When is a re-entry control (REC) procedure required?

The requirement for a re-entry control (REC) procedure is crucial after completing maintenance work that has been certified. This procedure is integral to ensuring that all systems are functioning correctly and safely before any diver re-enters the water. A thorough check is necessary to confirm that all maintenance tasks have been completed to standard, and the equipment or systems are in safe working order.

Implementing a REC procedure after maintenance helps mitigate risks associated with diving operations, ensuring that divers are not put in harm’s way due to unforeseen equipment failures or issues that may arise from the maintenance performed. It is a systematic way to validate that the operational readiness of life support systems is intact, thus enhancing the safety and reliability of diving activities.

The other scenarios do not call for a REC procedure. For instance, routine equipment replacements may not necessitate the same level of scrutiny as certified maintenance work, which involves more comprehensive checks and potentially affects the operational integrity of the system. Similarly, while pre-dive checks are important, they are distinct from the definitive REC procedure that comes into play after certified maintenance. Lastly, emergency repairs, while critical, may follow a different protocol depending on the situation, and typically do not invoke the same documentation and verification processes as certified maintenance procedures do.