1910.425(c)(1): Continuous Tending of Divers
Each diver must be continuously tended while in the water during surface-supplied air diving.
Key takeaways
- 1910.425(c)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $8,275 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.425(c) Procedures (2 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.425(c)(1) is one requirement inside 1910.425 Surface-supplied air 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) Each diver shall be continuously tended while in the water. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.425.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.425(c)(1).
On March 23, 2024, an employee was utilizing surface supplied air diving equipment to clean sediment from the inside of an enclosed standpipe water tank with a 24-foot water depth. The estimated water temperature was 53.42 degrees Fahrenheit. Sediment cleaning was performed using a hand-held…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.425(c)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.425(c)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.425(c) Procedures 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When must a diver be tended?
Continuously while in the water.
Does this apply to every diver?
Yes. Each diver must be continuously tended.
What diving mode is this?
Surface-supplied air diving.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.425 (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.