[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 7]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR197.320]

[Page 427]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 197_GENERAL PROVISIONS--Table of Contents
 
                 Subpart B_Commercial Diving Operations
 
Sec. 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.