1910.410(a): Diver Training and Experience
Employers must make sure each dive team member has the experience or training to do assigned tasks safely, including use of tools, equipment and systems, techniques of the assigned diving mode, and diving operations and emergency procedures. All dive team members must be trained in CPR and first aid, and those exposed to or controlling hyperbaric conditions must be trained in diving-related physics and physiology.
Key takeaways
- 1910.410(a) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T).
- OSHA cited it 9 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $293,798 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.410(a)(3) (5 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.410(a) ("General") is one requirement inside 1910.410 Qualifications of dive team, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart T). It includes 7 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(a) General. 9 citations
(1) Each dive team member shall have the experience or training necessary to perform assigned tasks in a safe and healthful manner. Open (a)(1) 2 citations
(2) Each dive team member shall have experience or training in the following: 2 citations
(i) The use of tools, equipment and systems relevant to assigned tasks; 2 citations
(ii) Techniques of the assigned diving mode: and
(iii) Diving operations and emergency procedures.
(3) All dive team members shall be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid (American Red Cross standard course or equivalent). Open (a)(3) 5 citations
(4) Dive team members who are exposed to or control the exposure of others to hyperbaric conditions shall be trained in diving-related physics and physiology.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.410.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.410(a).
At 2:00 p.m. on June 25, 2024, an employee working as a commercial diver for a highway and bridge contractor had descended 19 feet to the ocean floor. The employee was acclimating himself for a commercial diving operation. The employeewas a new diver to the…
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Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Frequency of refresher training for first aid and CPR (2023-02-23)
- First aid for bleeding control (2019-06-19)
- OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.53, Guidelines for First Aid Training Programs. (1997-08-21)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.410(a)(3) 5 citations
- 1910.410(a)(1) 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Do all dive team members need CPR and first aid training?
Yes, using the American Red Cross standard course or equivalent.
Who needs training in diving physics and physiology?
Dive team members who are exposed to or control the exposure of others to hyperbaric conditions.
What experience or training areas are required?
Use of tools, equipment and systems for assigned tasks, techniques of the assigned diving mode, and diving operations and emergency procedures.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.410 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.