Which agency regulates commercial diving operations in the United States?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the agency responsible for regulating commercial diving operations in the United States. OSHA establishes and enforces standards to ensure safe working conditions for all employees, including those engaged in diving activities. Their regulations cover various aspects of diving, including safety protocols, equipment requirements, and training standards necessary to protect workers from the unique hazards associated with underwater environments.

Regulating commercial diving operations is critical because diving involves various risks, such as decompression sickness, drowning, and equipment failure. OSHA's standards help to minimize these risks by providing guidelines that need to be followed by employers and dive supervisors. Compliance with OSHA regulations is essential for ensuring that divers operate in a safe and healthy manner, which is why this agency is pivotal in overseeing these operations.

The other agencies listed, while important in their respective areas, do not specifically focus on the regulation of commercial diving operations. For instance, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration primarily deals with oceanic and atmospheric research, the Environmental Protection Agency centers on environmental protection and regulation, and the Coast Guard focuses on maritime safety and security but does not specifically regulate the commercial diving industry in the same manner that OSHA does.