All U.S. Navy diver candidates shall be physically qualified in accordance with
the Manual of the Medical Department, Art. 15-66. Candidates shall also pass a
pressure test before they are eligible for diver training. This test may be conducted
at any Navy certified recompression chamber, provided it is administered by qualified
chamber personnel.
Candidate Requirements. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to equalize
pressure in both ears to a depth of 60 fsw. The candidate shall have also passed the
screening physical readiness test in accordance with MILPERSMAN 1410380,
Exhibit 5.
Inside Tender Requirements. The inside tender(s) should be a qualified diver.
Procedure.
1. Candidates shall undergo a diving
physical examination by a Navy Medical Officer in accordance with the
Manual of the Medical
Department, Art. 15-66, and be qualified to
undergo the test.
2. The candidates and the tender enter the
recompression chamber and are pressurized to 60 fsw on air, at a rate of
75 fpm or less as
tolerated by the occupants.
3. If a candidate cannot complete the descent, the
chamber is stopped and the candidate is placed in the outer lock for
return to the
surface.
4. Stay at 60 fsw for at least 10 minutes.
5. Ascend to the surface following standard air decompression
procedures.
6. All candidates shall remain at the immediate
chamber site for a minimum of 15 minutes and at the test facility for 1
hour. Candidates or
tenders who must return to their command via air
travel must proceed in accordance with Chapter 9, paragraph 9-13.
References.
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Navy Military Personnel Manual, Art. 1410380
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Manual of the Medical Department, Art. 15-66
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SECNAVINST 12000.2A
