS EP-4 Loss of Communications
SS EP-5 In-Water Trauma or Injury
SS EP-6 Unconscious Diver
SS EP-7 Fire in Surface Equipment, On or Near Dive Station

When performing surface supplied diving from a vessel, the vessel shall be secured to a surface
structure or anchored with a minimum of two anchors, each of which is of appropriate size to
individually hold the vessel in position against expected tidal currents or unexpected winds or wind-
generated currents. When possible, the first diver down should positively attach a down line to the
structure. The line should be of sufficient size to hold the vessel in position if the anchors were to
unexpectedly give way.

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 Section 9 – Special Diving Guidelines
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9 Special Diving Guidelines

The special diving conditions listed in this section are considered non-standard (or non-routine)
dives. They are not to be considered abnormal but are unusual and require extra consideration and
additional planning. Many may require additional training to ensure the divers perform the jobs in a
safe manner. The list below is a guideline for types of special diving, which should be approved by
the RDSAB.

Items on a submitted dive plan, which require prior approval by Reclamation’s RDSAB:

• Decompression diving or diving deeper than 100 fsw, and/or surface decompression

• Multilevel diving

• Dives involving changes to U.S. Navy tables (i.e., in-water oxygen breathing,
decompression stops, etc.)

• Penetration diving (greater than 50 feet penetration) or 30 fsw on SCUBA

• Solo untethered SCUBA diving

• Diving in waters with radioactive contamination

• Diving in waters with chemical contamination

• Diving in waters with biological contamination

• Penetration dives (greater than 300 feet penetration) on surface supplied air

• Operations using hydro blasters

9.1 Decompression Guidelines

Decompression diving requires specific approval and training. It is the policy of Reclamation not to
perform decompression diving. If approval and training is obtained for a specific diver(s), it is the
policy of Reclamation to use U.S. Navy-based standard decompression tables, Appendix D. No
modifications will be permitted to the tables (i.e., oxygen breathing in the water, shorting of stop
times, arbitrary adding of stops, etc.). The use of any other decompression tables or modifications to
the U.S. Navy tables shall require written Reclamation RDSAB approval. Any region asking to
modify or use other decompression tables must have well-researched and reference-supported
documentation and a justification for the request.

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9.1.1 Standard Air Decompression

When decompression is needed, the preferred method is a recompression chamber. In-water
decompression should only be used when approved by the RDSAB and all divers involved
have completed the proper training. For in-water air decompression procedures refer to the
U.S. Navy Diving Manual chapter 9 volume 2.

The Regional Dive Team Leaders and the Dive Supervisors shall ensure that all divers are
trained on the use of standard and repetitive diving procedures. The prevention of
decompression sickness is one of the primary responsibilities of the Dive Supervisor.
However, each diver must contribute by maintaining themselves in good physical condition,
reporting medical problems to the Dive Supervisor, getting proper rest, keeping hydrated
during operations (drink lots of water or non-carbonated drinks), carefully monitoring
individual repetitive groups, informing the Dive Supervisor of any illness or problems they
may be experiencing, and following rules established for driving to altitude or flying after
diving.

9.1.2 Unlimited/No-Decompression Table

Revision 7 to the U.S. Navy Diving Manual changed this table to indicate that dives to depths
less than 20 fsw are unlimited. This table is used to determine the limit of no-decompression
dives and provide the repetitive dive groups. Reclamation dives should be conducted within
the limits of this table (see Appendix D).

9.1.3 Repetitive Diving

Repetitive dives are those dives made after 10 minutes and less than 12 hours after a diver
reaches surface (RS). If the surface interval is less than 10 minutes then the time shall be
added to the bottom time of the previous dive to determine the equivalent single dive time.
The diver and the Dive Supervisor must know a diver’s repetitive group at all times. When
planning repetitive dives, every effort should be made to dive deep first, then make
subsequently shallower repetitive dives. Appendix B: Unlimited/No Decompression Dive
Tables and Repetitive Group Table will be used to compute the diver’s new repetitive group
after a specific surface interval. Using the new repetitive group and the depth of the
repetitive dive, the residual nitrogen time can be determined. Repetitive dives using
exceptional exposure tables are prohibited.

Residual Nitrogen Time (RNT) exception rule is still in effect. If the dive is made to the
same or greater depth than the previous dive, the RNT-specified time may be longer than
the bottom time of the previous dive. A diver cannot contain more residual nitrogen than he
or she was originally exposed to. If this situation occurs, simply add the bottom time of the
previous dive to that of the repetitive dive to obtain an equivalent single-dive time.

9.1.4 Exceptional Exposure Diving

Exceptional Exposure decompression times are listed on the standard decompression table.
No exceptional exposure diving will be planned and will only be used in emergency
situations (i.e., entrapment, etc.). No repetitive dives can be made after decompressing from
an exceptional exposure dive.

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9.1.5 Altitude Diving

Because of the reduced atmospheric pressure at altitude, the no-decompression limits must
be adjusted for dives above 1000 feet elevation. To determine the sea level equivalent depth,
a cross correction must be applied. To apply the cross correction technique, the actual dive
depth and altitude must be known. See Appendix H to determine the sea level equivalent
depth at a known actual depth and altitude. A diver ascending to altitude will have a
repetitive dive group to start with, unless the diver has been at altitude for more than twelve
hours prior to the dive. See Appendix H1 for repetitive group upon arrival at altitude. If a
diver is ascending (driving or flying) to a greater altitude after diving, a time delay may be
necessary. To determine the required surface interval before ascent to a higher altitude, see
Appendix H2. Whenever possible, a down line should be used for descend/ascend. Ascend
rate shall not exceed 30 feet per minute. All dives to a depth (altitude corrected depth) in
excess of 30 feet shall include a 3-minute safety stop at a depth of 15 feet. Always dive
conservatively when at altitude.

SCUBA mechanical gauges, which are sealed at sea level, must be corrected. A correction
factor of 1 foot for every 1000 ft of altitude will be used for sealed mechanical gauges. If the
depth gauge can be re-zeroed at altitude, then no further correction is needed. Some dive
computers’ depth gauges are equipped to automatically adjust to altitude and need no
manual correction.

For dives at altitude the Dive Supervisor and diver will be familiar with the altitude
correction procedure and cross-check the correction being made. The dive hazard analysis
shall clearly state the altitude and correction.

9.2 Physically Confined Space Diving

Confined space diving requires (at a minimum) special considerations for reserve air supply and
minimum dive team requirements. Special diver rescue procedures and communication plans should
be included in the plan. Examples of confined spaces in diving operations are pipelines, tanks, gate
chambers, pump chambers, or other underwater structures.

A physically confined space is any space that would restrict the diver’s ability to rotate
himself/herself head to toe, 180 degrees in any plane and still have no direct access to the surface, or
any space that requires a ladder entry. When diving into physically confining spaces, the following
limitations apply.

• On a penetration dive, an additional diver must be stationed underwater at the point of

entry to tend and come to the aid of the diver making the penetration.

• The primary and safety diver must wear or carry an emergency gas supply.

• No free-swimming SCUBA Mode I penetrations should be allowed.

• SCUBA divers in Mode II shall wear a fall protection/retrieval harness under their BCs.

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• A standby diver will be dressed, ready, and have no decompression obligations that
would prevent a rescue.

• A retrieval tripod and hoist shall be on site for dives requiring a ladder entry.

9.3 Drift Diving

When drift diving on SCUBA in river, canal, or ocean tidal currents where the divers shall be
moving with the current, a tether shall not be required. All drift diving shall be performed with
buddy pairs of divers. Each diver shall have a signaling device, such as a mirror, whistle, or horn,
and shall stay in visual contact with a buddy. Drift diving in poor visibility water or between one
hour before sunset and one hour before sunrise is prohibited. A chase boat shall accompany the
diving pair on the surface and will keep in visual contact of the diver’s bubbles.

9.4 Contaminated Water Diving

When diving in contaminated water, risks can be reduced by careful planning and taking proper
precautions. These precautions should include surface supply diving, which should be the first
choice for mode of diving. The best protection is full coverage—fiberglass helmet, vulcanized dry
suit mated directly to the helmet, direct hard wire communications, and diving equipment
meticulously serviced at a high level of readiness. If SCUBA is used, a full-face mask is preferred
with through-water communications. All divers engaged in these types of operations must have
training on the risks, selection of equipment, proper procedures, decontamination procedures,
emergency aid measures, and added responsibilities inherent in this type of diving. The information
provided in this section should only be used as general diving guidelines.

Divers working at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites as defined by 29 CFR 1910.120 must complete
training as required by Reclamation Safety and Health Standards (RSHS), Section 21, Hazardous Waste
Site Operations. Projects conducted under these conditions will require dive plan review and
approval by the RDSAB. In addition, an approved plan will be required. Additional medical
surveillance may also be required.

9.4.1 Diving in Waters Contaminated with Radioactive Materials

Diving in waters suspected or known to be contaminated with radioactive materials or in
areas that require dosimeter or Thermoluminescent Dosimeter (TLD) monitoring, requires
specific approval from the RDSAB. Diving in or around sources of nuclear radiation should
be left strictly to commercial diving organizations with the knowledge, experience, and
equipment to deal with radiation hazards. Diving personnel use three methods to decrease
the danger of radiation. First, limit the time spent around the radioactive source. Second,
maintain distance from the radiation. Finally, use protective clothing or other devices as
shielding from the harmful effects of radiation. Equipment for nuclear diving is more
specialized than the equipment normally used for other contaminated water diving
operations.

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9.4.2 Diving in Waters with Chemical Contamination

International UN numbers identify the most common chemicals that are used and
transported. It is important to know what the various chemicals are, how they interact with
each other, and the potential consequences for the diver. If you are not 100 percent certain
that every component in your diving system is compatible with the environment you intend to
enter, you must not dive! When considering protective clothing, always know exactly what the
performance of the equipment will be in a particular chemical environment before entering
that environment.

Standard hazard classes include explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids,
oxidizing substances, poisons or infecting agents, radioactive substances, corrosives, and
miscellaneous dangerous substances. Water (or dilution) is not necessarily sufficient protection
against the chemicals. Certain chemicals such as nitroglycerin, hydrogen sulfide, etc. are toxic
to divers by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption—even a dry suit is not sufficient
protection from high levels of hydrogen sulfide and can affect a diver in the water. Many
agents are carcinogens (cancer causing). Poisons can be irritants, respiratory paralyzers,
asphyxiants, function disrupters, or neural blockers.

Planning diving operations in waters with chemical contamination where the chemicals are
known, such as hazardous materials spills, should include:

• Exact type and quantity of chemical

• Toxic effect on a diver

• Lethal dosage determination

• Lethal concentration

• Threshold limit value

• Exposure limits – maximum entry stay times in a given concentration

• Decontamination procedures

• Protection of topside personnel

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies four levels of protection for topside
workers in hazardous environments:

• Level A – full-encapsulated suit with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

• Level B – hooded chemical splash suit with SCBA.

• Level C – hooded suit for skin protection with air purification respirator.

• Level D – splash suit without a respirator.

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Employees working topside must have appropriate protection for the levels of contamination.

9.4.3 Diving in Condition of Biological Contamination

Pathogens (disease causing organisms) can be present even in clear and clean-looking waters.

When diving in waters in which biological contamination is a known or suspected factor,

surface supplied air, a fully encapsulating suit, and a helmet should be used. Prior to diving in
known biological contaminated water, the appropriate testing for biological pathogens
should be performed several days prior to the dive.

The most common problems associated with sewage contaminated waters are diarrhea from
E. coli, salmonella, or hepatitis. Divers who dive in sewage contamination should have the
basic series of immunizations for Hepatitis A and B. All personnel involved in diving
operations where biological contamination is a known factor should be aware that diseases
may not develop for days or even weeks after the exposure. Continual follow-up monitoring
should be part of closure on these types of operations. Most of the factors for planning
considerations in Section 9.4.2, Diving in Waters with Chemical Contamination, should also
be evaluated for planning dives in areas of biological contamination.

9.5 Diving in Other Jurisdictions

Regional Dive Team Leaders and Dive Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all dives comply
with local diving regulations.

9.5.1 Offshore Diving in USCG Jurisdiction

Commercial diving operations taking place from U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessels or from
vessels and facilities under U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction must comply with the regulations at
46 CFR 197, Subpart B.

The commercial diving regulations of 46 CFR differ from those of 29 CFR regarding
procedures, equipment, recordkeeping, and reporting. It is the responsibility of the Regional
Dive Team Leader and Dive Supervisor to ensure compliance with the regulations.

9.5.2 Pool, Dock, and Lake Diving

Diving in pools, off docks, and in lakes within a state’s boundaries requires compliance with
the state or local safety requirements. If none exist, the federal OSHA regulations of 29 CFR
1910, Subpart T apply.

9.6 Non-Reclamation Divers

Any agency, military, or contractor personnel currently meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910,
Subpart T, may be allowed to dive with Reclamation teams after proper certification,
documentation, and a signed reciprocity agreement has been approved by the RDAC.

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10 Diving Equipment Standards and

Maintenance
Reclamation policy on diving equipment is to use quality and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure
the safety and well-being of the divers. Equipment used in diving operations, particularly those items
which are classified as life-support equipment, must be properly maintained and kept in good
working order. This section provides information on maintenance standards to ensure diving
systems and equipment are in proper working order prior to being used in Reclamation diving
operations.

Each team engaged in diving will have a system to track and document preventive maintenance and
servicing of diving life-support equipment, including all modifications, repairs, tests, and
calibrations. Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) shall be recorded using a database, tagging
system, or logging system and shall include the date and nature of work performed, and the name
and signed initials of the person performing the work. Each item of diving life support equipment
must have a unique identity (number or designation), so the performance and results of the PMS can
be documented.

In most cases the manufacturer of diving equipment provides recommended maintenance service in
an operations and maintenance manual. However, if such a manual does not exist, regulatory
agencies (OSHA, USCG, etc.) list minimum maintenance requirements for diving equipment used
for Reclamation diving.

This section lists the minimum standards and maintenance cycles required for diving equipment.
This is sufficient for most locations that perform only a few dives a year. However, those teams
engaging in routine diving on a regular basis shall have an aggressive program to perform PMS. For
such teams, the Regional Dive Team Leader (or designated appointee) will carefully review the
manufacturer’s service requirements, and develop the recommended maintenance requirements
(PMS Schedule).

It is not Reclamation’s policy to approve the selection of specific items of diving equipment. Diving
equipment will be procured from a source (manufacture or vendor) that specializes in making
equipment used in diving. The Regional Dive Team Leader, local RDAC, Dive Supervisor, and
safety professional must ensure the equipment meets the needs of the planned dive and meets the
performance minimums listed in current regulations.

Documentation for maintenance of Reclamation-owned dive equipment shall be retained at the

Reclamation facility where the equipment is normally stored.

Rented dive equipment or dive equipment owned by other entities shall be subject to the same
maintenance schedules as those presented here if used on a Reclamation operation.

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The maintenance will be performed by a qualified technician who is able to perform the service and
applicable testing required. This can be a Reclamation employee with the appropriate experience and
equipment for testing, or it can be an outside vendor. The Regional Dive Team Leader will oversee
the maintenance schedule and ensure that personnel performing the maintenance are qualified.

Examples of equipment maintenance log sheets are provided as Appendices L, L1, and L2. The log
sheet (or an acceptable substitute) will be used to document the maintenance performed on diving
equipment.

