When is a decompression chamber required on site during dive operations?

A decompression chamber is required on site during dive operations specifically when engaging in surface supplied air diving that exceeds 80 feet of fresh water (fsw). This is due to the increased risk of decompression sickness, commonly referred to as "the bends," which occurs when divers ascend too quickly from depths where they have been exposed to high pressure.

When diving at depths greater than 80 fsw, divers may require controlled decompression stops during ascent to prevent nitrogen bubbles from forming in their bodies as pressure decreases. The presence of a decompression chamber on site allows divers to undergo necessary descents and ascents in a safe environment, where they can be monitored and treated swiftly in the event of decompression illness.

This requirement is based on established safety protocols that ensure the health and safety of divers when operating at significant depths, where physiological stresses are greater than those encountered at shallower depths. In this context, the use of a decompression chamber serves as a critical safety measure in professional and technical diving operations, reinforcing the need for appropriate safety apparatus in high-risk situations.