The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published new guidance on the use of deck decompression chambers (DDCs) to treat divers with decompression illnesses.
The document emphasises the importance of having DDCs at worksites and the development of emergency response plans to ensure immediate treatment, as time is critical for the successful recovery of divers exhibiting decompression illness symptoms.
The guidance was developed in response to industry concerns regarding a decline in DDC operational competence, including reports of incidents where divers in need of treatment were not recompressed at the worksite despite the presence of a DDC.
In line with its core mission to improve safety standards in commercial diving operations, IMCA’s Diving Division Management Committee has drawn up recommendations to address such gaps by offering structured recommendations to improve the preparedness and effectiveness of DDC operations.
IMCA D085 Guidance on deck decompression chamber (DDC) operations for the therapeutic treatment of divers provides comprehensive guidelines for the use of DDCs in treating divers, covering several key areas:
- Project planning – the importance of the DDC’s location at the worksite, dive logs, dive rotas, and the use of therapeutic recompression tables,
- Roles and responsibilities – the responsibilities of the diving contractor, diving supervisor, divers, and clients, emphasising the need for a safe system of work and emergency response plans,
- Third-party hyperbaric facilities – ensuring third-party hyperbaric facilities are fit for purpose and accessible during emergencies,
- Familiarisation, drills, and exercises – the importance of regular training, drills, and competence assessments to maintain proficiency in DDC operations,
- Technical specifications – minimum specifications for DDCs, including certification, medical lock operation, and gas management,
- Medical support and equipment – the need for trained medical personnel, proper medical equipment, and protocols for assessing and treating divers with decompression illness,
- Next of kin, family, and media liaison – guidelines for communication in the event of an incident, including informing next of kin and handling media inquiries.
Emphasising the importance of the new guidance, Bill Chilton, Diving Manager at IMCA, said: “The effective use of deck decompression chambers can be the difference between a full recovery and long-term health complications for divers suffering from decompression illness. This guidance sets out a best practice approach that would ensure that diving teams are properly trained and prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in an emergency.”
IMCA D085 complements existing IMCA publications, including IMCA D014 (International code of practice for offshore diving) and IMCA D050 (Oxygen management), as well as guidance from the Diving Medical Advisory Committee.
IMCA members can access the full document via the IMCA website. For more information on IMCA’s diving safety initiatives, visit www.imca-int.com/diving.