10.1 SCUBA Equipment

10.1.1 SCUBA Regulators
Approval – Only those makes and models specifically approved by the RDAC shall be used.

SCUBA regulators will be overhauled and rebuilt following recommendation from the
manufacturer, which in most cases will be annually. The inspection/repair facility will
provide a signed Regulator Service Log similar to the example in Appendix L2. The
regulators should be inspected and functionally tested prior to each mobilization, checking at
least the following:

• Inhalation and exhalation pressure

• Condition of hoses, second stage diaphragm, and mouthpiece

• Proper regulator breathing performance

SCUBA regulators used for emergency gas supply will be equipped with a relief valve if the
regulator LP hose is connected to a closed valve. The relief should be set at 165 psi (+/- 10)
and must be serviced annually.

DIN connections should be serviced annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Cleaning is the most important preventive maintenance that can be done on any SCUBA
regulator. Rinse the regulator with fresh water immediately (or as soon as practical) after
each dive with the dust cap in place. The following routine service should be done on most
regulators:

• Annual disassembly and inspection—clean all components, replace o-rings as

required, and reassemble. Functionally test as described above. A qualified
service technician should do this service.

• Inspect all hoses carefully and replace as needed. Pay particular attention to areas
covered with hose protectors.

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10.1.2 SCUBA Cylinders, Valves and Manifolds

Cylinders, valves, and manifolds must be designed, constructed, maintained, and stored in
accordance with the applicable provisions of 29 CFR 1910.101 and 1910.169. Cylinders shall
be stored in a ventilated area and protected from excessive heat. If inspection of aluminum
cylinders reveals indications of heat damage or cylinders have been subjected to more than
350 ºF, the cylinder must be removed from service and destroyed. Keep cylinders secured at
all times to prevent damage. The following maintenance is required on all cylinders:

• Rinse cylinders and valves after each saltwater dive (pay close attention to the
areas around bands and boots).

• Hydrostatic test every 5 years by a certified facility and have the cylinder stamped
with the date of the last hydro.

• Must have an internal visual inspection at intervals not to exceed 12 months. A

Visual Inspection Program (VIP) sticker shall be attached indicating when the
cylinder is due for inspection. Cylinders with corrosion or rust should be rolled.

• Aluminum cylinders shall be visually checked for cracks in the threaded-neck

area annually.

• Tank valves and manifolds must be inspected and functionally tested annually.
Valves must have an over-pressurization relief (blowout safety). Cylinder valves
and manifolds should be overhauled every 5 years when the cylinder is hydro
tested or more often as indicated by inspection, failure, or function test. J valves
should be function tested annually.

• Whenever a valve is installed on a cylinder, ensure the burst disk is rated for that
cylinder pressure.

10.1.3 Submersible Pressure Gauges and Consoles

Each depth gauge shall be tested or calibrated against a master reference gauge every 12
months and whenever there is a discrepancy greater than two percent of full scale between
any two equivalent gauges.

A cylinder pressure gauge capable of being monitored by the diver during the dive shall be
worn by each SCUBA diver and will be tested annually.

10.1.4 Weight Belts and Harnesses

Divers shall be equipped with a weight belt or harness capable of quick release. These belts
and harnesses shall be inspected prior to each operation and must be in good condition.

Harnesses used to connect SCUBA cylinders to backpacks (or the diver) must be inspected
to ensure they are structurally sound and capable of quick release.

The use of integrated weights on BCDs is allowed. Prior to each dive, inspect the weight
pockets and connections to ensure proper operation.

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10.1.5 BCs/Inflatable Flotation Devices

BCDs (Buoyancy Compensator Devices) must be capable of maintaining the diver at the
surface in a face-up position. All inflatable flotation devices (BCDs) must have a manually
activated inflation source independent of the breathing supply, an oral inflation device, and
an exhaust valve. Chlorine solutions in pools quickly break down rubbers and seals used in
BCDs. BCDs should be rinsed clean with fresh water after each saltwater dive. BCDs should
be stored partially inflated. The following are the minimum service requirements for BCDs:

• Functionally inspect at intervals not to exceed 6 months.

• Service annually—check for leaks and patch as needed, service over-

pressurization valve, and inspect straps.

• Service power inflators and oral inflators annually.

10.1.6 Dry Suits

Dry suits must be constructed of materials suitable to the environment in which they are
being used. To this end a dry suit should protect the diver from hazards, whether it be
temperature or other factors such as abrasion, chemical, biological, etc. All dry suits must
have an adjustable exhaust valve to prevent over-inflation and uncontrolled ascent. Helmets
or masks or other buoyancy-changing equipment connected directly to the dry suit shall be
equipped with an exhaust valve. Maintenance checks should include the following items:

• Suits should be inspected before each job, ensuring the seals are in good
condition, there are no leaks, and all valves operate correctly.

• To ensure proper operation, valves should be inspected and cleaned annually or

as needed, following manufacturer’s instructions.

• Suits should be dried completely before being stored. Suits must be protected
from sunlight (UV) and stored away from temperature extremes.

10.1.7 Full-Face Masks

There are two types of SCUBA full-face masks—those with a 2nd stage built in and those
that permit use of a standard SCUBA regulator 2nd stage. SCUBA full-face masks that do
not have an oral nasal shall have the capability to be fitted with a mouthpiece. SCUBA full-
face masks that do not have a built in regulator shall have positive attachment of the SCUBA
2nd stage regulator. Maintenance checks should include the following:

• Use manufacturer’s specifications and documented performance testing.

• Oral nasals and other soft goods should be inspected annually and replaced as
needed.

• Service installed second stage regulators annually.

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• If used, communication equipment must be inspected semiannually and

connectors cleaned.

10.1.8 SCUBA Dive Computers

Dive computers will be inspected and tested every 12 months. This will be accomplished by
pressurization in a wet (water filled) pressure chamber. Depth readings from the dive
computer will be measured against a calibrated master gauge. Accepted Accuracy is +/- 2
percent of full scale 0-200 fsw. Recording of the timing should verify accuracy.

Follow manufacturer’s instructions and PMS schedule for all other maintenance
requirements.

10.1.9 Accessories
Accessories are items such as fins, wetsuits, backpacks, masks, knives, etc. These items are
each diver’s personal responsibility to inspect and maintain. As with most equipment,
cleaning and storage are the most important preventive maintenance practice. Accessories
should be stored dry and protected from sunlight (UV). Inspections should be done before
mobilization and at the beginning of each dive.

• Masks should be inspected for deterioration and proper attachment of lens,

straps, or buckles. If equipped with a purge valve, ensure it functions properly.
Never dive with a cracked lens.

• Diving suits should be inspected for material deterioration, seal deterioration,

holes, and proper zipper operation. Lubricate zippers with bee’s wax or silicone,
but never use petroleum jelly. Wash wet suits in warm fresh water after each
operation. Diving suits should be thoroughly dried before stowing. Repair seams
or tears as needed.

• Knives should be sharp and lubricated as necessary to prevent or minimize

corrosion.

• Inspect fin straps before each mobilization. Replace if damaged or worn.

Remove straps for prolonged storage.

• Lights should be inspected prior to each mobilization. Check batteries, seals and
o-rings. Replace as needed or when damaged.

10.2 Surface Supplied Equipment

10.2.1 Helmets and Masks
A non-return valve and an exhaust valve must be installed on each helmet or mask used.
Non-return valves must be installed at the attachment point between the helmet or mask and
the supply hose and shall function readily and positively.

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Maintenance checks should include the following:

• Perform PMS in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and documented

performance testing.

• Non-return valves shall be tested daily during set up and serviced annually.

• Communication equipment must be inspected semiannually and connectors

cleaned.

• Second stage regulators should be serviced annually.

• Oral nasals and other soft goods should be inspected annually and replaced as
needed.

10.2.2 Hoses and Umbilicals

Breathing gas (air) hoses must have a working pressure at least equal to the working pressure
of the total breathing gas system and a rated bursting pressure at least equal to 4 times the
maximum working pressure. Hoses must be of suitable design that they will not collapse
when subjected to external pressures in excess of internal pressure. Hose ends must not be
left open when not in use but shall be taped, capped, or plugged when not in use. Perform
the following maintenance:

• Visually inspect annually for cuts, bubbles, kinks, etc.

• Pressure test to 2.5 times working pressure held for 10 minutes.

• Visually inspect and pressure test after each repair or alteration.

Air (gas) supply hose connectors shall be made of corrosion-resistant materials and resistant
to accidental disengagement. Connectors must have working pressure at least equal to the
working pressure of the attached hose. Required checks include annual inspection of hose
connections.

Umbilicals consist of an air (gas) hose, communications cable, pneumofathometer hose, and
a strength member. Hoses must be made of kink- and corrosion-resistant materials, and have
a working pressure greater than the pressure equivalent to the maximum depth of the dive
(relative to the supply source) plus 150 psi. In some umbilicals, the strength member is part
of the communications cable.

Every effort will be made to ensure the air hose is one continuous length. If a repair is made,
then no more than one splice-barb connection will be permitted in an umbilical air supply
hose. In some specialized setups (i.e., pool diving) where the bottom is controlled, only an
air and communications cable is needed. The following maintenance checks will be
performed:

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• Annual inspection of the hoses, cables and marries. Verify hose markings—10
foot increments to 100 feet beginning at the diver’s end and in 50 foot
increments thereafter.

• Annual inspection of the positive attachment to the umbilical to the diver’s safety
harness with a mechanical quick release (i.e., spinnaker shackle). Attachment
must be in a manner to prevent placing a strain on the diver’s helmet or mask.

• Pressure test every 2 years (or more often if needed) to 1.5 times designed
working pressure with a 200 lb. axial load applied to the fittings while the test
pressure is applied for 10 minutes. There should be no loss of pressure when
corrected for temperature or creeping of end fittings.

• Breathing hoses must be cleaned after any contamination or repairs.

10.2.3 Pneumofathometer Gauges

Accurate gauges must be used to monitor diver depth. Gauges must be located for ease of
monitoring on all surface supplied dives. Pneumofathometer depth gauge must be tested or
calibrated against a master reference gauge every 6 months or when there is a discrepancy
greater than two percent of full scale between any two equivalent gauges [29 CFR
1910.430.g.2].

10.2.4 Buoyancy Control

Helmets or masks connected directly to the dry suit or other buoyancy-changing equipment
shall be equipped with an exhaust valve. A dry suit or other buoyancy-changing equipment
not directly connected to the helmet or mask shall be equipped with an exhaust valve. See
Section 10.1.6, Dry Suits for maintenance.

10.2.5 Weights and Harnesses

Divers shall be equipped with a weight belt or assembly capable of appropriate release. Each
diver shall wear a safety harness with a positive buckling device, leg straps, an attachment
point for the umbilical to prevent strain on the mask or helmet, and a lifting point to
distribute the pull force of the line over the diver’s body. Visually inspect all weight belts and
harnesses before mobilization and before each dive.

10.2.6 Compressed Gas Cylinders / Flasks

Compressed gas cylinders and flasks must be designed, constructed, and maintained in
accordance with the applicable provisions of 29 CFR 1910.101 and 1910.169 through
1910.171, and must be stored in a ventilated area, protected from excessive heat, and secured
from falling. Cylinders used for bailouts will meet the provisions listed in Section 10.1.2,
SCUBA Cylinders, Valves and Manifolds. Shut-off valves must be protected by a cap, except
when in use or manifolded.

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The following maintenance checks must be performed:

• Hydrostatic test every 5 years. Overhaul or replace valves when hydrostatically

tested.

• Visually inspect the cylinder annually for damage and proper valve operation.

10.2.7 Timekeeping
A timekeeping device shall be kept at each dive location. It should be suitable and easily
read. Stopwatches or timers will not be used when an error of ¼ of one minute in four
hours exists. Test stopwatches annually against a known standard. Mark or tag with a sticker
noting the date of the last test.

10.3 Diving Support Systems

Records must be maintained on PMS, repairs, and modifications to gas systems and compressors.
Air compressor intakes shall be located away from areas containing exhaust or other contaminants.
Piping should meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) code B31.1. Flexible hoses used
must comply with rules listed in Section 10.2.2, Hoses and Umbilicals.

10.3.1 Diving Systems

Diving systems must be assembled specifically for the planned job. Each system should be
manufactured to a recognized code or standard and have an operation and maintenance
manual. In general, diving air systems maintenance must include the following:

• Inspected and pressure tested annually to maximum working pressure and held
for 10 minutes.

• Pressure-relief valves cracking pressure tested annually.

• Pressure gauges tested annually.

• Depth gauges (i.e., pneumofathometer) tested semiannually.

• Installed filters must meet or exceed the flow rate and pressure ratings of the
compressor or piping system in which they are installed. Change or clean filters
following manufacturer’s instructions or annually.

• Systems that deliver oxygen percentages above 40 percent will be kept oxygen
clean. Breathing air will be cleaned to a breathing air standard. Clean whenever
contamination is suspected and after repairs or modifications to the system.

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10.3.2 Air Compressors

Compressors used for diver air are designed specifically for that purpose, and must be the
proper type, have sufficient pressure and flow rate, and be suitable for the service.
Instrumentation should be installed to monitor safe operation.

Mechanical guards will be installed as per OSHA requirements for rotating machinery [29
CFR 1910.219]. Air intakes shall be arranged to be clear of engine exhaust or other airborne
contaminants. Diesel or gasoline exhaust must be kept clear of air intakes. National
Electrical Code requirements for control, wiring, and drive units must be met.

Only compressors specifically designed and cleaned shall be used to pump oxygen or
mixtures containing oxygen above 40 percent. Oxygen systems must have slow opening
valves.

Low-pressure air compressors (LPAC) used to supply diving air must be equipped with a
volume tank. It is recommended to have a filter on the outlet side of the compressor and a
particle filter on the inlet side. LPACs used to supply air to the diver shall be equipped with a
volume tank, a check valve on the inlet side, a pressure gauge, a relief valve, and a drain
valve.

High-pressure air compressors (HPAC) used to charge diving air should have filters
packages installed on the outlet side. Oils used in compressors should be of an approved
non-hydrocarbon type.

Each compressor shall be maintained following recommended manufacturer’s preventative

maintenance schedule (PMS). Compressors shall have a unique identity incorporating
manufacture, model, and serial number. Records must be kept on all maintenance service
actions on both the compressor and the primemover (diesel, electric, or gas engines). The
records should include at least the following:

• Oil changes annually

• Belt changes every 3 to 5 years

• Gauge testing annually

• Relief-valve testing annually

• Filter service and replacement annually

• Flexible hose inspections and testing annually

• Air quality testing semiannually

• Engines serviced annually, including an oil change

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Filters are installed to prevent contamination and should be serviced at least annually or
more frequently as recommended by the manufacture. Filters and housings must meet or
exceed the flow rate and pressure ratings of the compressor or piping system in which they
are installed.

10.3.3 Air Purity Standards

All compressor, transfer, or booster pumps used for diver breathing air or gas, must be
tested within the last six months for air purity. Sampling will be done as listed in CGA and
shall be taken at the discharge point that would normally supply the breathing gas system,
the diver’s hose, or cylinder fill point. The samples will be analyzed by an independent
professional laboratory.

Non-oil lubricated compressors need not be tested for oil mist.

Respirable air supplied to a diver must meet the following criteria [29 CFR 1910.430(b) and
RSHS Section 29.2.22.b].

