Regulations last checked for updates: Nov 25, 2024

Title 46 - Shipping last revised: Nov 04, 2024
§ 197.320 - Diving ladder and stage.

(a) Each diving ladder must—

(1) Be capable of supporting the weight of at least two divers;

(2) Extend 3 feet below the water surface;

(3) Be firmly in place;

(4) Be available at the dive location for a diver to enter or exit the water unless a diving stage or bell is provided; and

(5) Be—(i) Made of corrosion-resistant material; or

(ii) Protected against and maintained free from injurious corrosion.

(b) Each diving stage must—

(1) Be capable of supporting the weight of at least two divers;

(2) Have an open-grating platform;

(3) Be available for a diver to enter or exit the water from the dive location and for in-water decompression if the diver is—

(i) Wearing a heavy-weight diving outfit; or

(ii) Diving outside the no-decompression limits, except when a bell is provided; and

(4) Be—(i) Made of corrosion-resistant material; or

(ii) Protected against and maintained free from injurious corrosion.

authority: 33 U.S.C. 1509; 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306,3703,6101; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1
source: CGD 76-009, 43 FR 53683, Nov. 16, 1978, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 46 CFR 197.320