What defines a Level I Chamber in relation to diving operations?

A Level I Chamber is specifically designed to support surface decompression procedures for divers who may have suffered from decompression sickness. This type of chamber allows for a controlled environment where divers can receive treatment and safely decompress after a dive. The defining characteristic here is the capability to facilitate surface decompression that includes a 5-minute interval, which is essential for managing and mitigating the risks associated with diving-related injuries.

The other options do not align with the established definition of a Level I Chamber. For instance, a chamber being located far from a dive site does not inherently categorize it as Level I, as proximity is not a defining operation criterion. Similarly, while a certified recompression chamber is critical, the specific requirement of being at least an hour away is not a defining feature of Level I status. Finally, the use of a chamber for underwater research is unrelated to the treatment of decompression sickness and does not pertain to its classification in diving operations.