Planned exceptional exposure dives require approval from which authority?

• A. CO (Commanding Officer)
• B. CNO (Chief of Naval Operations)
• C. Diver's Medical Officer
• D. Diving Supervisor

Answer: (B)

Planned exceptional exposure dives push beyond standard risk limits, so the authority that approves such exceptions must be the Navy’s highest-level policy maker for diving safety. The Chief of Naval Operations is responsible for Navy-wide diving policy, risk criteria, and the formal approval of exceptions to established limits. This ensures a consistent, fleet-wide acceptability of risks and the allocation of resources and oversight needed for such high-risk operations.

The other roles operate within those policies. A Commanding Officer can authorize operations within approved limits for their command, but they don’t set or approve fleet-wide policy exceptions. A Diver’s Medical Officer reviews medical fitness and risk for individuals but does not grant authorization to exceed standard exposure limits. A Diving Supervisor plans and supervises dives to be performed safely within the approved framework, not to grant policy-level exceptions.