• Oxygen (O2) 20 to 22 percent by volume

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) not greater than 10 ppm

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) not greater than 1000 ppm

• Oil mist (liquid and solid particles) not to exceed 5 milligrams per cubic meter

• Hydrocarbons (including methane and hydrocarbons expressed as methane) not

to exceed 25 ppm

• Have no noxious or pronounced odor

Compressors with a discharge above 500 psi will meet the requirement of ANSI CGA 7.1-
1989 for Grade E Air or the USN standards.

Compressors with a discharge below 500 psi will meet the requirement of ANSI CGA 7.1-
1989 for Grade D Air and shall contain a maximum of 25 ppm of total hydrocarbon content
as methane.

Copies of the most recent air sample should be kept with the compressor.

10.3.4 Volume Tanks and Air Receivers

Volume tanks and receivers should have the following PMS checks:

• Internal visual inspection annually

• Hydrostatic testing every 5 years

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10.4 PVHO Chambers and Support Systems

Each PVHO chamber manufactured after October 20, 1977, shall be built and maintained in
accordance with the ASME PVHO Code or the equivalent.

Chambers manufactured prior to this date shall be maintained in conformity with the code
requirements to which it was built, or equivalent. Chambers must have certification documentation
on the chamber and viewports. The PVHO chamber must meet the requirements as listed in this
section.

Treatment gas appropriate to the diving mode and sufficient air to conduct treatment shall be
available at the dive location. All chamber treatments must be under the direction of a qualified Dive
Supervisor under the guidance of a diving physician or Diving Medical Officer (DMO). All piping
and electrical systems supporting the chamber are diver life support systems and must meet the
diving system requirements.

10.4.1 Chamber maintenance

Chambers must be kept clean and ready for treatments. All preventive maintenance service,
repairs, or modifications must be documented.

• Chamber must be pressure tested every 2 years, after being moved, or after
modification to any pressure boundary.

• Depth gauges must be tested every 6 months; all other gauges must be tested
annually.

• Relief valves must be subjected to cracking pressure; test annually.

• Fire extinguisher or fire suppression system must be serviced annually.

• Viewports must be replaced every 10 years or as specified in PVHO-1 directives.

• Atmosphere sampling must be conducted annually, after painting, or if any

contaminates were introduced into the chamber.

• Testing of pressurization and depressurization rates must be verified annually.

• Chamber and bedding should be cleaned after each treatment.

• Regulators must be overhauled following manufacturer’s recommendations (usually a

5 or 10-year cycle).

• Hyperbaric medical kits should be inventoried and restocked after each treatment
and semiannually when the chamber is in treatment standby.

• Scrubbers must be refurbished and cleaned every 5 years, or more frequently as

specified by the manufacturer.

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• Electrical safety (GFI, emergency batteries, etc.), lighting, and backup systems must
be checked annually.

• Communications system should be serviced annually and tested before each

mobilization.

10.4.2 BIBS (Built-In-Breathing System) Maintenance

BIBS are considered an oxygen delivery system. All components must be cleaned for oxygen
service and never lubricated with hydrocarbon greases or oils. Following is a minimum of
BIBS PMS that should be performed:

• Cleaned after each use with soap (non ionic) and water and dried thoroughly

• Cleaned, inspected, and function checked quarterly if chamber is in treatment

standby

• Overhauled every five years, replacing soft goods which have deteriorated

10.4.3 Chamber Atmosphere Analysis Equipment

Analysis equipment used for monitoring chamber atmosphere should be maintained
following manufacturer’s recommended service.

• Oxygen analyzers with monitoring cells must be serviced annually and kept
capped when not in use.

• Batteries should be checked or replaced (or recharged) annually or as necessary

prior to each operation.

• Analyzers should be checked and calibrated prior to each operation.

10.5 Handling Systems

Handling systems (man skips) used to deploy or lift divers must be designed specifically for
personnel transport. Manlift design, installation, testing and operation must conform to
requirements of ANSI A90.1 and Reclamation Safety and Health Standards (RSHS).

10.6 Diving Safety Boats

Diving safety boats are considered diver life critical equipment. Construction and operation
of all watercraft will be in accordance to the requirements of RSHS section 28, as well as
applicable U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and other jurisdictional entities. Divers operating boats
must be certified or licensed in accordance with Departmental regulation 485 DM 22 to
operate the vessel and follow the rules of the road and safe handling procedures. Each vessel

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must be outfitted with all required safety equipment and maintained in a high state of
readiness.

Boats used in night operations must have the required navigation lights.

Employees operating vessels are subject to all the regulatory requirements of OSHA and
USCG vessel operators. The vessel operator is in command of the vessel and will be held
responsible and accountable for the safe operation and navigation of the vessel. Vessel
operators must ensure that boats are operated in safe sea conditions and in a manner
consistent with established safe boat handling.

Maintenance should include at least the following:

• Annual service of engine.

• Inspection of hull before each mobilization. If the boat is an inflatable, it should

be pressurized and checked for leaks.

• Inspect daily and prior to use. Ensure fluid levels are OK, and that all safety
equipment and life jackets are in the boat.

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Diving Safe Practices Manual

11 Diving Accident Reporting

Diving accidents and incidents are defined as an injury or diving illness occurring during or as a
result from the dive or hyperbaric exposure. A diving near miss is any adverse consequence that
could have caused an injury to personnel and/or damage to equipment, facilities, or the
environment.

Accidents and incidents in diving operations can range from minor injuries and mishaps to life-
threatening injuries or decompression illness, even loss of life. All accidents, incidents and near
misses shall be reported to the Dive Supervisor, dive team lead, and Reclamation Safety and Health
Office.

All diving accidents and incidents will be reported to the RDAC, Regional Dive Team Leader,
RDASB, and the Reclamation Safety and Health Office. The Reclamation Safety and Health Office
will brief the DASHO; they will determine if a serious accident investigation should be conducted,
and appoint a serious accident investigation team if necessary.

All diving accidents must be reported immediately to Regional Dive Team Leader and Safety
Manager and include the following initial information:

• Nature of the incident

• Extent of injury, including symptoms and time of onset
• Treatment and results
• Possible cause
• Actions taken to prevent or minimize the injury or illness

11.1 Investigation Responsibilities

A key element of any successful accident prevention program is the timely reporting and
investigation of all accidents, incidents, and near misses. All personnel involved in the dive
operation, the diver or topside personnel, the Dive Supervisor, and the Regional Dive Team Leader
must freely discuss the incident to determine the root causes and develop corrective actions.

11.1.1 Diver or Topside Personnel

Diver or topside personnel must report accidents, incidents, and near misses to the Dive
Supervisor. Diver or topside personnel must immediately report to the Dive Supervisor any
and all symptoms that may be a pressure-related injury or illness symptom.

11.1.2 Dive Supervisor

The Dive Supervisor has the following responsibilities to investigate and report incidents:

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• Complete and submit accident and incident reports in accordance with

Reclamation Safety Directive SAF 01-02. The Department’s Safety Management
Information System (SMIS) shall be used to document all
accidents/incidents/near misses. OSHA, USCG, etc., notification and reporting
should be completed in coordination with the Reclamation Safety and Health
Office.

• Immediately investigate each employee-reported accident or incident (See

Appendix O).

• Notify their respective Regional Dive Team Leader and safety and health official
of a near miss, or work-related accident or incident that involves personal injury,
property damage exceeding $500, or the public (i.e., non-Reclamation) for which
the respective safety and health official will determine the extent of investigation.

• Submit to their respective safety and health official, the timely documentation of
elements necessary for completion of the SMIS incident report for job-related
injuries or illness requiring medical treatment or first aid provided by a medical
professional.

• For boating accidents, use “Boating Accident Report” (USCG form 3865) or
USCG-accepted State form in addition to the SMIS report.

11.1.3 Regional Dive Team Leader

The Regional Dive Team Leader must immediately notify the Regional Director and
Regional Safety and Health Manager in the region where an accident or incident occurred
which resulted in death, hospitalization, or public injury or illness (non-Reclamation).

The Dive Team Leader must ensure that the OSHA Area Office closest to the incident site
(or if unavailable, the national office at 1-800-321-OSHA) is notified of a worker fatality
within 8 hours, and any amputation, loss of an eye, or hospitalization of a worker within 24
hours.

11.2 Accident Reporting in Compliance with USCG Requirements

Reclamation diving operations taking place from U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessels or from vessels
and facilities under U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction must comply with the reporting requirements of
46 CFR 197.484-486(c).
The reporting requirements of 46 CFR 197 require that the person in charge file written reports with
U.S. Coast Guard officials. The person in charge on an inspected vessel is normally the vessel
master. Close coordination will be required between Reclamation representatives and the vessel crew
to ensure that reporting meets the requirements of all parties. When diving in this jurisdiction, a
tailored dive plan is required that addresses details of these issues.

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Glossary of Diving Terminology and Definitions

Abort – Common term for termination of a dive in an emergency situation or to prevent an
emergency situation.

Absolute Pressure – Pressure measurement that includes the weight of the atmosphere; usual
measurements would be psig, ATA, or mmHg.

Acoustics – Devices that place sound in the water; used for sonar, transponders, pingers, and
interrogators. Sounds at certain frequencies can injure divers.

Adjunctive Therapy – Medical measures other than recompression used to treat decompression
sickness or gas embolism symptoms. Includes, but is not limited to, injection of drugs,
administration of oxygen, etc.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – Medical procedures performed to resolve life
threatening conditions such as cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, etc. Normally done by
physicians, trained emergency medical technicians, or qualified dive medics.

Alternobaric Vertigo (ABV) – A form of transient vertigo common to diving that occurs during
ascents or descents.

Altitude Correction – Due to the lower atmospheric pressure at altitude, a correction is required to
adjust the actual diving depth to the sea level equivalent depth.

Equivalent Depth (fsw) = Altitude Depth (fsw) X Pressure at Sea Level (mb)
Pressure at Altitude (mb)

Altitude Diving – Dives performed at locations 1000 ft. or more above sea level. All
decompression tables are designed for use at sea level. Altitude diving involves different or
modified tables and additional special procedures.

Alveoli – The area in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occur between the
pulmonary and circulatory system.

ANSI – American National Standards Institute

Approved Diver Training Facility – Accredited commercial diving or military diving school that
trains divers to perform work underwater.

Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE) – The most serious of the disorders resulting from over inflation
syndrome where air (gas) is forced into the circulation system from over expansion of the

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 lungs. Usually related to a sudden ascent, blowup, or panic ascent to the surface. Serious
symptoms result from air bubbles in the brain or heart.

ASME Code or Equivalent – ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) “Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code,” Section VIII, or an equivalent code that the employer can
demonstrate to be equally effective.

ATA (Atmospheres Absolute) – Most common pressure conversion measurement used by divers.

1 ATA = 33 fsw = 14.7 psi.

See also Absolute Pressure and ATM

ATM (Atmosphere) – An ATM is one atmosphere, a single unit of atmosphere.

Bailout – A diver-carried supply of air (or mixed gas, as appropriate) sufficient under standard
operating conditions to allow the diver to reach the surface, reach another source of
breathing gas, or to be reached by a standby diver (to allow buddy breathing).

Barotraumas – Trauma or injury caused by pressure or barometric pressure. Normally caused when
pressures are not kept in balance or equilibrium. Also refers to squeezes or hydrostatic injury.

BC (Buoyancy Compensator) – Variable inflation device used by SCUBA divers to control

buoyancy.

Bends – Common diver term for decompression sickness. (See Decompression Sickness)

BIBS (Built-In-Breathing System) – Masks used in chambers that go on a diver’s face (making a
seal) to allow the diver to breath oxygen or Nitrox for treatment or decompression purposes.

Blowup – Usually a catastrophic event in diving that refers to a diver losing buoyancy control and
making a rapid ascent to the surface, missing all decompression stops. In worst-case
situations, the diver suffers from immediate symptoms of gas embolism and has a high
probability of a fatality. Condition is more common in closed variable volume suits used in
heavyweight diving; however, a blowup can occur with dry suits or when using a BC if
proper procedures are not followed or if divers panic.

Bottom Time or Total Bottom Time (TBT) – The total elapsed time measured in minutes from
the time the diver leaves the surface to the time that the diver begins ascent. Total bottom
time includes the actual time spent on the bottom and the descent time, which should
normally be at maximum of 75 FPM.

Breath-Hold Diving – A diving mode in which the diver uses no self-contained or surface-supplied
air or oxygen supply. Free diving from the surface on a single breath.

Burst Pressure – The pressure at which a pressure containment device fails structurally. This is
usually a factor on hoses, piping, tubing, volume tanks, PVHOs, etc.

Caloric Vertigo – A vertigo caused by cold water entering at least one outer ear canal.

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cfm – Cubic feet per minute

CGA (Compressed Gas Association) – Established standards for valves and connections used for
gas distribution.

Chamber – A pressure vessel for human occupancy such as a surface decompression chamber,
closed bell, or deep diving systems used to decompress divers and to treat decompression
sickness. Also referred to as recompression chamber, deck decompression chamber (DDC),
or chamber.

Chokes (Pulmonary Decompression Sickness) - A very serious form of decompression sickness

which occurs when bubbles are formed in the alveoli or great vessels of the lungs.
Predominant symptoms involve choking, coughing, and respiratory arrest. Immediate
recompression is indicated.

CNS (Central Nervous System) – The body system that includes the brain and spinal cord and
that is most seriously affected by decompression sickness or arterial gas embolism.

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) – A colorless gas that is a byproduct of respiration. High CO2 levels in
diver breathing air can cause toxic conditions and lead to symptoms of respiratory distress.
Dives conducted in high levels of CO2 have an increased possibility of divers developing
decompression sickness.

CO (Carbon Monoxide) – Colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas; a byproduct of incomplete

combustion from an internal combustion engine or industrial pollution. CO gas, even in very
low levels, prevents the red blood cells from transporting oxygen. Diver’s air must be tested
to ensure levels of CO are kept very low.

Commercial Diver – A diver for hire who performs work tasks underwater or any diving operation
that involves construction, demolition, repair, maintenance, search, underwater inspections,
placing and removing heavy objects, or other similar tasks.

Compressor – A device for compressing air or gas to low or high pressure. A continuous supply of
diver’s breathing air. See also HPAC and LPAC.

Confined Space Diving – A physically confining space is any space that would restrict the diver’s
ability to rotate himself or herself head to toe, 180 degrees in any plane, or when the diver
has no direct access to the surface or bell for recovery of the diver from the water. Confined
space diving requires (at a minimum) special considerations for reserve air supply and
minimum dive team requirements. Special diver rescue procedures and communication plans
should be included in the plan. Examples of confined spaces in diving operations are
pipelines, tanks, gate chambers, pump chambers, or other underwater structures.

CPR (Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation) – First Aid for cardiac arrest or heart attack with no
pulse.

Cyanosis – Blue or pale looking skin, lips, or nail beds

Cylinder – A pressure vessel for the storage of air or gases.

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DAN – Divers Alert Network

DASHO – Designated Agency Safety and Health Official

DDC (Deck Decompression Chamber) – A common name for a chamber specifically set up and
ready for surface decompression.

Decompression Illness (DCI) – An all-encompassing term that refers to all pressure-related

illnesses that occur to divers. See also Decompression Sickness and Arterial Gas Embolism.

Decompression Sickness (DCS) – A condition with a variety of symptoms that may result from
gas and bubbles in the tissues of divers after pressure reduction. Also referred to as Bends,
Caisson Disease, and Compressed Air Illness.

