CHAPTER 22 — Recompression Chamber Operation
Change A 22-15
Do not permit electrical appliances to be used in the chamber unless listed in
the Authorized for Navy Use (ANU).
Do not perform unauthorized repairs or modifications on the chamber support
systems.
Do not permit products in the chamber that may contaminate or off-gas into
the chamber atmosphere.
22-5.3
General Operating Procedures.
1.
Ensure completion of Predive Checklist.
2.
Diver and tender enter the chamber together.
3.
Diver sits in an uncramped position.
4.
Tender closes and dogs (if so equipped) the inner lock door.
5.
Pressurize the chamber, at the rate and to the depth specified in the appropriate
decompression or recompression table.
6.
As soon as a seal is obtained or upon reaching depth, tender releases the dogs
(if so equipped).
7.
Ventilate chamber according to specified rates and energize CO2 scrubber and
chamber conditioning system.
8.
Ensure proper decompression of all personnel.
9.
Ensure completion of Postdive Checklist.
22-5.3.1
Tender Change-Out. During extensive treatments, medical personnel may prefer
to lock-in to examine the patient and then lock-out, rather than remain inside
throughout the treatment. Inside tenders may tire and need relief.
22-5.3.2
Lock-In Operations. Personnel entering the chamber go into the outer lock and
close and dog the door (if applicable). The outer lock should be pressurized at a
rate controlled by their ability to equalize, but not to exceed 75 feet per minute.
The outside tender shall record the time pressurization begins to determine the
decompression schedule for the occupants when they are ready to leave the
chamber. When the pressure levels in the outer and inner locks are equal, the
inside door (which was undogged at the beginning of the treatment) should open.
22-5.3.3
Lock-Out Operations. To exit the chamber, the personnel again enter the outer
lock and the inside tender closes and dogs the inner door (if so equipped). When
ready to ascend, the Diving Supervisor is notified and the required decompression
schedule is selected and executed. Constant communications are maintained with
the inside tender to ensure that a seal has been made on the inner door. Outer lock
depth is controlled throughout decompression by the outside tender.
