When to wear a RASS
Question
When do I have to wear a RASS?
Answer
General Guidelines
A Reserve Air Supply System (RASS) must be worn by NOAA Divers on OSHA-subject dives. In general, they are not required on dives that meet OSHA's Scientific Exemption, however, there are exceptions to this (see the "dives exempt from OSHA regulations" section below for more details). Read more about OSHA regulations on the NDP regulations page.
Dives Subject to OSHA Regulations
- Divers must always have a reserve supply of air. Divers can meet this requirement by using:
- For depths 0-30 feet: a spare air bottle
- For depths 0-130 feet: a RASS
Dives Exempt from OSHA Regulations (Scientific Exemption)
- Divers must use a reserve supply of air when diving:
- Outside of no-decompression limits
- In overhead environments
- In low visibility where diver cannot read his/her pressure gauge
- In enclosed/confined spaces
- Deeper than 100 feet
- Line tended solo diving
- Whenever Divemaster or Lead Diver directs divers to wear one
- Divers can meet these requirement by using:
- For depths 0-30 feet: a spare air bottle
- For depths 0-130 feet: a RASS