Decompression Table – A profile or set of profiles of depth-time relationships for ascent rates and
breathing mixtures to be followed after a specific depth-time exposure or exposures to
prevent decompression sickness.

Depth – On a dive the ‘depth’ is the maximum depth attained. This maximum depth is used to
select the decompression table.

DIN adapter or Manifold – A connection to a SCUBA cylinder that threads in place, or a

European standard SCUBA connection that is being adapted into the US for SCUBA
connections in excess of 3000 psi.

Dive Hazard Analysis – A dive hazard analysis (DHA) of both surface and underwater conditions
shall be prepared by the Dive Supervisor and approved by the Regional Dive Team Leader,
RDAC Regional Safety Officer, and one other RDAC member.

Dive Location – A place or vessel from which a diving operation is conducted. Latitude and
longitude can be used to define the dive location.

Diver – An employee working in the water (or chambers) who uses underwater breathing apparatus
(including snorkels) that supplies breathing air or gas to provide life support to the diver at
depth.

Diver Breathing Air – Air that has been tested and delivered to a diver from a system that is
certified for delivery of diver air.

Diver-Carried Reserve Breathing Gas – A diver-carried supply of air or mixed gas (as
appropriate) sufficient under standard operating conditions to allow the diver to reach the
surface or another source of breathing gas, or to be reached by a standby diver (to allow
buddy breathing). Also referred to as bailout supply or come-home bottle.

Dive Site – The physical location of a diver during a dive. A dive site may be on the surface or
underwater.

Dive Station – The location where diving operations are directly controlled. The dive station also
includes auxiliary or peripheral equipment needed to conduct the dive.

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Dive Team – Divers and support employees who are exposed to or who control the exposure of
others to hyperbaric conditions, including the person-in-charge, the Dive Supervisor, and
dive tenders.

Diving Mode – A type of diving requiring specific equipment, procedures, and techniques (SCUBA,
surface-supplied air, or mixed gas). Mode I = Open Circuit SCUBA, Mode II = SCUBA-
Tethered, and Mode III = Surface Supplied Air.

DMO (Diving Medical Officer) – A physician trained in diving and hyperbaric medicine on call
for treatment of divers with decompression-related illness or injuries.

DOT – Department of Transportation.

Drowning – Results when a person stops breathing as a result of being submerged underwater. See
Near Drowning.

Dry Suit – A suit worn by a diver for thermal protection that allows no water to come in contact
with the skin. The thin layer of air and underwear keep the diver warmer than a wet suit.

Dyspnea – A condition where a person is short of breath.

Ear Squeeze – The most common diver injury that results when a diver cannot clear properly when
descending or ascending. This is a form of barotrauma that results in damage to the middle
ear. In the worst case, the eardrum is ruptured.

Edema – A medical term that refers to swelling.

Embolism – Condition resulting from overinflation syndrome. Arterial gas embolism results when
air (or gas) ruptures the alveoli in the lungs and is infused into the circulatory system.
Bubbles of gas block arteries, causing CNS (stroke-like) symptoms such as paralysis,
blindness, staggers, loss of hearing, ringing of ears, unconsciousness, etc. Embolisms
resulting from diving require immediate recompression.

Emphysema – A condition resulting from air trapped in the body, causing overexpansion of tissues
and distension of the walls. When the lungs are involved, pressure can be exerted on the
heart and great vessels.

EMS – Emergency medical services

EP or Emergency Procedure – Procedures taken by divers or Dive Supervisors to resolve

emergency incidents to minimize injury or prevent injury.

Exceptional Exposure Diving – Dives conducted beyond the limits of standard air
decompression, in that the in-water exposure times and the partial pressure of oxygen are
beyond acceptable limits of exposure.

External Otitis – External ear infections.

Facemask – Diver term for the device worn on the face to keep water out of the eyes.

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First Stage Regulator – A submersible regulator that reduces the high-pressure air or gas (>500
psi) to a working low pressure, usually 110 – 175 psi over bottom.

Flasks – A high-pressure cylinder for the storage of gas.

Float – A device that floats on the surface; a device used to mark a location.

Flying after Diving – Term referring to the diver’s condition for 12 to 24 hours after a dive
because flying after the dive might cause development of decompression sickness.

Fouling – Term for restricting the movement of an umbilical, line, or hose from the surface; caught
up on something that prevents movement of the diver in some way.

Free Ascent – A condition where divers have unrestricted ascent to the surface. Divers do not have
free ascent when under vessels, in confined spaces, etc.

Free Diving – Breathhold dives made from the surface without any UBA (underwater breathing
apparatus).

fsw or FSW – Feet of seawater (or equivalent static pressure head); the most common method of
determining the pressure a diver is exposed to — 33 fsw = 1 atmosphere. Actual depth, not
an altitude-corrected depth.

Gas Analysis – Instruments used to analyze diving breathing air or gas.

Gas Embolism – Serious diving conditions that result from overinflation syndrome. Arterial gas
embolism results when air (or gas) ruptures the alveoli in the lungs and is infused into the
circulatory system. Bubbles of gas block arteries causing CNS (stroke-like) symptoms, such
as paralysis, blindness, staggers, loss of hearing, ringing of ears, unconsciousness, etc.
Embolisms resulting from diving require immediate recompression.

Gas Free Engineering – Methods for verifying air-filled confined spaces are clear and the
atmosphere is breathable.

Hand Signals – Signals given between a diver and the surface to communicate. Hand signals can be
given on a hose, line, or umbilical to a tended diver or between divers on the bottom.

Hose – Flexible device for transporting gases or fluids. See also Umbilical.

Hot Water Suit – Suit worn by divers for maximum thermal protection. Hot water is supplied from
a heater on the surface and pumped to the diver via an additional hose in the umbilical. The
suit has a manifold that allows the diver to control his hot water.

HPAC (High Pressure Air Compressor) – A diving air compressor with a rated output pressure
of greater than 500 psi; used to charge SCUBA and HP flasks.

Hydration – Keeping sufficient water in the body. Divers who become dehydrated are more prone
to decompression sickness.

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Hyperbaric Conditions – Pressure conditions in excess of normal atmospheric pressure at the dive
site.

Hypercapnia – Carbon dioxide toxicity.

Hyperthermia – Hyper refers to an elevated state of temperature; heat injury to a diver or topside
worker.

Hypothermia – Hypo refers to a lowered state of temperature; cold injury to a diver or topside
worker.

Hypoxia – Condition that occurs when the body is starved for oxygen. The person usually loses
consciousness very quickly.

Inside Tender – Inside chamber operator who is also the medical attendant in a recompression
treatment.

IV – Intravenous fluids are the primary method of hydration. IVs are an advanced medical measure
that puts fluids directly into a person to prevent shock and reduce effects of decompression
sickness. IVs can be administered in a chamber by a qualified dive medic.

J Valve – A special tank valve that is equipped with a back pressure spring that holds 300-500 psi in
a SCUBA cylinder, which permits a reserve to be contained for emergency ascent situations.

K Valve – A standard SCUBA cylinder valve that allows the yoke fitting on the first stage regulator
to be attached.

LB (Left Bottom) – Standard abbreviation for a term that ends bottom time and begins
decompression time.

Lift Bags – Inflatable bags used by diver to lift objects off the bottom or provide buoyancy control.

Lightweight Diver – Surface supply diving mode where the diver breathes from a demand mask or
helmet and does not have a variable volume dry suit integrated with the helmet.

Line Pull Signals – Signals used primarily between a tender and a surface supply diver in the water.
One, two, three, or four pulls has a definite meaning. Tenders and divers are required to
know standard line pull signals.

Liveboating – The practice of supporting a surface-tended diver from a vessel that is underway.

Lost Diver – Situation that occurs when a free-swimming diver is separated from his buddy or
whenever a tended diver is severed from his umbilical.

LPAC (Low Pressure Air Compressor) – A diving air compressor with a rated output pressure of
500 psi or less.

lpm – liters per minute

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Maximum Work Pressure – The maximum pressure to which a containment device may be
exposed under standard operating conditions.

mb (Millibars) – A measuring unit for expressing atmospheric pressure.

Mediastinal Emphysema – One of the conditions resulting from over-inflation syndrome that
occurs when air (or gas) enters the mediastinal area of the chest. If the condition is
uncomplicated (without serious symptoms), it is usually not treated by recompression.

NAUI – National Association of Underwater Instructors

Near Drowning – The condition that results from successful resuscitation of a drowning victim.
Persons who have been successfully resuscitated still need medical evaluation and testing.

Neuro or Neurological Exam – An examination of a diver to determine if any neurological

symptoms are present and involves evaluation of mental status, cranial nerves (vision,
hearing, speech, etc.), strength, sensory ability, and reflexes.

Nitrogen Narcosis – Condition resulting from the narcotic effect of nitrogen that begins to affect
divers at 99 feet and increases as the diver goes deeper. Also referred to as ‘Rapture of the
Deep’ or being ‘Narked’.

NITROX or Nitrox – Nitrogen and oxygen mixture or enriched air.

No-Decompression – The depth-time limits of the “Unlimited/No-Decompression limits and

repetitive dive group designations table for no-decompression air dives” in the U.S. Navy
Diving Manual, or equivalent limits that the employer can demonstrate to be equally effective.

Octopus Regulator – A spare second-stage regulator worn by a SCUBA diver that permits buddy
breathing without interrupted breathing; allows the buddy to use the spare regulator and
breathe off the same air supply as the first diver.

Omitted Decompression – Situation that occurs when a diver has surfaced and missed the
required decompression in the water. Specific procedures are required to resolve
decompression to prevent the onset of symptoms. Also referred to as ‘asymptotic omitted
decompression’ because, although the diver has missed decompression, he has no symptoms
of diving maladies. If the diver develops symptoms, then he must be treated for serious
symptoms.

OP (Operating Procedure) – Written procedures or checklists used to align diving systems and
operated equipment.

OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Overinflation Syndrome – A Syndrome is a set of symptoms and conditions that result from a
specific insult. Overinflation syndrome results from air being forced into the body tissues
resulting in gas embolism, pneumothorax, mediastinal emphysema, or subcutaneous
emphysema.

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Oxygen Toxicity – A toxic condition that results from too much oxygen; high partial pressures
greater than 1.2 effective atmospheres over a given period of time. There are two types of
oxygen toxicity — CNS and Pulmonary. CNS occurs from high, short exposures that cause
CNS symptoms, such as grand mal seizures, dizziness, twitching, mood changes, etc.
Pulmonary oxygen toxicity results from long exposures that irritate the lungs and respiratory
tissues.

PADI – Professional Association of Diving Instructors

Pain Only – Symptoms of DCS (bends) that cause pain in the joints of the arms and legs. Also
considered as pain only or Type I DCS are itching, swelling, and rashes (skin or lymphatic
bends).

Physically Confining Space – Any space that would restrict the diver’s ability to rotate himself or
herself head to toe, 180 degrees in any plane or when the diver has no direct access to the
surface or bell for recovery of the diver from the water. Confined space diving requires (at a
minimum) special considerations for reserve air supply and minimum dive team
requirements. Special diver-rescue procedures and communication plans should be included
in the plan. Examples of confined spaces in diving operations are pipelines, tanks, gate
chambers, pump chambers, or other underwater structures.

PMS (Preventive Maintenance Service) – Service procedures or checklist used to document

maintenance on life-support diving equipment.

Pneumofathometer – A subsystem used by the Dive Supervisor to monitor a surface supply diver’s
depth, consisting of a hose in the umbilical, a depth gauge on the surface, and a supply of air
controlled by a valve. Air is pushed through the open hose and the gauge indicates the
diver’s depth.

Pneumothorax – One of the conditions that can occur from over-inflation syndrome when air is
forced between the chest wall and lining of the lung; a very painful condition. The condition
may or may not be recompressed. A more complicated form of the condition is tension
pneumothorax, which occurs when a lung is collapsed or compressed to the extent that the
heart and great vessels are shifted, causing acute cardiopulmonary distress.

Pressure-Related Injury – Any injury resulting from pressure disequilibrium within the body as the
result of hyperbaric exposure, such as decompression sickness or over-inflation syndrome
conditions (i.e., pneumothorax, mediastinal emphysema, gas (air) embolism, or subcutaneous
emphysema).

psi – pounds per square inch

PVHO (Pressure Vessel for Human Occupancy) – A chamber certified under the ASME rules
of pressure vessels construction. All chambers approved for diving should be PVHO
certified.

Rate of Ascent – The rate at which a diver ascends in the water column from the bottom to the
surface. Normal rate of ascent should not exceed 30 fpm.

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Rate of Descent – The rate of descent from the surface to the bottom. Normal rate of descent is as
fast as tolerated, not to exceed 75 fpm.

RDAC – Regional Diving Advisory Committee

RDSAB – Reclamation Diving Safety Advisory Board

Recompression Chamber – A chamber in standby for recompression treatment. Also referred to

as a DDC, deck-decompression chamber, chamber, or PVHO.

Recurrence – Refers to symptoms that recur after or during a recompression treatment. Any
symptom that recurs is considered more serious and requires aggressive recompression
treatment.

Repetitive Dive – Defined specifically as a dive 10 minutes after surfacing and in less than 12
hours. A repetitive dive is another dive occurring before the diver can completely off gas
from the first or subsequent dive.

Repetitive Group Designation – A letter A-O and Z that indicates the residual nitrogen remaining
for a repetitive dive. The group is used to calculate the surface interval credit and to obtain a
new group.

Reserve Breathing Gas – A supply of breathing gas at the dive location that is independent of the
primary supply system and sufficient to support divers during the planned decompression.
Also referred to as standby or emergency supply.

Residuals – Residual symptoms that remain after a treatment. This may indicate partial impairment
or disability condition.

ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) – An unmanned vehicle used to perform underwater tasks or
observations. ROVs can be simple camera platforms or complex units with robotic arms to
perform specific tasks.

Requal or Requalification Dive – A dive to recertify a diver or evaluate his training level.

Residual Nitrogen – Refers to a level of nitrogen remaining in the diver’s tissues. Residual nitrogen
time is added to the bottom time of a repetitive dive to select the table for a repetitive dive.

RS or Reached Surface – The clock time recorded when a diver’s head breaks the surface.

Scientific Diving – All diving performed solely as a necessary part of a scientific research or
educational activity by employees whose sole purpose for diving is to perform scientific
research tasks. Scientific diving does not include performing any tasks usually associated with
commercial diving, such as placing or removing heavy objects underwater, inspecting
pipelines and similar objects, construction, demolition, cutting, welding, or the use of
explosives. In addition, a scientific diving program is under the control of a diving control
board that has absolute and autonomous authority over the program’s operations. Because
the project is for the advancement of science, resulting data is non-proprietary. The tasks of

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the scientific diver are that of an observer and data gatherer. The scientific diver, by the
nature of his or her activities, is a scientist or scientist in training.

SCUBA Diving – Acronym for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. A diving mode
independent of surface supply in which the diver is a free swimmer using a self-contained
underwater breathing apparatus, breathing from a supply of air (gas) the diver is carrying.

Second Stage Regulator – The SCUBA regulator directly attached to the diver’s mouthpiece that
delivers the air as the diver breathes.

Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) – A diving mode independent of

surface supply in which the diver is a free swimmer using a self-contained underwater
breathing apparatus, breathing from a supply of air (gas) the diver is carrying.

Serious Symptoms of DCS (Bends) – Symptoms that involve the central nervous system or spinal
cord, which include numbness, paralysis, loss of sensation or muscle strength, vision
impairments, auditory symptoms (staggers), severe respiratory involvement (chokes), etc.

