46 CFR §197.320

1. (a)Each diving ladder must—
   1. (1)Be capable of supporting the weight of at least two divers;
   2. (2)Extend 3 feet below the water surface;
   3. (3)Be firmly in place;
   4. (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. (5)Be—(i) Made of corrosion-resistant material; or
      1. (ii)Protected against and maintained free from injurious corrosion.
2. (b)Each diving stage must—
   1. (1)Be capable of supporting the weight of at least two divers;
   2. (2)Have an open-grating platform;
   3. (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—
      1. (i)Wearing a heavy-weight diving outfit; or
      2. (ii)Diving outside the no-decompression limits, except when a bell is provided; and
   4. (4)Be—(i) Made of corrosion-resistant material; or
      1. (ii)Protected against and maintained free from injurious corrosion.