What is the required ladder extension below the water line for a barge with a 5 feet freeboard?

In diving safety and procedures, it is essential to ensure that there is a safe and effective means for divers to access the water from a platform such as a barge. The freeboard of a barge is the vertical distance from the waterline to the upper deck level of the barge.

For a barge with a 5 feet freeboard, the required ladder extension below the water line is typically set to ensure that there is adequate access for divers to enter and exit the water safely. Extending the ladder below the water line compensates for the height of the barge above the water and provides a safer angle for the divers to use the ladder.

In this case, the appropriate minimum extension for a barge with a 5 feet freeboard is 6 feet below the water line. This additional foot provides a more secure and comfortable footing for divers as they descend into the water and ascend back onto the platform, considering factors such as potential wave action and the need for stability during entry and exit.

Thus, requesting a 6 feet extension below the water line ensures a safety margin beyond just the freeboard height, fostering a safer diving environment.