Shallow Water Blackout – Condition that occurs in shallow water from breath-hold diving. The
diver passes out and suffers drowning or near drowning.

SMIS – Safety Management Information System

Spare Air – A small cylinder carried by a SCUBA diver as an emergency breathing supply.

Standby Diver – A diver at the dive location who is capable of rendering immediate assistance to
the diver in the water.

Sur D (Sur D O2, Sur D Air, or Surface Decompression) – A standard procedure used when the
diver completes only minimal or no in-water decompression and is brought to the surface
and placed in a chamber to complete decompression. Sur D O2 refers to breathing oxygen
in the chamber versus air, as when using Sur D air.

Surface Supplied Air Diving (SSA) – A diving mode in which the diver in the water is supplied
from the dive location with compressed air for breathing.

TBT (Total Bottom Time) – Calculated as time from LS (left surface) to LB (left bottom).

TDT (Total Decompression Time) – Calculated as time from LB (left bottom) to RS (reached
surface).

TTD (Total Time of Dive) – Calculated as time from LS (left surface) to RS (reached surface).

TBT + TDT = TTD

Treatment Table – A depth-time and breathing-gas profile designated to treat decompression

illness (DCI).

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UBA (Underwater Breathing Apparatus) – A mask or helmet used to supply breathing gas and
communications to a diver.

Umbilical – The composite hose bundle between a dive location and a diver or bell, or between a
diver and a bell that supplies the diver or bell with breathing gas, communications, power, or
heat as appropriate to the diving mode or conditions, and includes a safety line between the
diver and the dive location.

Vertigo – Condition that involves the balance center of the inner ear. The diver has a spinning
sensation that causes disorientation, nausea, and vomiting. A symptom of AGE (arterial gas
embolism), inner ear DCS (decompression sickness or staggers), inner ear oval or round
window ruptures, ABV (alternobaric vertigo), or cold water in the ears.

Volume Tank – A pressure vessel connected to the outlet of a compressor and used as an air
reservoir.

Wet Suit – A suit worn by a diver for thermal protection that holds a thin layer of water against the
skin.

Yoke Adapter or Manifold – Standard SCUBA cylinder connection used to attach a first stage
regulator to the cylinder.

G-12
 Appendices
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendices
A Dive Hazard Analysis (Form)
B Unlimited/No Decompression Dive Tables and Repetitive Group Table, US Navy (Table)
C Emergency Gas Supply (EGS) Calculations
D Decompression Tables, US Navy (Table)
E Hand Signals for Underwater Communication, US Navy (Figure)
E1 Line Pull Signals, US Navy (Table)
F Scuba Repetitive Dive Worksheet (Form)
G Dive Log for Surface Supplied Air Diving Mode (Form)
H Altitude Correction, US Navy Sea Level Equivalent Depth (fsw) (Table)
H1 Penalty Group Upon Arrival at Altitude, US Navy (Table)
H2 Required Surface Interval Before Ascent to Altitude after Diving, US Navy (Table)
I First Aid Kit (Diving) Recommended Items (Table)
J Emergency Procedures on SCUBA (Table)
K Emergency Procedures on Surface Supplied Air (SSA) (Table)
L Equipment Maintenance/Repair Record (Example)
L1 Equipment Maintenance/Repair Record (Scuba Cylinder Inspection) (Example)
L2 Equipment Maintenance/Repair Record (Regulator Repair/Service) (Example)
M Scuba Diving Checklist (Example)
N Surface Supplied Air Checklist (Example)
O Diving Accident Reporting (Form)
P Diving Services Request Form (Example)
Q Chambers/PVHO
R OSHA Safe Practices Manual — 1910.401
 Appendix A
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix A: Dive Hazard Analysis (Form)

DIVE HAZARD ANALYSIS

Feature: ________________________________ Date: ___________________(Haz. Analysis)
Dive Location: _________________________ Date: ________________ (Examination)
Dive Purpose: _________________________________________________________________ _
Dive Area: Lake __ River __ Ocean ___ Dam ___ Canal__ _
Other Previous Diving in Area:

ITEM NOTE OKAY REMARKS

Access
Exit
Depth Actual
Altitude
Depth Corrected
Non Decom Limit
Temperature
Maximum BT
Bottom Condition
Entanglement
Weather
Currents
Vertical Ascent
Visibility Water
Lights Required
Video Recommended
Camera Recommended
Surface Support
Special Equipment
Team Coordination
Dive Plan
Emergency Equipment
Hospital
Physician
Recom. Chamber
Ambulance
Radio/Telephone
Diver's Experience

App-1
Appendix A Continued

Conditions:
Satisfactory:
Unsatisfactory:

Regional Dive Team Leader Date

RDAC Regional Safety Officer Date

RDAC Member Date

Dive Master Date

Personnel:

Hazardous Energy Control:

Dive Plan:
 Appendix B
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix B: Unlimited/No Decompression Dive Tables and Repetitive Group Table

(Tables)
Source: U.S. Navy Diving Tables, Rev 7

App-3
Appendix B continued
 Appendix C
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix C: Emergency Gas Supply (EGS) Calculations

EGS calculations for 19 foot cubic cylinder

Delievery Pressure Duration
Rate Cylinder depth in PSI + 150 psi Usable Gas Useable Gas Minutes at
Depth (fsw) Depth psi ATA ft^3/min Cylinder psi Volume reg pressure pressure ft^3/cylinder Depth
150 66.75 5.55 1.5 3000 19 216.75 2783.25 17.63 2.12
125 55.63 4.79 1.5 3000 19 205.63 2794.38 17.7 2.46
100 44.5 4.03 1.5 3000 19 194.5 2805.5 17.77 2.94
75 33.38 3.27 1.5 3000 19 183.38 2816.63 17.84 3.64
50 22.25 2.52 1.5 3000 19 172.25 2827.75 17.91 4.74
25 11.13 1.76 1.5 3000 19 161.13 2838.88 17.89 6.78

EGS calculations for 30 foot cubic cylinder

Delievery Pressure Duration
Rate Cylinder depth in PSI + 150 psi Usable Gas Useable Gas Minutes at
Depth (fsw) Depth psi ATA ft^3/min Cylinder psi Volume reg pressure pressure ft^3/cylinder Depth
150 66.75 5.55 1.5 3000 30 216.75 2783.25 27.83 3.35
125 55.63 4.79 1.5 3000 30 205.63 2794.38 27.94 3.89
100 44.5 4.03 1.5 3000 30 194.5 2805.5 28.06 4.64
75 33.38 3.27 1.5 3000 30 183.38 2816.63 28.17 5.74
50 22.25 2.52 1.5 3000 30 172.25 2827.75 28.28 7.50
25 11.13 1.76 1.5 3000 30 161.13 2838.88 28.39 10.77

EGS calculations for 50 foot cubic cylinder

Delievery Pressure Duration
Rate Cylinder depth in PSI + 150 psi Usable Gas Useable Gas Minutes at
Depth (fsw) Depth psi ATA ft^3/min Cylinder psi Volume reg pressure pressure ft^3/cylinder Depth
150 66.75 5.55 1.5 3000 50 216.75 2783.25 46.93 5.58
125 55.63 4.79 1.5 3000 50 205.63 2794.38 46.57 6.48
100 44.5 4.03 1.5 3000 50 194.5 2805.5 46.76 7.73
75 33.38 3.27 1.5 3000 50 183.38 2816.63 46.94 9.56
50 22.25 2.52 1.5 3000 50 172.25 2827.75 47.13 12.49
25 11.13 1.76 1.5 3000 50 161.13 2838.88 47.13 17.95

EGS calculations for 80 foot cubic cylinder

Delievery Pressure Duration
Rate Cylinder depth in PSI + 150 psi Usable Gas Useable Gas Minutes at
Depth (fsw) Depth psi ATA ft^3/min Cylinder psi Volume reg pressure pressure ft^3/cylinder Depth
150 66.75 5.55 1.5 3000 80 216.75 2783.25 74.22 8.92
125 55.63 4.79 1.5 3000 80 205.63 2794.38 74.52 10.38
100 44.5 4.03 1.5 3000 80 194.5 2805.5 74.81 12.38
75 33.38 3.27 1.5 3000 80 183.38 2816.63 75.11 15.30
50 22.25 2.52 1.5 3000 80 172.25 2827.75 75.41 19.99
25 11.13 1.76 1.5 3000 80 161.13 2838.88 75.70 28.72

App-5
 Appendix D
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix D: Decompression Tables (Table)

Source: U.S. Navy Diving Manual, Rev. 7

App-7
Appendix D Continued
 Appendix D
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix D Continued

App-9
Appendix D Continued
 Appendix D
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix D Continued

App-11
Appendix D Continued
 Appendix D
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix D Continued

App-13
Appendix D Continued
 Appendix D
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix D Continued

App-15
Appendix D Continued
 Appendix D
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix D Continued

App-17
Appendix D Continued
 Appendix D
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix D Continued

App-19
 Appendix E
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix E: Hand Signals for Underwater Communication (Figure)

Source: U.S. Navy Diving Manual, Rev 7

App-21
Appendix E Continued
 Appendix E
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix E Continued

App-23
Appendix E1: Line Pull Signals (Table)
Source: U.S. Navy Diving Manual, Rev.7
 Appendix F
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix F: Scuba Repetitive Dive Worksheet (Form)

App-25
 Appendix G
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix G: Dive Log for Surface Supplied Air Diving Mode (Form)

App-27
 Appendix H
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix H: Altitude Correction, US Navy Sea Level Equivalent Depth (fsw) (Table)
Source: U.S. Navy Diving Manual, Rev 7

App-29
Appendix H1: Penalty Group Upon Arrival at Altitude, US Navy (Table)
Source: U.S. Navy Diving Manual, Rev 7

NOTE: When traveling from a lower to a higher elevation there will be a reduction of the ambient
pressure. Prior to diving at altitude the diver needs to equilibrate, which can take up to 12 hours. Since
waiting 12 hours before diving is not practical in most situations, the diver will need to correct for
Equilibration.

Example: The diver is staying at a location at an elevation of 2200 feet and plans to drive the next
morning to an elevation of 5500 feet to dive. The change in altitude is 3300 feet. Rounding up to the
next higher elevation (4000 feet on the table). Enter the table at 4000 feet and read across to the
repetitive group. The diver will be in a repetitive group of D upon arrival at the dive site.
 Appendix H
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix H2: Required Surface Interval Before Ascent to Altitude After Diving, US Navy
(Table)
Source: U.S. Navy Diving Manual, Rev 7

App-31
 Appendix I
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix I: First Aid Kit (Diving) Recommended Items (Table)

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT ITEMS
QTY UOI ITEM APPLICATION
2 EA Oxygen Cylinders (Jumbo D)* Oxygen Administration
1 EA Resuscitator w/ Elder Valve (or LSP type) Diver resuscitation
1 EA Ambu Bag w/reservoir & full face mask Diver resuscitation
1 EA Pocket mask (or equivalent) Rescue Breathing
* Adequate for open circuit use from the dive site to the chamber location. Calculate the quantity per diver required is
50 cubic feet per hour of travel to the chamber.
BASIC FIRST AID ITEMS
QTY UOI ITEM APPLICATION
2 EA Triangular bandages Splint / Dressings
2 EA Splints Moldable (non-pneumatic) 2 sizes Splinting
12 EA 4x4 Gauze pads, Sterile Dressing wounds
6 EA 2x2 Gauze pads, Sterile Dressing wounds / Eye patch
4 EA Telfa Pads – Non-Stick Gauze Dressing wounds
2 RL Roller Gauze (Kling or Elastic) 2” or 3” Wound pressure bandage
2 RL Roller Gauze (Kling or Elastic) 3” or 4” Wound pressure bandage
1 EA Ace bandage, 4 inches wide Wound pressure bandage
Various BX Band-Aids, assorted & large size Cuts
12 EA Butterfly bandages Cuts
1 BT Betadine, iodine, (or other disinfecting solution) Wound cleaning
4 EA Gel burn dressings Burn care
2 EA ABD pads, 5” x 9” Wound / Burn
1 EA Tourniquet Bleeding control
3 RL Adhesive Tape ½”,1” & 2” -Waterproof Wound Bandage
10 EA Swabs, Cotton Tip 6” wooden (Q-tips) Wound Cleaning

MEDICATION ITEMS
QTY UOI ITEM APPLICATION
50 TABS Tylenol 325 mg Tabs Mild Pain
50 TABS Aspirin, 325 mg Tabs (not aspirin substitute) Mild Pain, DCS, Swelling
2 EA Ammonia Inhalants Dizziness
1 BT Hydrogen Peroxide .03% Minor wound cleaning
2 TU Triple Antibiotic Ointment Wound Dressing Antiseptic
1 EA Hot Pack Scorpion fish, ray, etc. Stings/ punctures

EQUIPMENT ITEMS
QTY UOI ITEM APPLICATION
1 EA Bandage Scissors Wound Dressing
1 EA Forceps (i.e., Kelly, etc.) Wound Dressing
1 EA Tweezers (or 22 ga needle) Foreign body / Splinter removal
1 EA Flashlight (or Otoscope) Examination
6 PR Examination latex gloves Victim handling
ALTERNATE ITEMS TO CONSIDER
QTY UOI ITEM APPLICATION
1 EA Ice Pack Sprains, injury
1 EA Stethoscope Examination
1 EA BP Cuff Examination
1 BT Sunscreen U/V Protection
6 PR Examination latex gloves* Victim handling
2 EA Oral Airways – Adult sizes #4 & #5 Diver resuscitation, airway management
*Additional

App-33
 Appendix J
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix J: Emergency Procedures on SCUBA (Table)

Emergency Situation Recommended Action
S EP-1 Lost Diver Each buddy pair will have one diver designated as the lead diver.
Prior to entering the water the buddy pair will agree upon a reunite
location in case of separation. If the buddy diver becomes
separated from the lead diver, the lead diver will return to the
reuniting location and signal by banging on his tank with a dive
knife or use other underwater signaling device. If unable to reunite
with the buddy within one minute, both divers shall make a
controlled ascent to the surface, and remain at the surface. The first
diver to surface shall alert the dive master of the separation. The
Dive Supervisor will “fix” the position of the lost diver bubbles. If
after 2 minutes the lost diver has not surfaced, the standby diver
will buddy up with the primary diver on the surface and attempt to
follow the lost diver’s bubble trail from the surface to the lost diver.
If there is no bubble trail from the lost diver, the search team will
immediately return to the last known location of the lost diver and
begin a search. If the initial search is unsuccessful, notify
authorities of possible recovery situation and continue search.
S EP-2 Fouling or Remain calm. Try clearing yourself of the entanglement. If unable
Entrapment to free yourself, signal the buddy diver you have a problem and
enlist their help. The buddy diver will assess the problem, if there is
no danger of them also getting entrapped, they will attempt to free
the entrapped diver and assist them to the surface. If an inherent
danger exist, or the buddy is unable to free the entrapped diver. He
will signal the diver he is going to the surface for help. Upon
surfacing, advise the Dive Master of the situation and take the
appropriate action(s) to free the entrapped diver.
S EP-3 Loss of Air Switch to the emergency gas supply (EGS) and signal the dive
buddy to surface. If the alternate supply does not restore breathing
air, signal the dive buddy that you are out of air and utilize their
alternate air supply (Octopus). Face one another and make a
controlled ascent. If no alternate air supply is available, make an
emergency ascent to the surface, remembering to continually blow
out, to avoid over expansion injury of the lungs during ascent.
S EP-4 In water Trauma Dive is terminated, dive buddy is signaled of the situation and both
divers ascent to the surface. The uninjured diver should assist the
injured diver as needed. Once on the surface, immediately signal
the Dive Supervisor and Standby diver for assistance. Once on
the shore/diving platform, assess the injury and take appropriate
first aid measures.
S EP-5 Unconscious Diver The buddy diver will assist the unconscious diver to the surface as
quickly as possible, within the acceptable safe ascent rate, (30 feet
per minute). If the regulator is in the victim’s mouth, leave it there. If
it has fallen out, leave it out. Surface with the victim in an upright
position, hold them near the head. Once on the surface,
immediately signal the Dive Supervisor and Standby diver for
assistance. Once on shore/diving platform assess the condition of
the victim and take appropriate first aid measures.
S EP-6 In Water Signal buddy of situation, both divers ascent to surface in a
Equipment Failure controlled manner.

