Decompression tables for commercial diving

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

September 17, 1992

Mr. Jack Davies
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Davies:

This correspondence is in response to your July 21, 1992, letter regarding which diving decompression tables are acceptable for occupational diving in the United States.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), regulations for commercial diving are published under Title 29 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910, Subpart T. The OSHA commercial diving standard provides for the use of either the U.S. Navy Diving Tables or equivalent limits which the employer can demonstrate to be equally effective.

We have enclosed the following documents to provide you with additional information related to your question:

-- Copy of OSHA Standard 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations

-- Copy of OSHA Instruction STD 1-23.2, "29 CFR 1910.401-1910.441, Subpart T--Commercial Diving Operations"

-- Copy of U.S. Navy Diving Tables (Standard Air Decompression Table, No-Decompression Limits and Repetitive Group Designation Table for No-Decompression Air Dives, Residual Nitrogen Timetable for Repetitive Air Dives, Surface Decompression Table Using Oxygen, Surface Decompression Table Using Air)

We appreciate your interest in occupational safety and health in the United States and hope you find the enclosed material useful.

Sincerely,
Patricia K. Clark, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs