1910.424(c)(1): Standby Diver Required
A standby diver must be available while a diver is in the water during SCUBA diving.
Key takeaways
- 1910.424(c)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $163,310 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.424(c) Procedures (5 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.424(c)(1) is one requirement inside 1910.424 SCUBA diving, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart T). 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
(1) A standby diver shall be available while a diver is in the water. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.424.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.424(c)(1).
At approximately 9:00 a.m. on May 21, 2024, six individuals, including Employee #1 (deceased), were performing underwater work to clean out lake weeds 10-15 feet below the surface of Lake Lavon in Apple Valley, MN. After several minutes,coworkers noticed they had not seen bubbles from…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.424(c)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.424(c)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.424(c) Procedures 5 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When must a standby diver be available?
While a diver is in the water.
Is this required for every dive?
The rule applies whenever a diver is in the water under this paragraph.
What is the standby diver for?
To be available while a diver is in the water.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.424 (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.