App-35
 Appendix K
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix K: Emergency Procedures on Surface Supplied Air (SSA) (Table)

Emergency Situation Recommended Action
Provide diver a reasonable amount of time to clear
himself. In the event he is unable to free himself,
SS EP-1 Fouled or Entrapped Diver the standby diver will enter the water to assist. Once
diver is free, if shaken or standby diver was required
to go to his assistance, terminate dive.
The Dive Supervisor (console operator) will switch
to the standby supply at the dive manifold and
immediately surface the diver.
Standby diver should be alerted to the situation and
SS EP-2 Loss of Air ready to assist the diver as required
If the diver is not receiving air from the standby
supply, he should be instructed to go to the bail out
air supply and surface immediately in a controlled
manner.
The diver shall be alerted to the situation and
immediately instructed to go to the bail out air supply
SS EP-3 Severance of Divers Umbilical and surface in a controlled manner.

Go to line pull signals and surface the diver. If line

pull signals cannot be established, then the standby
SS EP-4 Loss of Communications diver will enter the water and swiftly advance
following the primary diver’s umbilical hoses to aid
the primary diver in his ascent to the surface.
Diver to immediately inform topside of nature and
extend of injury
Dive is terminated and diver surfaces either by
himself or with the aid of the standby diver.
SS EP-5 In-Water Trauma Or Injury Proper ascent rates (30 fpm) should be followed
except when the severity of the injury indicates a
greater risk than possible over expansion or
decompression injuries.
Initiate emergency evacuation plan.
Standby diver shall immediately be deployed to
assist the unconscious diver to the surface. Surface
with the victim in an upright position, hold them near
SS EP-6 Unconscious Diver the head. Once on shore/diving platform assess the
condition of the victim and take appropriate first aid
measures. Initiate emergency evacuation plan.
Extinguish fire and secure equipment
SS EP-7 Fire in Surface Equipment on or near dive Determine damage and effect on diver. If required,
station terminate dive and surface the diver.

Dive Supervisor and Diver to evaluate effect on

failure on diver. Inform diver of plan of action.
SS EP-8 Equipment failure with diver in the water Alert standby diver and topside crew. Immediately
terminate dive is equipment failure involves or
effects life support equipment.

App-37
 Appendix L
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix L: Equipment Maintenance/Repair Record (Example)

Manufacturer: Model No:

Serial No:

Date Nature of Work Done By Notes

App-39
Appendix L1: Equipment Maintenance/Repair Record (Scuba Cylinder Inspection)
(Example)
 Appendix L
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix L1 Continued

App-41
Appendix L2: Equipment Maintenance/Repair Record (Regulator Repair/Service) (Example)

Regulator Service Form

Customer Name _ _
Phone (Home) _(Work) _
Date Received Date Requested _
Date Finished _
I authorize to perform the necessary services needed to make this
regulator safe, according to manufactures specifications, for use in SCUBA diving activities. I
understand it is required by me to test this equipment upon completion of services to ensure my
safety and others.
Signature _

Regulator Type and History

Configuration

st
1 Stage Serial # _
nd
2 Stage Serial # _
Octopus Serial #
Gauges_
Extras
Warranty Work Yes No_ _

Circle One Inspection Overhaul

IP Test
Condition of Filter
Primary first Stage Octopus
Primary Diaphragm
Exhaust Diaphragm
Opening Effort
Purges
Mouth Pieces
Water Test
Comments
Parts Used:
 Appendix M
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix M: Scuba Diving Checklist (Example)

Pre-Dive Checklist

EQUIPMENT NEEDED
REQUIRED OPTIONAL
Cylinder(s) w/ valve(s)
Regulator Signal lights, Chemical lights
BCD Recall Unit
Full Face Mask with through-water
communications

Knife Slate w/ Pencil

Fins
Weight Belt w/ Quick Release
Console w/ PSI & Depth gauge Whistle
Dive Computer Snorkel
Thermal Protection Suit Wet Dry
Dive Tables
Primary Light
Backup Light
Compass
Emergency Gas Supply with regulator

DIVER CHECKS
Inspect the Cylinder(s) for cracks, dents, gouges, or defective valves. Check O-ring.
Verify current hydrostatic test and visual inspection, on all cylinders to be used.
Gauge Cylinder (s) Charge if necessary. (Reserve UP) Check for leaks. Shut cylinder valve.
Inspect regulator assembly. Attach to cylinder. Open cylinder valve. Verify operation by
breathing regulator. Inspect Face mask
Inspect BCD.
Inspect all other equipment. Ensure all rubber in good condition. Quick release mechanism
operates properly. Knife is sharp. Adequate weight.
Checkout Thru-Water Communications, if used - headsets and surface units
Checkout emergency gas supply
Lay out all equipment ready for use

App-43
 Appendix N
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix N: Surface Supplied Air Checklist (Example)

Reclamation Surface Supply Dive Pre-Dive Checklist

Equipment: Check items being used, list any others.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT OPTIONAL

Helmet/ mask w/Non-return
Umbilical Assembly Tool Bag
Weight Belt Handling System
Safety Harness with leg straps Stage or Bell
Emergency Gas Supply w/regulator Slate & Marking Pen
Thermal Protection Suit Wet Dry Signal Flare
Knife w/scabbard (or folding) Air Banks
Boots (fins optional) Air Compressors
Primary Air Source
Air Rack
Communications Box
Descent (down) Line
Secondary Air Source
Lights

Diver / Tender Checks

Inspect the Helmet/ mask for damage and proper maintenance including valves, regulators, and
communications. Check spiders, hood bands, valves and clearing devices.
Test Non-Return Valve for proper operation
Visually Inspect the umbilical for bubbles, cracks, leaks damage or contamination. Attach
umbilical to primary air supply on the air rack console. Connect pneumofathometer. Connect
communications plugs. Secure strength member.
Attach helmet or mask to umbilical, after blow down. Pressurize and check for leaks. Test
operation of helmet or mask for, leaks, proper operation (breath rig), and communications.
Check safety latches for proper operation and condition. Apply defogger if needed.
Verify bailout has current hydrostatic test and visual inspection. Gauge cylinder (Charge, if
necessary). Inspect regulator assembly. Verify relief installed. Attach to cylinder. Open cylinder
valve. Verify operation by breathing and operate purge. Check for leaks. Shut cylinder valve.
Record PSI
Inspect all other equipment. Ensure all rubber in good condition. Quick release mechanism
operates properly. Knife is sharp. Adequate weights. Inspect safety harness.
Pneumofathometer depth gauge(s) tested within past 6 months.
Lay out all equipment ready for use.

App-45
Appendix N Continued
Reclamation Dive Supervisor Checks
Verify all divers are fit to dive. Current dive clearance letter.
Ensure plans are complete for emergency assistance. Nearest chamber, physician, transport,
logistics, hospital, and etc.
Brief all divers, standby divers, tenders, system operators and others directly involved of the dive
plans. Cover dive objectives, depth and time limits for the dive, job assignments, work and dive
techniques, tools, and phases of the dive, route to site, anticipated conditions, special signals,
safety, anticipated hazards, and emergency procedures.
Ensure all equipment maintenance has been completed. Verify compressor air samples taken
within 6 months are OK.
Verify all dive tables, logs, and dive records available for use.
Verify all divers have complete minimum equipment
Notify all persons concerned or boats and facilities in the vicinity that diving is being conducted.
Ensure any underwater hazards presented by a vessel or facilities are secured ("Lockout
/Tagged Out") prior to and during the dive.
Verify diving platform is stable (moored or DPS), and ready for diving.
Verify as required, stage ready and descent line rigged. If using an open bell: verify air & BIBS
supply, handling wires or lines rigged, bell operating procedures complete, crane or winches
manned and ready to support operations.
Verify required dive flags and signals are displayed.
Verify start up operating procedures have been completed. Banks have been charged, system
valves aligned, moisture separators / filters / volume tanks have been drained, compressors
started and operating properly. Ensure volume of air available is sufficient for anticipated dive.
Verify Primary Supply: _
Source PSI
Verify Backup Supply: _
Source PSI
Verify Rack (Supply Console) Reduced Pressure to Umbilical(s):

PSI

Test pneumofathometer(s).
Ensure rack (supply console) properly aligned and manned.
Verify tender(s) dress diver(s) properly. Umbilical properly attached to safety harness. Knife
free. Weight belt on. All hoses connected. No leaks. Wet or dry suit on properly. Boots on or
fins ready.
Verify bailout (come home) connected properly. (check one) Valve open Valve Shut
Hat the diver(s). Verify rig(s) breath OK. Communications check.
Verify standby diver ready.
Check watches and clocks ready.
Diver(s) enter water. Ensure divers complete final in-water checks. (Rig breathing OK. Check
for leaks and dressed properly. Fins ON. Check mask seal. Buoyancy OK.).
 Appendix N
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix N Continued

Post Dive Checklist

Diver(s) reach surface. Out of water. Hat off.
Verify Diver(s) OK. No Decompression Symptoms
Undress diver(s). Gauge bailout cylinders, refill as needed. Clear equipment from area. Wipe
out oral nasal with disinfectant.
Rinse all equipment with fresh water as soon as possible. Perform required post dive
maintenance.
Diver (or Tender) inspects equipment for damage.
Complete all diving logs / records.
Remarks:

App-47
 Appendix O
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix O: Diving Accident Reporting (Form)

Diving Accident Report Form

(To be completed by the Dive Supervisor)

ACCIDENT Date of Incident

INCIDENT
NEAR MISS Time of Incident
(Check one – definitions listed in SAF 01-02 https://www.usbr.gov/recman/saf/saf01-02.pdf)

Report diver injuries or diving-related illness and equipment failures that resulted in diver injuries, which
occurred during or after the dive

Name of Involved/Injured Diver(s) (full)

_ _ _ _

Name of Dive Supervisor _ _ _

Name of Regional Dive Team Leader _

Name of Regional Safety Official _ _

Name of Regional Director _ _

Location Where Incident Occurred: _

Nature of Incident - Describe exactly what the diver was doing and the circumstances leading to the
incident. _

_ _ _ _

Extent of Injury – Symptoms and time of onset. Describe the affected body parts, extent of injury
and any examinations
_ _ _
Cause of Incident – In the opinion of the Dive Supervisor. (Do not state carelessness; be precise)
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _

App-49
Appendix O Continued

Recompression Treatments and Results

_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _
List Witnesses:

_ _ _ _

List Actions Taken to Prevent or Minimize Injury to the Diver

_ _

Type of Incident: Check Appropriate

Type 1 DCS (Bends) Type II DCS (Bends) Embolism
Squeeze Omitted Decompression C02 Toxicity
O2 Toxicity CO Toxicity Trauma
Other, specify _ _ _

Decompression Check Appropriate

No Decompression Water Deco Sur D O2 Sur D Air
Repeat Repeat Group _ RNT
TBT TDT TTD

Air / Gas Supply Source: Check Appropriate

HPAC # _ LPAC # _ SCUBA Flask / Bank
List Source(s) of Air / Gas _ _
Air Sample analysis attached Yes No

Equipment Check Appropriate

Was the equipment a contributing factor? Yes No
Dive Mode: SCUBA Mode I SCUBA Mode II Surface Supply Mode III
Diver Worn UBA SCUBA Type Mask _
Surface Supply Helmet / Mask
Bailout (check if yes) Size & Regulator

Thermal Protection Wet Suit Dry Suit Other _

 Appendix O
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix O Continued

Accessories Gloves Booties Fins Knife

Snorkel Weight Belt – list weight _
Compass Computer Comms Temp Gauge
Safety Harness Lights Others –List _
BC Make/Model _ Inflated at Scene _ %
LP Air Oral CO2
Operational at Scene Yes No
Regulators Make/Model _ ID # _

Last Known Overhaul PMS _Operational at Scene Yes No

Depth Gauge /Pneumo Make/Model
Last Cal _ Operational at Scene Yes No
Diver Carried Cylinder ID # Last Hydro _
Last VIP Last Valve Service _

Pressure after Dive _

Note: Ensure cylinder valves are shut and sealed – analysis may be necessary of the breathing media.
Air Compressor ID # Last Air Sample _
HPAC LPAC Filter Type Last Changed _ _
Umbilicals ID#’s Last Service
ID#’s Last Service
Chamber ID# _ Last Pressure Test

List other Life Support Equipment _ _

Note: In very serious injuries or fatalities, the entire diving rig shall be tagged and locked away in the
exact configuration as it was after removal from the diver. The investigation team or an independent
lab will disassemble and document equipment conditions, in a witnessed verification.

List Recommendations to Prevent Future Incidents of this type

_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _

_ _ _
Signature - Dive Supervisor Date
Attach as necessary Copies of
Reclamation Injury Report
Air Samples
Dive Log / Record
Recompression Treatment Record

App-51
 Appendix P
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix P: Diving Services Request Form (Example)

XX Region
Underwater Investigation Team
Request for Diving Services

To: XX Regional Dive Team Leader

From:
Subject: Request for Services of the XX Regional Underwater
Investigation Team (Dive Team)

Note: A minimum of three divers are required and approval of a diving request is subject to
availability of divers and previously scheduled dives. Maximum diving depth is 100 FSW. An ROV is
available for depths greater than 100 FSW.
Facility to be inspected: _ _ _
Check Specific Feature(s) to be inspected

Outlet Works Stilling Basin

Spillway Stilling Basin Intake

Structure

Siphon or Tunnel

Gate or Gate Structure

Other: _ _ _ _
Note: Include with request the Plan and section drawings of structure and details of each
feature to be inspected. Reports of previous underwater inspections or historical problems
or previous damage.
Date(s) of requested diving: _
Note: When possible, dives should be scheduled to be performed when the water
clarity is historically at its optimum.
Access to site (Is a boat required?):_ _ _
Cost Authority number:
Regional Contact (Name/Phone): _
Area Office Contact (Name/Phone):_ _
Area Safety manager (Name/Phone): _
Facility Contact (Name/Phone):
Lockout/Clearance Holder at Facility (Name/Phone):
Nearest Hospital and Ambulance Service to dive site (Name, Location and Phone): _
_ _ _ _

App-53
 Appendix Q
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix Q: Chambers/PVHO

Reclamation does not currently utilize recompression chambers in normal dive operations.
This section is intended to be used as a guideline should Reclamation authorize a special
diving operation that requires the use of an on-site Pressure Vessel for Human Occupancy
(PVHO).

