PADI Recompression Chamber Operator / Tender [Distinctive]
Operate recompression chambers safely, support hyperbaric treatments, and manage diver emergencies with precision
Duration
5 days
Max Depth
Up to 30m / 100fsw (chamber exposure)
Level
Professional / Hyperbaric Operations
Next Step
Diver Medical Technician (DMT) / Hyperbaric Technologist
Overview
The PADI Recompression Chamber Operator / Tender (Distinctive Speciality) course trains divers and professionals to support and participate in hyperbaric and recompression chamber operations.
This program introduces the principles of hyperbaric medicine, chamber systems, and treatment procedures, preparing candidates to assist in real-world recompression scenarios under supervision.
Training combines theoretical knowledge, facility operations, and controlled chamber exposure, focusing on safety, communication, and operational discipline in high-risk environments.
At N9BO℠, this course is delivered as operational systems training, where candidates learn to function within a chamber team, manage procedures, and support diver treatment with precision.
Course Facts
- Course name: PADI Recompression Chamber Operator / Tender (Distinctive Specialty)
- Level: Professional / hyperbaric support
- Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 21, Divemaster (or equivalent) recommended
- Ratio: flexible, based on facility capacity (small groups recommended for quality training)
- Configuration: Certified recompression chamber facility (monoplace or multiplace), gas supply systems, communication systems, treatment tables
- Depth / environment: Chamber exposure up to 30m / 100fsw, all exposures conducted under controlled conditions
- Format: Knowledge development + facility operations + in-chamber practical training
- Duration: Minimum 15 hours classroom; Minimum 15–20 hours chamber operations; Includes USN TT5 and TT6 treatment scenarios
What You’ll Learn
- Understand hyperbaric principles and recompression theory.
- Operate and monitor recompression chamber systems.
- Assist with treatment tables (US Navy TT5 / TT6).
- Manage gas supply systems and chamber controls.
- Conduct pre- and post-operational checks.
- Support diver casualty management and oxygen delivery.
- Perform basic neurological assessments.
Prerequisites
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Divemaster or equivalent recommended.
- Be medically fit for hyperbaric exposure.
- Prior oxygen provider / first aid training strongly recommended.
FAQ
A chamber operator or tender is responsible for managing chamber operations, monitoring treatments, and supporting patients and medical staff during hyperbaric therapy.
Yes. The course includes in-chamber exposure and operational scenarios, allowing you to experience procedures and understand treatment environments firsthand.
Chamber exposures are conducted up to 30 metres / 100 feet, within controlled treatment profiles.
You will be introduced to standard US Navy Treatment Tables, including:
- US Navy Treatment Table 5 (USN TT5)
- Maximum Depth: 60 feet of seawater (fsw) / 18 meters of seawater (msw).
- Total Time: Approximately 135 minutes (2 hours and 15 minutes) of “bottom time” (time at depth), excluding descent time.
- Total Elapsed Time: With compression/decompression, the total treatment takes over 2 hours.
- US Navy Treatment Table 6 (USN TT6)
- Maximum Depth: 60 feet of seawater (fsw) / 18 meters of seawater (msw).
- Total Time: Oxygen Cycles: The table consists of 4 oxygen cycles (20 minutes on 100% oxygen, 5 minutes on air) at 60 FSW, followed by 2 cycles (60 minutes on 100% oxygen, 15 minutes on air) at 30 FSW (9 MSW).
- Total Elapsed Time: The total, base elapsed time is 4 hours and 45 minutes (285 minutes).
These are core protocols used in decompression illness treatment.
No. This course prepares you to assist in operations, not to act as a medical professional. Treatment decisions remain under qualified medical supervision.
Ready to Enter Hyperbaric Operations?
Send us your background and operational goals. We’ll train you to operate within recompression chamber environments with discipline, safety, and control.
Go Pro with PADI Recompression Chamber Operator / Tender Instructor
Advance into professional roles and train others in recompression chamber operations, treatment procedures, and hyperbaric system management.
