If you dive in Southern California—or are planning to—there’s one event you’ll hear about again and again: Chamber Day and Chamber Eve. It’s not just another dive trip; it’s one of the most meaningful and impactful events in the scuba community.
At DiveCatalog.com, we’re passionate about helping divers not only choose the right gear, but also connect with the experiences that make diving so rewarding. Chamber Day is a perfect example—a chance to get in the water, give back, and support the very system that helps keep divers safe.
Hosted by the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber, this annual event brings together divers, clubs, and industry brands for a full day of diving, followed by an evening celebration. Even if you’re not local, you can still take part through the Flying Dutchman option, which includes a live stream of Chamber Eve from the Aquarium of the Pacific—making this a truly nationwide (and even global) community event.
Planning your next dive event? Shop reliable gear now at DiveCatalog.com and be ready for Chamber Day.
What Is a Hyperbaric Chamber and Why Does It Matter?
A hyperbaric chamber is a specialized medical facility used to treat scuba diving injuries such as decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism. Inside the chamber, patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which helps reduce bubbles in the body and safely eliminate excess nitrogen.
For divers, this treatment can be lifesaving.
When a diver ascends too quickly or exceeds safe limits, nitrogen that was safely dissolved under pressure can form bubbles in the bloodstream and tissues. A hyperbaric chamber reverses this process by simulating a controlled descent, allowing the body to recover safely.
The USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber plays a critical role in the Southern California dive community. Located at the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island near Two Harbors, it operates 24/7 to provide emergency care when every minute counts.
What makes it even more significant is how it’s supported. The chamber runs entirely on donations and volunteer efforts, meaning events like Chamber Day are essential to keeping it operational and ready when divers need it most.
For many divers, the chamber is something they hope to never use—but knowing it’s there provides an invaluable layer of safety and peace of mind every time they enter the water.
What Is Chamber Day / Chamber Eve?
Chamber Day is the largest single-day scuba charity event in the United States, centered around diving in Catalina and supporting the hyperbaric chamber that serves the entire Southern California dive community.
Here’s how it works:
- Chamber Day: Divers head out on boats for two dives, followed by a guided tour of the hyperbaric chamber
- Chamber Eve (Evening): A social fundraising dinner and raffle event held at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific
- Additional options: Virtual participation, or donations
One unique option is the Flying Dutchman, designed for divers and supporters who don’t live locally or can’t make it to Catalina. Participants can still be part of the experience by joining remotely, including access to a live stream of Chamber Eve hosted at the Aquarium of the Pacific. It’s a great way to stay connected to the dive community and support the cause, no matter where you are.
The event exists for one core purpose: to keep the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber operational 24/7/365—something every diver hopes they never need, but is incredibly important to have available. The chamber runs entirely on donations and the dedication of volunteers, making events like Chamber Day essential to its continued operation.
Why This Event Matters to Every Diver
The USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber is one of the most important safety resources for divers on the West Coast, providing lifesaving treatment for decompression sickness and other dive-related injuries.
What many divers don’t realize is just how vital community support is to keeping it operational:
- The chamber relies heavily on community funding and donations
- Chamber Day has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years
- Your participation directly supports diver safety across California
This isn’t just another dive event—it’s a critical part of the infrastructure that keeps the diving community safe.
How to Participate in Chamber Day
One of the best things about Chamber Day is that there are multiple ways to get involved, whether you’re local to Southern California or joining from afar.
Chamber Day (Diving)
Divers can join organized boats heading to Catalina for a full day of diving. This typically includes:
- Two-tank boat dives
- A great time with fellow divers and clubs
- A tour of the hyperbaric chamber at USC Wrigley Science Center on Catalina Island
It’s a great way to connect with the community while directly supporting an important cause.
Chamber Eve Celebration
Chamber Eve is the festive centerpiece of the annual fundraising efforts in support of the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. Each year, the diving community gathers for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and purpose. The event takes place in the Great Hall at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, creating a memorable setting for a meaningful cause.
Guests are encouraged to dress up, connect with friends, and enjoy an evening that blends elegance, excitement, and a shared commitment to supporting diver safety year-round. Often referred to as “scuba prom,” Chamber Eve is a night many divers look forward to all year.
Attendance Is Limited
- Capped at 350 guests (35 tables of 10)
- Most table sponsors are limited to one or two tables
- Many tables fill quickly
Early registration is strongly encouraged.
Tickets & Evening Schedule
Tickets are $175 per seat, with pricing held steady despite rising costs.
- 7:00–8:00 PM: Private Aquarium access
- 8:00 PM: Dinner (vegetarian/vegan options available)
- 9:00 PM: Program, recognitions, and raffle drawings
- 10:15 PM: Event concludes
Raffles & Prizes
Chamber Eve features approximately 20 “Pick-A-Prize” raffle items, along with additional prize opportunities throughout the evening.
Each ticket includes:
- Five general raffle tickets
- One Grand Prize entry
Grand Prize Highlight:
Win a week of diving in Roatán at Anthony’s Key Resort, including accommodations, diving, and meals (airfare not included).
