The members of the Canadian Association of Diving Contractors, (C.A.D.C.), abide by the C.S.A. Standard Z275.2-92 and Provincial Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. These standards and regulations state that self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (S.C.U.B.A.) shall not be used in confined spaces, contaminated environments, or where there is a chance of entrapment.  The standards explain what minimum crew size (four), equipment (surface supplied), training (Occupational Surface Supplied Unrestricted 50M), are required for a commercial diving crew with to enter the above locations, and only after safe work planning determines that there are no other uncontrollable hazards to the diver's health is an entry made into these environments.  

Without the appropriate support, sending a diver into a life-threatening situation without proper backup and equipment to insure that the rescuer would not become the victim would have been the wrong thing to do. It is the responsibility of the diving supervisor (or in the case of the tragedy in British Columbia – the Coast Guard Crew Leader) to act within the limitations of his/her crew and equipment - and the regulations that govern such operations.  

Regulations and procedures address the safety of the working diver.  As sad as the decision may be to not to attempt a rescue (or a recovery), it would be inexcusable to ignore the regulations that are in place to prevent harm to the rescuer that may result in yet another tragedy.

Rules and regulations are made for a reason. There are no exceptions when considering the safety of the diver.

CADC Board of Directors.