Under what conditions may the requirement for transport to a recompression chamber be waived?

The requirement for transport to a recompression chamber may be waived in the context of dives that occur in remote locations without nearby chambers. This is because the immediate availability of a recompression chamber is essential for treating decompression sickness, which is a medical emergency. If a diver experiences symptoms of decompression sickness in a location far from a chamber, the logistics of timely transport may render the typical protocols impractical.

In such scenarios, the focus shifts to the diver's safety and the practicality of repercussion treatment. If the diver can be monitored and their condition assessed appropriately, and if transportation is deemed unrealistic due to distance or other logistical concerns, medical judgment may allow for alternative monitoring and treatment methods, though this should be considered with caution.

For deep dives exceeding 100 feet of seawater, the risk of decompression sickness typically requires adherence to established protocols for recompression. Similarly, mild symptoms do not automatically negate the need for recompression treatment; even mild symptoms can escalate quickly and may cause serious complications. Transporting to a recompression chamber, whenever possible, remains the standard protocol for any symptoms of decompression sickness. The same idea applies to diving while pumping air, as this does not exempt the diver from the potential risks associated with decompression sickness.