Additional raffle tickets are available for purchase at the event, and only attendees (or virtual participants) are eligible for the Grand Prize.
Upgrade Your Experience: V.G.D. Package
Enhance your evening with the V.G.D. (Very Generous Diver) Package, available as a $50 add-on to your Chamber Eve ticket.
Includes:
- Early entry at 5:00 PM through a separate entrance
- Private outdoor lounge with seating
- Complimentary soft drinks + private cash bar
- Access to the Moon Jellies exhibit (5:00–8:00 PM)
- Appetizers served from 5:30–8:00 PM
- Five additional raffle tickets + one extra Grand Prize entry
- Early access to select exhibits, including Shark Lagoon
- Private lounge access until 9:00 PM
Limited to approximately 100 guests.
Flying Dutchman (Remote Participation)
If you can’t attend in person, the Flying Dutchman option makes it easy to still be part of the experience.
Participants can:
- Join remotely from anywhere
- Watch a live stream of Chamber Eve hosted at the Aquarium of the Pacific
- Contribute to the fundraiser and stay connected to the dive community
This option has made Chamber Day more accessible than ever, expanding its reach far beyond California and allowing divers everywhere to support a meaningful cause.
Chamber Day dives are fun, social, and memorable—but they’re still real dives. Most participants spend a full day on the water, often completing multiple dives from a boat.
Having dependable gear allows you to focus on the experience, not your equipment. Comfort, reliability, and familiarity with your setup all play a big role in making the day smooth and enjoyable.
At DiveCatalog.com, we recommend prioritizing gear you trust and have experience using—especially for event-style diving where conditions and schedules can vary.
Upgrade your setup before your next dive trip—browse DiveCatalog.com for trusted gear.
Essential Gear for Chamber Day Diving
Dive Computers: Stay Within Safe Limits
Even on event dives, your dive profile matters. A good computer helps track nitrogen loading, surface intervals, and ascent rates.
Garmin Descent MK3i Dive Computer
A powerful dive computer that tracks depth, dive time, ascent rate, and decompression information, helping divers stay aware of their profile throughout the dive. It also features built-in GPS for marking entry and exit points at the surface, making it a great tool for navigation and logging dive sites. On land, it doubles as a full-featured smartwatch.
Exposure Protection: Comfort for Long Dive Days
Catalina water temps can vary, and multiple dives mean extended exposure.
Bare 7mm Evoke & Reactive Wetsuit
Stay warm and comfortable on every dive with the Bare 7mm Evoke & Reactive Wetsuit, designed for optimal thermal protection in cooler waters. Built with advanced materials and a performance fit, they deliver flexibility, durability, and all-day comfort.
Stay warm and comfortable — shop wetsuits at DiveCatalog.com
SMBs & Safety Accessories: Smart, Responsible Diving
Boat diving events mean increased traffic. Visibility and signaling matter.
Akona Surface Marker Buoy w/ 20M Spool Combo
Stay visible and dive with confidence using this 6-foot high-visibility buoy features a durable design and integrated line-lock for smooth, controlled deployment every time. A key safety tool that helps ensure you're visible and accounted for during and after your dive.
Tips for Making the Most of Chamber Day
To get the most out of the experience:
- Arrive with serviced gear — avoid last-minute issues
- Plan your air consumption — two dives in one day
- Stay hydrated and fueled—
- Listen to boat briefings carefully—
- Take the chamber tour seriously—it’s rare access
Most importantly, remember that you’re diving for a cause.
FAQ: Chamber Day / Chamber Eve
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What is Chamber Day in scuba diving?
- Chamber Day is a major annual scuba diving fundraiser that supports the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. Participants typically enjoy two boat dives, followed by a tour of the chamber, while contributing to an important cause within the dive community.
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What is Chamber Eve?
- Chamber Eve is the evening portion of the event, typically held at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific. It includes dinner, raffles, fundraising activities, and opportunities for the dive community to gather and celebrate.
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Do I need to be an advanced diver to participate?
- No. Many Open Water certified divers participate in Chamber Day, provided they are comfortable with boat diving and basic dive conditions.
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Why is the hyperbaric chamber dependent on this event?
- The USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber operates entirely on donations and volunteer support. Events like Chamber Day and Eve are essential for helping fund ongoing operations and ensuring the chamber remains available year-round for emergency treatment.
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What is the Flying Dutchman option?
- The Flying Dutchman option allows divers and supporters who are not local to participate remotely. This includes the ability to watch a live stream of Chamber Eve from the Aquarium of the Pacific and still contribute to the fundraising effort while staying connected to the dive community.
Conclusion: Dive With Purpose
Chamber Day and Chamber Eve represent the best of the scuba community—adventure, connection, and giving back. They serve as a reminder that diving isn’t only about what happens underwater, but also about the people, resources, and systems that support divers above the surface.
At DiveCatalog.com, we’re proud to support divers at every level, whether you’re gearing up for your first dive or preparing for your next Chamber Day.
Get event-ready gear you can trust—shop now at DiveCatalog.com
