---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 197.430"
title: "46"
number: "197.430"
heading: "SCUBA diving."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/197.430"
---

# §197.430. SCUBA diving.


The diving supervisor shall insure that—

- (a) **SCUBA diving is not conducted—**
  - (1) Outside the no-decompression limits;
  - (2) At depths greater than 130 fsw;
  - (3) Against currents greater than one (1) knot unless line-tended; and
  - (4) If a diver cannot directly ascend to the surface unless line-tended;
- (b) The SCUBA diver has the equipment required by [§ 197.346(a)](/cfr/46/197.346.md?p=a);
- (c) A standby diver is available while a diver is in the water;
- (d) A diver is line-tended from the surface or accompanied by another diver in the water in continuous visual contact during the diving operation;
- (e) When a diver is in a physically confining space, another diver is stationed at the underwater point of entry and is line-tending the diver; and
- (f) **A boat is available for diver pickup when the divers are not line-tended from the dive location.**

## Notes

### Authority

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

Source: CGD 76-009, 43 FR 53683, Nov. 16, 1978, unless otherwise noted.