IMCA - Dive chamber procedures and operations

Description of Incident

Following a surface decompression dive to 32m on air, the diver entered the outer

lock of the decompression chamber within the allotted surface interval. The

chamber operator recompressed the diver in the outer lock of the chamber to 15m.

Two minutes after reaching depth, the chamber operator started to vent the outer

lock back to the surface. While venting the outer lock, the chamber operator

realized that the diver was still in the outer lock and repressurised the diver back

down to the depth. The locks were re-equalized at 15m, and the diver transferred to

the inner lock and started their first 02 period. The chamber operator contacted the

Supervisor. The Supervisor contacted the Superintendent, who began the

emergency response procedures. The Diving Medical Officer (DMO) was

consulted, and the diver was treated for omitted decompression. The diver

completed the required chamber run and remained asymptomatic.

To view this IMCA Safety Flash in full, click the 'Download Alert' button above.