312.16. Lifeline: Subject to section 312.19, a diver must be tethered to the surface by a lifeline.
The lifeline must(1) be made of cord(a) of material other than natural fibre or monofilament polypropylene;
(b) at least 12 mm in diameter;
(c) whose total minimum length is 15 m greater than the length used underwater;
(d) with a breaking strength greater than 20 kN; and
(e) free of knots and splices, except at the ends where only splices are allowed;
(2) be secured, on the surface,(a) to an anchorage point that ensures a breaking strength greater than 20 kN, for surface-supply diving, unless that point is a boat that cannot ensure that strength, in which case the cord must be secured to an anchorage point as solid as possible; or
(b) to an anchorage point that ensures a sufficient breaking strength when the lifeline is at its maximum tension, for scuba diving; and
(3) be attached to a diving harness.
In addition, the lifeline must(a) allow to transmit line signals, pull a diver up or stop a diver’s movement underwater; and
(b) protect the air hose and communication cable against tension when it is integrated into an umbilical.
O.C. 425-2010, s. 3; O.C. 1104-2015, s. 3.