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Royal Malaysian Navy's Hyperbaric Expertise Aids Recreational Divers
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Health & Science

Royal Malaysian Navy's Hyperbaric Expertise Aids Recreational Divers

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) uses its hyperbaric facilities, known as Recompression Chambers (RCC), to treat recreational divers suffering from Decompression Sickness (DCS).
  • TLDM operates 14 RCCs across various types and locations, prioritizing naval operations but also treating civilian divers when necessary.
  • Between 2022 and 2026, TLDM's RCCs treated 61 recreational divers, with civilian cases in Lumut being referred to the local military hospital.

The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) extends its capabilities beyond national defense, offering vital hyperbaric treatment to recreational divers through its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) program. The navy's Recompression Chambers (RCC), typically used for military operations, serve as a critical lifeline for divers experiencing Decompression Sickness (DCS).

DCS occurs when inert gas absorbed by the body during diving cannot be naturally expelled due to not adhering to safe ascent rates or decompression schedules, among other factors.

— Commander Mohammad Kamil bin Abdul Rahman TLDMExplaining the medical condition that necessitates hyperbaric treatment.

According to Commander Mohammad Kamil bin Abdul Rahman, the Officer in Charge of KD DUYONG, DCS occurs when dissolved inert gases in the body cannot be expelled safely during ascent. Symptoms range from joint pain and numbness to paralysis and life-threatening conditions, necessitating prompt hyperbaric treatment.

Symptoms experienced by victims include joint pain, numbness or weakness in limbs, dizziness, shortness of breath, and in serious cases, can lead to paralysis or be life-threatening if hyperbaric treatment is not administered.

— Commander Mohammad Kamil bin Abdul Rahman TLDMDescribing the severity of Decompression Sickness.

TLDM maintains a fleet of 14 RCCs, including Ten Men, Six Men, and Two Men Two Compartment types, strategically positioned to support both naval diving operations and broader medical needs. While KD DUYONG's RCC is primarily for naval requirements, civilian divers with diving illnesses in the Lumut area are directed to the 96 Armed Forces Hospital.

The TLDM's RCC facilities are also used by civilians, limited to treating diving illnesses, subject to assessment and approval by a Diving Medical Officer (DMO) before implementation.

— Commander Mohammad Kamil bin Abdul RahmanClarifying the accessibility of the hyperbaric chambers to the public.

From 2022 to 2026, TLDM's hyperbaric facilities provided treatment to 61 recreational divers from the civilian community. This initiative highlights the navy's commitment to public safety and its role in supporting recreational activities within Malaysia's maritime environment.

However, the RCC at KD DUYONG is prioritized for supporting TLDM's operational needs. Treatment needs for civilians around Lumut will be referred to 96 Armed Forces Hospital, Lumut.

— Commander Mohammad KamilDetailing the referral process for civilian patients.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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