Decompression in the water column
is time consuming, uncomfortable, and inhibits the ability of the support vessel to
get underway. Delay could also present other problems for the support vessel:
weather, threatened enemy action or operating schedule constraints. In-water
decompression delays medical treatment, when needed, and increases the possibility
of severe chilling and accident. For these reasons, decompression is often
accomplished in a recompression chamber on the support ship (Figure 8-12).
Refer to Chapter 9 for surface decompression procedures.
Figure 8.12. Surface Decompression.
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When transferring a diver from the water to
the chamber, the tenders are allowed no more than 3½ minutes to undress the
diver. A tender or diving medical personnel, as required by the nature of the dive
or the condition of the diver, must be in the chamber with any necessary supplies
prior to arrival of the diver. The time factor is critical and delays cannot be tolerated.
Undressing a diver for surface decompression should be practiced until a
smooth, coordinated procedure is developed.