All chambers, whether called recompression chambers, deck decompression chambers or

PVHO, will be ASME PVHO-1 approved. The size of the chamber should be sufficient to
accommodate a diver/patient lying down and a tender to attend the diver/patient. Dual lock
chambers must have a minimum depth capability of 6 ATA (atmospheres absolute) or 165 fsw.
The use of surface decompression using oxygen is encouraged whenever possible.

The use of the one-man portable hyperbaric stretchers with a 2.8 ATA or 60 fsw capability do
not satisfy the need for an on-site chamber for those dives that require an on-site chamber.
The one-man hyperbaric stretcher is only considered a pressure vessel for transport under
pressure to a qualified recompression treatment facility in an emergency.

Q-1 On-Site Chamber Recommendations

In many commercial diving operations, a dual lock chamber should be routine equipment if a
chamber is required. A chamber provides emergency recompression treatment for the diver and
permits surface decompression. Chamber needs should be based on, but not limited to, the
following considerations.

• Diving deeper than 100 fsw or if decompression is planned

• Whenever surface decompression is planned

• Whenever multiple day or repetitive diving is planned

• If the anticipated conditions could cause incurring decompression obligations,

such as potentials for entrapment or fouling, weather or sea conditions, use of
power tools or lift bags, etc.

Q-2 State of Readiness

Since a chamber is both a diving system ready to support surfaced decompression and an
emergency treatment facility, it must be kept in a high state of readiness at all times. The
chamber and its support equipment must be well maintained, tested, cleaned, and outfitted with
all necessary accessories and medical supplies. A chamber shall never be used as a storage or
berthing compartment. All systems should be aligned and tested each day as part of pre-dive
checks prior to commencing diving operations. All divers must be trained on the proper
operations and functions of all chamber equipment; and must be able to perform all duties and
tasks necessary to support surface decompression and medical treatments.

App-55
Appendix Q Continued

Q-3 Chamber Safety

All persons subjected to hyperbaric pressure shall be considered ‘to be diving’ and must be
decompressed using an approved decompression procedure or treatment protocol.
Additionally, anyone pressurized in a chamber must have passed a physical examination for
divers (Section 5). For chambers using oxygen and Nitrox (50/50% Nitrogen /Oxygen
mixture) for breathing gas inside the chamber, the following safety precautions are of
amplified importance:

• Do not use oil or grease (especially hydrocarbon types) on any oxygen, air,
Nitrox, or exhaust fitting, valve, gauge, or regulator. Silicone diver greases or
oxygen compatible greases—such as Halocarbon, Krytox, etc.—are only to be
used on hatch seals or door hinges requiring lubrication.

• Do not allow open flames, smoking materials, or any other flammable products to
be carried into the chamber.

• Never permit any products that contaminate the atmosphere or off gas into the
chamber atmosphere into the chamber. Only items approved for hyperbaric use
should be permitted in the chamber (Section Q-13).

• Ensure the chamber remains closed when not in use with the doors dogged or
battened in place. Make sure the doors are secured so they cannot get loose in a
rolling sea. The dogs (if installed) should be in good operating condition.

• Leave the chamber pressurized to a shallow depth, usually the Inner Lock at 30 fsw
and Outer Lock at 15 fsw to keep the atmosphere clear and chamber clean.

• If the chamber has dogs, when pressurized to depth, the dogs must be released to
prevent damage when the chamber is depressurized.

• Never permit any unauthorized modifications to the chamber hull or support

systems. Only qualified divers or technicians, using approved materials and
methods in compliance with ASME and PVHO standards, should do repairs.

• Do not allow any electrical device inside the chamber unless specifically designed
for hyperbaric conditions. Normally 115 V AC devices are not allowed and
electrical devices must be DC type. Lighting should be external to the chamber or be
encased in pressure-proof cases.

• Follow all oxygen safety rules for the handling of oxygen, Nitrox, BIBS, BIBS
exhaust, and components inside the chamber.

• Keep the inside of the chamber clean and free of contaminants. Consider the
inside of the chamber as an oxygen-use area and a hospital bed for a patient.
 Appendix Q
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix Q Continued

Q-4 Chamber Hygiene

Chamber hygiene is critically important on long treatments, which can last for days. Long
exposures to hyperbaric pressures make a fertile breeding ground for bacterial infections. After
a treatment or long operational use the chamber’s inside surfaces must be cleaned with an
approved antibacterial solution and dried completely before using the chamber again. BIBS
masks should be wiped out between each use using an astringent solution or a soap and water
rinse. All linens and towels must be washed after a treatment or diving operation. If bacterial
contamination is suspected, swabs should be taken and lab tested to identify the contaminant.
The following general rules should be observed to maintain a chamber’s hygienic quality of
life.

• Make all reasonable attempts to maintain the humidity of the chamber below 50
percent.

• Lock out sanitary wastes as soon as possible.

• Clean up standing water (e.g., bilges, decks, etc.) as soon as possible.

• Change linens and towels daily during treatments.

• Wet or Dry suits should be locked out as soon as possible. Wet suits left in a
chamber will on-gas and require decompression, as well as become a bacterial
problem.

• Patients should be given daily bed baths and clean clothing during treatments.

Q-5 Gas Mixing

Mixed gases utilized for hyperbaric treatment must be procured from authorized commercial
sources. Gases that are mixed must have documentation that lists the gas constituents,
percentage of each constituents, analysis results prior to acceptance, and vendor supplying the
mixed breathing gas. Inert gases procured must be specified to be breathing gas and oil free.
Gases shall meet the following purity standards [46 CFR 197.340].
• Oxygen – GGA G-4.3 Type 1 Gaseous, Grade B (Medical) is preferred, Grade A
(Aviators) is acceptable. Fed Spec BB-0-925a

• Nitrogen – CGA G-10.1 Grade B preferred; however, E, F, or G are acceptable.

Fed-Spec BB-N-411

• Each Nitrox cylinder must have a tag attached listing the verification of oxygen
percentage in the mixture, date analyzed and name of diver responsible for
verifying the contents of the cylinder.

App-57
Appendix Q Continued

Q-6 Chamber Outfitting Requirements

All Reclamation divers involved in diving operations that require an onsite chamber shall
be familiar with the required chamber outfitting.

Q-6.1 Outfitting List

[29 CFR 1910.430 (e) and 46 CFR 197.328]

• Chambers must be capable of pressurization to 6 ATA (165 fsw).

• Chambers must be capable of pressurization rates of 66 fpm to 60 fsw and 33 fpm

for deeper depths.

• Must have an external depth gauge (pressure gauge) for each lock or pressurized
compartment.

• Must have interior lighting sufficient for conducting medical examinations and
visual observations.

• Must have a bunk for each patient. The bunks must be visible from outside the
chamber over their entire length.

• Must have protective screens or mufflers on the exhaust outlets and supply inlets.

• Must have a Built-In-Breathing System (BIBS) capable of providing treatment or

decompression gas directly to the diver or patient in the chamber. There must be
one mask for each occupant in the chamber with sufficient capacity to supply
breathing mixtures for each occupant at a heavy work rate.

• Must have an installed two-way voice communications system between the outside
control station and each lock. A back-up sound power phone system must be
installed, except when sound power is the only communications.

• Shut off valves must be installed within one foot of the hull for all piping that
penetrates the pressure boundary. A relief valve must be installed to relieve at 110
percent of maximum pressure; additionally, the relief valve must have a locked-
open (pinned, wired, etc.) in-line stop valve. Any piping carrying fluids into the
chamber must have a check valve within one foot of the pressure hull boundary.
 Appendix Q
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix Q Continued

• Must have the capability of scrubbing the atmosphere or venting to maintain the
atmosphere gas levels within limits. Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide analyzers
should be available to permit monitoring of the chamber atmosphere during
manned operations. The analyzer instruments shall have sufficient accuracy to
ensure the atmosphere can be maintained to the following levels:

Oxygen: 19 - 25% (+/- 1%)

Carbon Dioxide: less than 1½% surface equivalent (+/-½%)

• Must have an exhaust system to vent the chamber to the outside away from the
chamber. The exhaust system should have mufflers to prevent hearing injuries to
the outside chamber operators. Aural protectors (with drilled holes for venting) will
be provided for each occupant inside the chamber.

• Must have fireproof bedding and mattresses.

• Must have Instruments inside the IL to monitor temperature, humidity and depth
(pressure).

• Must have a fire extinguisher approved for hyperbaric use or installed fire
suppression system.

Q-6.2 Pressure Hull and Doors

Each Pressure Vessel for Human Occupancy (PVHO) must be built and stamped in accordance
with the ASME PVHO-1 code. To be Coast Guard approved the PVHO must be constructed in
accordance with section VIII, division 1 or 2 of the ASME code. The chamber must be
hydrostatically tested on initial construction to 1.5 times maximum working depth. Pneumatic
tests must be conducted after every repair or modification to the pressure boundaries, or each
year to the maximum working pressure. Chambers should also have a pneumatic test (Exhibit
Q-1) whenever the chamber is moved and set up in a new location.

Q-6.3 Viewports
Viewports are normally fabricated from acrylic plastic that meets the requirements of the
PVHO-1 ASME/ANSI codes. Viewports may have natural bubbles or scratches on the surface.
Service inspection should ensure viewports are free of cracks, chips, discolorations, or
clouding. Viewports are normally changed every ten years. Viewports should have clear
protective covers over them. ‘Leak tech’ or other liquid types of ‘Snoop®’ will not be used
when checking for leaks around viewports. These liquids can cause rusting of the seating
surfaces. Anytime viewports are removed for inspections or repairs the chamber will be
subjected to a pneumatic test to 100 percent of the maximum working depth.

App-59
Appendix Q Continued

Q-6.4 Electrical Systems

Electrical installations inside a chamber (PVHO) must be designed for hyperbaric conditions
to minimize the possibility of fire. There will be no open plugs or switches inside the
chamber. All electrical components should be of DC type (not AC). AC equipment must
have a ground fault interrupter and be in compliance with PVHO-1. Lighting should be
external whenever possible. Communications systems into the chamber should be of the
diver radio wire type and procured from a manufacturer of diving or hyperbaric systems.

Q-7 Outer Lock Operations

The Outer Lock (OL) is designed to permit personnel and equipment to be passed into the
chamber during decompression and treatments. Some chambers are equipped with a smaller
lock called a supply or medical lock that allows small items to be passed in, such as medical
supplies or food. When someone is locked into the chamber, the Dive Master must carefully
keep track of the time and control required decompression. It is not good to tie up the outer lock
conducting long decompressions. Physicians or others being locked in must be briefed on their
allowed bottom time and instructed that if they exceed that bottom time, they are committed to
the entire treatment in accordance with the decompression table being used. Each chamber must
have a procedure for operations of the outer lock.

WARNING

If the diver is alone in the Outer Lock and oxygen breathing must be done
to complete decompression, the mask straps will not be placed over the
head. The mask will be held in place by hand, so that in the event that any
serious symptoms of oxygen toxicity occur, the mask will fall off and the
PO2 (PPO2) instantly reduced.

Q-8 Chamber Pre-Operational Ready Checks

As with any dive, the chamber must be aligned using a pre-dive checklist. General
requirements are as follows:

• Ensure a pressure test has been conducted within the past two years after the
chamber was last moved or after any repairs to any part of the pressure boundary,
whichever is most recent.

• Turn on electrical power to the chamber. Visually inspect all wiring and lights.

• Test communications and sound power communications.

 Appendix Q
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix Q Continued

• Verify primary and secondary air supply is of sufficient quantity and quality. All
piping and hoses should be inspected for leaks, disrepair, or contamination.

• Align oxygen (and/or Nitrox) to the BIBS. Test breathe each BIBS mask for
proper function, cleanliness and operation.

• Ensure the bedding in the chamber is clean and ready.

• Verify all inside equipment is available and ready for use and should include fire
extinguisher, vented ear protection, buckets, mallet, caisson gauges, temperature
gauge, humidity indicator, and medical kits.

• Verify all outside equipment is available and ready for use and should include
stopwatches, treatment tables, Decompression Tables, chamber log, emergency
procedures, and medical supplies.

Q-9 Chamber Operational Requirements

Q-9.1 Chamber Air Supply
All chambers must have a primary and secondary air supply. The primary air supply shall be
sufficient to pressurize the IL to 165 fsw once and the OL to 165 fsw twice, and be capable of
supporting ventilation during one complete treatment table. The secondary air supply must be
sufficient to pressurize the IL and OL to 165 fsw and provide 4,225 cubic feet of ventilation
air. If the air supply will be used to support planned diving and chamber needs, the quantity
must be sufficient to meet both requirements combined.

Q-9.2 Ventilation and Scrubbers

Scrubbers are installed in modern chambers to reduce the ventilation requirements. These
chamber environment control systems also aid in the regulation of humidity and temperature.
Constant or frequent monitoring of the chamber atmosphere also aids in the ability to control
chamber atmosphere. For chambers without scrubbers or monitoring capability, ventilation
rates must be used to control CO2 and temperature levels. The following ventilation rates will
be used as a basic guide.

Ventilation of divers not on BIBS:

• 2 acfm (actual cubic feet per minute) for each occupant at rest

• 4 acfm for each occupant at work

App-61
Appendix Q Continued

Ventilation rates for BIBS breathing that exhausts into the chamber:

• 12.5 acfm for each occupant at rest

• 25 acfm for each occupant not at rest

A General Ventilation Rule can be used for chambers without flowmeters for a constant vent
rate, monitoring equipment or scrubbers. This basic procedure uses far more air than a
constant vent. The General Vent Rule is:

• Vent 1 minute out of every 5 minutes if only air is being breathed

• Vent 2 minutes out of every 5 minutes if any occupant is breathing oxygen

Q-9.3 Oxygen and Nitrox Systems

All systems that provide oxygen or breathing air or gas for divers must be cleaned to approved
standards. The oxygen system in particular must be oil free and constructed of non-ferrous
materials. Any system which uses oxygen in excess of 40 percent will be cleaned to oxygen
clean standards. Oxygen systems will be cleaned if there are any indications of contamination
and after repairs or modifications to the systems. All persons involved in oxygen cleaning must
be trained and use approved procedures and materials. After cleaning any breathing gas system,
the system will be completely dried; then an air (gas) purity test must be conducted to ensure all
cleaning agents have been removed.

BIBS masks are designed to administer oxygen or mixed gas breathing media to a diver or
patient in a hyperbaric chamber. If oxygen and Nitrox mixes are permitted to be exhaled into
the chamber, the percentage of oxygen would quickly rise above the allowed 25 percent level.
To prevent this, BIBS designed with an overboard dump capability should be used. Exhaled
gases should be piped out of the chamber. To ensure that this feature operates correctly during
chamber operation, the following pre-tests will be performed prior to diving.

• BIBS must be aligned and tested prior to the beginning of the diving day. Gauge
each of the oxygen cylinders and record the pressure. The regulator must be set to 50
psi over bottom [operation at 165 feet will require the regulator to be set at 125 psi
(165 x 0.445 + 50 = 123.42)].

• BIBS exhaust systems which permit Nitrox delivery at deeper than 60 fsw must be
equipped with a backpressure regulator. The backpressure regulator is a tracking
regulator that controls the exhaust header pressure at an acceptable 5-20 psi above
the ambient pressure. The backpressure regulator should be bypassed at pressures
less than 60 fsw.

