What is the minimum personnel requirement for conducting underwater operations?

In underwater operations, the minimum personnel requirement is often set at three divers to ensure adequate safety and operational effectiveness. This standard allows for a divers’ buddy system, where two divers can work together while having a third diver available to monitor or assist if necessary.

Having a minimum of three personnel enhances safety by ensuring that there is always a diver available to provide assistance or call for help if one of the other divers experiences an emergency or becomes incapacitated. The third team member acts as a support or safety diver, capable of providing immediate assistance, maintaining communication with the surface, and overseeing the overall operation.

It's important to acknowledge that while individual agencies or organizations may have their own specific guidelines, the three-person minimum is a common industry standard that helps mitigate risks associated with underwater operations, ensuring that divers are not isolated in case of emergencies.