CHAPTER 7 — Scuba Air Diving Operations
Change A 7-1
C H A P T E R 7
Scuba Air Diving Operations
7-1
INTRODUCTION
7-1.1
Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to familiarize divers with standard and
emergency procedures when diving with scuba equipment.
7-1.2
Scope. This chapter covers the use of open-circuit scuba, which is normally
deployed in operations not requiring decompression. Decompression diving using
open-circuit air scuba may be undertaken only if no other option exists and only
with the concurrence of the Commanding Officer or Officer-in-Charge (OIC).
Closed-circuit underwater breathing apparatus is the preferred method of
performing scuba decompression dives. Operation of open-circuit, closed-circuit,
and semiclosed-circuit systems designed for use with mixed-gas or oxygen is
covered in Volume 4.
7-2
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR SCUBA OPERATIONS
At a minimum, each diver must be equipped with the following items to safely
conduct an open-circuit scuba dive:
Open-circuit scuba.
Face mask.
Life preserver/buoyancy compensator.*
Weight belt and weights as required.**
Knife.**
Swim fins.
Submersible pressure gauge or Reserve J-valve.
Submersible wrist watch. Only one is required when diving in pairs with a
buddy line.**
Depth gauge. **
Octopus.
* During the problem-solving pool phase of scuba training, CO2 cartridges may be
removed and replaced with plugs or expended cartridges that are painted Interna-
tional Orange.
** These items are not required for the pool phase of scuba training.
