What is the minimum manning required for a dive team?

The minimum manning required for a dive team is typically established to ensure safety and effectiveness during dive operations. A four-person team is commonly recognized in many diving standards and guidelines because it provides a structure that incorporates critical roles essential for the safety of both the divers and the dive operation.

In a four-person team, the roles can be divided effectively: one diver in the water, another diver as a standby with clear communication and monitoring responsibilities, a tender on the surface managing the diving equipment and assisting the diver, and a supervisor overseeing the entire operation. This configuration ensures that there is adequate support and backup in case of emergencies. The presence of a supervisor is crucial for maintaining safety protocols and decision-making.

Having just three individuals can lead to gaps in safety management, especially as it would eliminate the dedicated supervisory role necessary to manage operations effectively and respond to unexpected situations. Therefore, a four-person setup significantly enhances the team's ability to operate safely and efficiently, underlining why this is recognized as the minimum requirement for dive teams.