What is the purpose of a decompression chamber in diving operations?

• A. Provide a controlled environment to administer decompression and treat decompression sickness if required.
• B. To store extra gas.
• C. A place to rest after a dive.
• D. Equipment storage.

Answer: (A)

A decompression chamber provides a controlled, pressurized environment to manage decompression and treat decompression sickness when needed. By re-creating higher ambient pressure, dissolved inert gas (like nitrogen) is encouraged to stay in solution and any gas bubbles can be reduced in size, which helps prevent or treat symptoms. The chamber also allows administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, delivering 100% oxygen at elevated pressure to accelerate nitrogen elimination and improve tissue oxygenation. This setup is specifically used for controlled decompression procedures and medical treatment after dive-related symptoms, not for storing gas, resting after a dive, or equipment storage.