46 CFR 197.320: Diving ladder and stage.

(a) Each diving ladder must—

(1) Be capable of supporting the weight of at least two divers;

(2) Extend 3 feet below the water surface;

(3) Be firmly in place;

(4) Be available at the dive location for a diver to enter or exit the water unless a diving stage or bell is provided; and

(5) Be—(i) Made of corrosion-resistant material; or

(ii) Protected against and maintained free from injurious corrosion.

(b) Each diving stage must—

(1) Be capable of supporting the weight of at least two divers;

(2) Have an open-grating platform;

(3) Be available for a diver to enter or exit the water from the dive location and for in-water decompression if the diver is—

(i) Wearing a heavy-weight diving outfit; or

(ii) Diving outside the no-decompression limits, except when a bell is provided; and

(4) Be—(i) Made of corrosion-resistant material; or

(ii) Protected against and maintained free from injurious corrosion.