DIRECTIVE NUMBER: CPL 02-00-151 EFFECTIVE DATE ... - OSHA

APPENDIX A: Commercial Diving Operations Questions and Answers
This appendix consolidates OSHA interpretations related to commercial diving operations that
have been issued and remain valid as of the date of this instruction. Previously issued
interpretations were reviewed to determine their current validity and accuracy. Interpretations
for which standard references have changed were updated to reflect the current standard
reference.
OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. The Agency’s interpretations
explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot
create additional employer obligations. These responses constitute OSHA’s interpretations of
the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to
OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information.
To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA’s website at:
http://www.osha.gov.
Question #1: Are diving operations involving the underwater inspection of bridges and other
submerged structures considered to be “scientific diving” under 29 CFR 1910.401(a)(2)(iv),
and if this diving is “scientific diving,” what standards apply to these divers
Answer: The underwater inspection of bridges and other structures by divers is governed by
OSHA regulations for commercial diving, 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T – Commercial Diving
Operations. The exemption from OSHA’s commercial diving standard for scientific diving
would not be applicable to underwater inspections of bridges or other submerged structures.
Question #2: What are the minimum number of dive-team members required to support
air dives using SCUBA equipment and surface-supplied diving equipment, with one diver
in the water
Answer: In establishing the number of dive-team members required for a dive, proper
consideration must be given to 29 CFR 1910.421(d) Planning and assessment, 29 CFR
1910.421(e) Hazardous activities, and 29 CFR 1910.422(b)(3). This latter provision requires
employers to provide a means to assist an injured diver from the water (such as an inwater stage,
small boat, or stokes basket) or into a diving bell, that may necessitate additional dive-team
members.
Commercial SCUBA air diving with one diver in the water requires a minimum of three diveteam
members: a designated person-in-charge (DPIC) (see 29 CFR 1910.410(c)), a standby
diver (see 29 CFR 1910.424(c)(1)), and a line-tended diver (see 29 CFR 1910.424(c)(2)). A
tender who is a qualified diver can be the standby diver; for a three-person dive-team, the DPIC
would assume tending duties when the standby diver (tender) is in the water. A DPIC also can
be the standby diver, provided that: (1) he/she is a qualified diver, and (2) another dive-team
member at the dive location is trained and capable of performing necessary DPIC-functions
while the DPIC is in the water as the standby diver.
Commercial surface-supplied air diving with one diver in the water requires a minimum of three
dive-team members: a DPIC (see 29 CFR 1910.410(c)), and a diver “who shall be continuously
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