The USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber is one of only two hyperbaric chambers in the US that operated with a Volunteer Crew (Pacific Grove Chamber being the other). It is only with the support of our Volunteers that we are able to maintain a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year coverage. Our daily on-call crew consists of one Supervisor and three to four crew members. Only the Director, a half-time Technician, and a half-time Administrative Assistant receive any compensation – both are also active crew members. Locally at the Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) and town of Two Harbors, we have approximately tenvolunteers who cover most of the chamber call during the weekdays. The large majority of the crew (approx. 60 active crew members) live on the mainland and come to the WMSC to spend 3 – 7 days at a time taking call. Although most are from Southern California, our volunteers have come from all around the United States and several countries. Most of them are active recreational, scientific, military, or commercial divers; however, their backgrounds and livelihoods are extremely diverse. What they do share though, is an active interest in the care of divers who find themselves in trouble.
Information on how to become a Chamber Crew Volunteer can be found at: Becoming a Chamber Volunteer.