Principles for the Design, Validation, and Acceptance of Decompression Procedures.

Area of Science:

• Diving Physiology
• Occupational Health and Safety

Background:

• Decompression table validation standards were established by the 1987 UHMS Workshop.
• Current research funding is limited, reducing academic and military support for diving companies.
• Companies now rely on internal expertise and safety culture to refine decompression procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose principles and guidelines for internal development of decompression procedures by diving companies.
• To outline a framework for validating and accepting new or revised decompression procedures within a company's safety management system.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing principles of decompression table editing and validation.
• Applying the Management of Change framework to decompression procedure development.
• Defining and measuring relevant endpoints, including decompression stress, for acceptance criteria.

Main Results:

• Management of Change provides a structured approach for improving existing decompression procedures.
• Dive monitoring is crucial for documenting performance and supporting acceptance decisions.
• Internal development complements existing UHMS recommendations.

Conclusions:

• Diving companies can effectively use Management of Change for developing decompression procedures.
• Documenting the process ensures knowledge retention and informs operational personnel.
• This approach enhances safety culture and mitigates decompression risks.