• Exhaust hoses are sometimes disconnected to permit equalization and collapse of

the hoses. This practice is to protect the hoses from damage. These hoses will be
reconnected and the exhaust hull valve opened to start exhausting.
 Appendix Q
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix Q Continued

Q-10 Manning of Chambers

Minimum manning requirements of a chamber are as follows:

• Dive Supervisor

• Outside Tender (Chamber Operator)

• Inside Tender (may be a Medical Attendant)

Additional outside personnel may be used to keep logs and assist.

Q-10.1 Chamber Dive Supervisor

In addition to all other duties listed for the Dive Supervisor in previous sections, chamber
control includes the following responsibilities:

• Direct the medical treatment and act as a liaison to the diving physician during the
conduct of the treatment. Follow all treatment tables precisely as written unless
altered or modified by a Physician trained in diving medicine.

• Direct decompression and ensure all personnel pressurized in the hyperbaric

environment of the chamber are properly decompressed. Monitor all breathing
times on air, oxygen or Nitrox.

• Directly supervise the outside tender, inside tender or medic, and patient. Keep
logs on the entire treatment or chamber operation.

• Keep the Person-In-Charge, DMO, and management informed and updated

concerning any treatments or diving accidents.

Q-10.2 Outside Tender/Chamber Operator

The Outside Tender operates the chamber controls, under the direction of the Dive Supervisor,
to pressurize, maintain depth, and depressurize throughout the dive or treatment. Duties
include the following.

• Ensure that primary air supply and BIBS supplies are aligned to the chamber.

• Monitor and control the depth of the chamber continuously. Keep logs on the
entire treatment or chamber operation.

• Communicate with the inside tender, keeping him/her informed concerning vents,
going on or off oxygen or changes in depth.

App-63
Appendix Q Continued

Q-10.3 Inside Tender/Dive Medic

Inside Tenders are in-charge inside the chamber. They may control compression on two-way
inside controls. They communicate with the Dive Master, keeping him informed regularly on
conditions inside the chamber. Duties inside the chamber include, but are not limited to, the
following:

• Perform neurological examinations on patients or injured divers, giving accurate,

concise reports to the Dive Supervisor and DMO.

• Directly control persons breathing oxygen or increased partial pressure of oxygen.

Watch for symptoms of oxygen toxicity and be ready to take actions to reduce the
partial pressure of oxygen if symptoms develop.

Q-11 Chamber Temperature Control

The internal temperature should be maintained at a constant level for the comfort of all
occupants. Cooling is usually accomplished by venting. Chambers that become too hot will
have to be vented to cool them. Chambers should be shaded from direct sunlight. If the
chamber becomes too hot, temperature will become the limiting factor rather than the treatment
or decompression requirements. People who become overheated can suffer from heat cramps,
heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. Dehydration can cause additional serious medical problems to
the Inside Tender as well as the Patient. A chamber temperature between 75 and 85 ºF is
desirable for all treatments. Never commit to a treatment table that will expose the chamber
occupants to a greater temperature time combination than listed in table Q-1 below.

Table Q-1. Chamber Temperature Limits

Internal Temperature Range Maximum Tolerance Time Treatment Tables Allowed

o
>104 F Zero No Treatment
o
94 - 104 F 2 hours Table 5
o
85 - 94 F 6 hours Tables 5, 6, 6A, and 1A
o
< 85 F Unlimited All Tables

WARNING

Never use a mercury thermometer in or around a chamber.

Bimetallic, electronic, or liquid crystal thermometers must meet the
construction standards for hyperbaric equipment before their use is
permitted inside a chamber.
 Appendix Q
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix Q Continued

Q-12 Chamber Fire Precautions

Fire can be a major hazard in a chamber, but it is easily minimized or eliminated. Fire cannot
occur unless three factors come together at the same time—combustible materials, oxygen, and
a source of ignition. By eliminating any one of these items, it becomes almost impossible for
fire to occur. The problem in the chamber is that, when air is compressed, the flash point of
many materials is lowered and the combined factor of the atmosphere is being warmed up by
pressurization. When oxygen breathing occurs in the chamber and the oxygen percent goes
above 30 percent, fire potential is critical. Chamber oxygen percent should be kept below 25
percent and as close to 21 percent as possible.

Q-12.1 Chamber Fire Prevention

To eliminate or minimize fire risk in the chamber the following precautions should be
enforced at all times:

• No open flames or burning materials are permitted in the chamber at any time. No
matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or lighters shall ever be permitted inside the
chamber. It should be a habit never to bring anything into the chamber, even in
your pockets.

• A fire extinguisher or a fire suppression system must be operational and ready at

all times during chamber operations.

• All bedding must be made of approved fire retardant materials. Static conductive
clothing (such as nylon, rayon, etc.) should not be worn into the chamber. Clean
cotton clothing and towels are permitted. Clean is the key word. Clothing being
worn into the chamber should be inspected to ensure it is free of greases, paints, or
solvents.

• Limit the combustible personal effects inside the chamber (reading materials,
notebooks, etc.). Trash should be locked out as soon as possible.

• The Dive Supervisor must approve any materials being locked into the chamber,
assuring that materials, items or equipment being locked in are safe (nonflammable)
for use in a hyperbaric environment. If in doubt, get advice from the DMO or
Chairman of the RDSAB. If combustible materials must be used in the chamber,
use them sparingly. Carefully control items being brought into the chamber and
lock them out or store them in fireproof boxes when not in use.

App-65
Appendix Q Continued

Q-12.2 Chamber Fire Zone

The fire zone is the depth range where combustion is possible. As the chamber goes deeper,
the physiological need for oxygen is less. As the percentage of oxygen drops in the chamber,
the fire danger becomes less. As the chamber gets shallower and BIBS oxygen-breathing
starts, the percent of oxygen can rise if mask leakage or exhausting of O2 into the chamber
occurs, then the possibility of fire increases expediently. Always remember the key factor in
determining combustibility is the percentage of oxygen, not the partial pressure of oxygen.

Q-12.3 Chamber Painting

Chambers should be painted with multiple part epoxy paint approved for hyperbaric conditions,
which do not off gas after drying. Thick coats of paint within a chamber can become a fire
hazard. The paint should be limited to one primer coat and one finish coat. Only two additional
finish coats should be permitted or a maximum thickness of 0.005 inches, whichever comes first.
After that, the chamber should be sand blasted and repainted. The following should be common
practice with regards to chamber painting.

• Corrosion should be removed by hand or by using a scraper. Rust is considered a

flammable material.

• Annually, small areas (less than 2 inches) should be routinely scraped, primed and
spot painted to reduce deterioration.

• After painting, the chamber should be thoroughly ventilated and dried over a
period of 48 hours, to ensure complete off gassing. The chamber must then be
pressurized unmanned and an air sample taken and analyzed to ensure all paint
fumes and possible contaminants are removed.

• Only steel chambers are painted; aluminum chambers will be left bare. Portable
Kevlar collapsible bags will not be painted. Painting of steel chambers inside
should be done only under controlled conditions with proper ventilation and
respirators.

Q-12.4 Diver Chamber Fire Fighting Training

All divers involved in chamber operations should be able to operate all extinguishers and
firefighting systems incorporated into the chamber. Additionally, divers should practice the
emergency procedures to ensure they are able to respond to fire situations. Support personnel
should also be familiar with diver emergencies involving fire and be trained in support of
chamber fire situations.
 Appendix Q
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix Q Continued

Q-13 Chamber Prohibited Materials

Toxic or contaminant materials should not be permitted into the chamber. The list of
prohibited items is developed for the safety of the divers in a hyperbaric atmosphere. Good
habits on controlling materials into the chamber enhance safety. Several reasons for
prohibiting materials from entering a chamber include the fact that flammable or combustible
substances, explosives, or atmospheric contaminants can be broken or damaged by pressure,
and are potentially damaging to the chamber structure or fabric; they can also directly act to
affect the diver physiologically, or they simply make a mess. The following list, although
comprehensive, is by no means an exclusive, all-encompassing list. “If in doubt, keep it out!”
unless authorized for entry by a higher, knowledgeable authority.

Q-13.1 List of Items Prohibited Inside a Chamber

• Acetone (a, f)
• Adhesives (f)
• Aerosol products (f, a, e)
• Aftershave solutions (a, f)
• Alcohol (a) (medical alcohol pad is authorized)
• Batteries (open cell) (a, f, p)
• Brass cleaning agents or products (a)
• Cigarette Lighters and matches (f)
• Chemical cleaners (e.g., TCH, 409, Lysol, Scouring Powder, etc.) (a)
• Chloroform (a)
• Cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco products (f)
• Explosives, firecrackers, or bullets (e, f)
• Freon (a)
• Fuels (gasoline, kerosene, diesel, etc.) (a, e, f)
• Glass or battery thermometers (a, p)
• Halogen compounds (a)
• Hydrocarbon based lubricants or products (a, f)
• Methyl Ethyl Ketone (a)
• Non-Diving watches (p, m)
• Non-fireproof bedding and nylon clothing (f)
• Non-vented items (e.g., ink pens, thermos bottles, styrofoam, etc.) (m, p)
• Personal/Portable Electrical Equipment (radios, tape decks, CDs, etc.)
(f, d)
• Powders, very fine (talc, baby powder, etc.) (e, f)

App-67
 • Sparking metals (f)
Key to item prohibition: (f) fire/flammable (a) atmosphere contaminant (e) explosive
(c) damage chamber (p) pressure damage (m) messy

Q-13.2 List of Items Authorized Inside a Chamber

• Components of the medical kits (vent bottles prior to entry)
• Non-Ionic soaps
• Cotton clothing and towels
• Flame retardant bedding and linen
• Food and water

Q-14 Gases, Analysis and Monitoring

Air used to pressurize or ventilate a chamber must have its quality determined by laboratory
testing of the compressors or air source every six months to ensure the air supply meets required
minimum specifications (see Section 10.4). Oxygen, Nitrox, or any other treatment gases must
be procured from a source and meet the appropriate CGA gas purity standard and be stored in
DOT-approved cylinders.

Chamber occupancy and fire safety requires that oxygen content of the chamber atmosphere be
kept between 21-25 percent (USN Diving Manual, vol. 5, chapter 22); and carbon dioxide be
kept below 1½ percent (± ½%) surface equivalent by volume. To achieve this requirement
monitoring of the atmosphere within the chamber during all manned evolutions is necessary.

Electronic analyzers used to monitor normally indicate in percentage, since carbon dioxide
limits are specified as a surface equivalent. It may be necessary to calculate the partial pressure
of the constituent gas to ensure the limit is not exceeded. If the analyzer is physically located
within the chamber no correction is needed.

Selection of analysis equipment must follow the same requirements used when selecting any
diving life support equipment (see Section 10.4.3). [OSHA 1910.430 (e)(3)(i) and USCG
197.328(d) (14-15)]

Q-15 Chamber Testing Requirements

Q-15.1 Double Lock Chamber Pressure Test
Chamber pressure testing is required to ensure chamber pressure integrity. The pressure tests
used are adopted from the USN diving manual.

• Pressurize the closed Inner Lock to 100 fsw (45 psi), leak check all penetrations,
dog seals, doors, hull valve connections, pipe joints, and shell weldments. Mark all
leaks and resurface the lock, if necessary. Adjust, repair, or replace components to
eliminate all leaks. Repeat this step until all leaks are repaired and eliminated.
 Appendix Q
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix Q Continued

• Pressurize the IL to 225 fsw (100 psi) (or to maximum working depth); hold for 5
minutes.

• Exhaust the lock to 165 fsw (73.4 psi); hold the pressure for one hour. If the
pressure drops below 145 fsw (65 psi), the test is a failure. Locate all leaks and
repeat until satisfactory results are achieved.

• Repeat all test steps leaving the Inner Lock door open for pressurization of the Inner
Lock and Outer Lock together to test the Outer Lock. It is only necessary to leak test
the Outer Lock components not previously tested.

Q-15.2 Inflatable Hyperbaric Stretcher Pressure Test

Assemble the bag and control box, inspect all components, then pressurize the chamber to 60 fsw
(26.7 psi) and leak check all hull penetrations, bag seals, umbilical hoses, joints, and bag fabric
lamination. Soap-bubble leak check, listen, and verify pressure drop; a leak rate of 1.5 fsw per
hour is permitted through the Kevlar fabric. Mark all leaks and surface if necessary. Adjust,
repair, or replace components to eliminate all leaks (follow bag repair procedures. Only
authorized repair technicians should make repairs). Repeat the step until all leaks are
repaired and eliminated.

• Pressurize the hyperlite stretcher to 66 (29.3 psi) fsw and check the cracking
pressure of the relief valve. The relief should crack at 66 fsw and reset at 63 fsw.
Exhaust back to 60 fsw.

• Hold pressure at 60 fsw (26.7 psi) for 30 minutes. The test should be considered a
failure if the pressure drops below 52 fsw (23.1 psi). Locate all leaks and repeat test
until satisfactory results are achieved.

• Exhaust the chamber to surface pressure, ensure that the bag is dry, and then clean
outside of bag.

Q-16 Hyperbaric Medical Kits

Each chamber must be outfitted with a hyperbaric medical kit. The hyperbaric chamber kits
are an extension of the equipment listed in the diving first aid kit. Each chamber must have
both kits with the chamber and ready for immediate use.

Some items cannot be pressurized without venting or are maintained in a sterile condition, so
the kits are separated – items that can always be locked in immediately are placed in the
“Primary Kit”. Controlled drugs must be kept secured and in the custody of a responsible
authorized person. USCG recommends the Vessel Master; however, if this is not possible, the
Dive Master, Person-In-Charge and/or Dive Medic must have control of the controlled
substance(s). The lists provided are only the minimums and should be modified as needed to
meet local and specific job needs.

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Appendix Q Continued

Q-16.1 Primary Examination Kit

The Primary Examination Kit should contain the examination and first aid equipment
needed for immediate evaluation and handling of a diving accident victim.

Q-16.2 Secondary Ancillary Hyperbaric Treatment Kit

The Secondary Ancillary Hyperbaric Treatment Kit contains the medicines and equipment
possibly needed for recompression treatment or handling of a diving accident. Sterile supplies
should be adequately sealed against moisture and atmospheric pressure. If a sterile item is
locked in, it should be replaced or re-sterilized as soon as practical.

Stoppered multidose vials must be vented with a needle during pressurization then properly
discarded if not used. All unused medicines must be disposed of properly. All drugs in the kits
have an expiration date—expired drugs will be replaced.

Q-17 Chamber Emergency Procedures

Each chamber must have approved chamber emergency procedures. Emergency procedures
are provided for training and guidance for emergency situations that affect hyperbaric chamber
operations. The Dive Supervisor has the final responsibility to ensure safe operation of the
chamber and prevent such emergencies from occurring. In all situations the safety of the
chamber occupants is the primary concern. The Dive Supervisor shall take all actions to
properly decompress chamber occupants and prevent further injury or diving-related illnesses.

Each Chamber should have the following emergency procedures as a minimum.

CHAM EP-1 Loss of Atmosphere Control

CHAM EP-2 Loss of Air Supply
CHAM EP-3 Uncontrolled Decompression or Ascent
CHAM EP-4 Uncontrolled Pressurization or Compression
CHAM EP-5 Loss of Communications
CHAM EP-6 Loss of Electrical Power
CHAM EP-7 Fire In the Chamber
CHAM EP-8 Fire on the Surface outside of the Chamber
CHAM EP-9 Loss of Atmosphere Analysis Capability
 Appendix R
Diving Safe Practices Manual

Appendix R: OSHA Safe Practices Manual — 1910.401

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