What is the minimum pressure capability for a decompression chamber for dives deeper than 300 fsw?

The minimum pressure capability for a decompression chamber for dives deeper than 300 feet of seawater (fsw) is crucial for ensuring the safety of divers during decompression. A decompression chamber must be able to simulate the pressure experienced at depth to facilitate proper decompression. For dives that exceed 300 fsw, the pressure within the chamber needs to be sufficient to allow divers to decompress safely and avoid decompression sickness.

Since sea water exerts approximately 0.445 psi per foot, at a depth of 300 fsw, the pressure is about 133.5 psi (300 ft x 0.445 psi/ft). To safely accommodate decompression procedures for dives at this depth or deeper, a chamber must have the capability to go beyond this pressure level. The capability of the decompression chamber must typically be greater than the pressure experienced at 300 fsw to account for the extreme conditions and ensure adequate safety margins. Thus, the appropriate minimum pressure level for a chamber dealing with such depths is defined to be at least 165 fsw, aligning with the need for safety during decompression protocols.

Therefore, the choice indicating 165 fsw meets the necessary requirements for adequate operational pressure, ensuring that divers can safely decompress after