On a decompression dive, you first descend to your maximum planned depth. You then ascend gradually making all required decompression stops as calculated.<\/strong><\/p>\nThese stops are typically made for between 1-15 minutes at depths between 15-60 feet, but vary per the dive profile. Never omit required stops and follow your computer or tables precisely.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe deepest stops help flush nitrogen from fast tissues like blood and muscles. The shallow stops help release nitrogen from slower tissues like fat and bones.<\/p>\n
Decompression stops are mandatory and substantially increase dive times. But they allow divers to return safely after pushing depth and bottom time limits.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Decompression Dive Planning Essentials<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nDecompression dives demand greater planning, gas supplies, and experience. Key factors to consider include:<\/p>\n
<\/span>Gas Consumption<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n
\n- <\/i> Increased breathing rates at depth consume more gas.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Deco stops increase dive times, using more gas.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Multiple decompression tanks may be needed for longer dives.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Choose tank sizes to allow ample reserves at all depths.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
<\/span>Nitrogen Absorption<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n
\n- <\/i> Limit depth and bottom times based on dive computer or tables.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Plan conservatively – ascend early to minimize decompression obligations.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Allow adequate surface intervals between repetitive dives to offload nitrogen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
<\/span>Decompression Times<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n
\n- <\/i> Check tables or computer to determine required stop times\/depths.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Add reserves for contingencies – delays, currents, low gas, etc.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Inform shore contacts of expected surface interval.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Record runtimes and gas consumption to refine future dive plans.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
<\/span>Backup Gas Supplies<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n
\n- <\/i> Carry redundant decompression gas supplies in case of primary regulator failure.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Stage additional decompression gas tanks along the ascent line where required.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Plan sufficient reserves to cover longer run times, delays, and emergencies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
<\/span>Emergency Procedures<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n
\n- <\/i> Review responses e.g. blown safety sausage deployments, buddy breathing ascent.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Ensure the ability to deploy surface marker buoy from any depth.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Have oxygen and first aid kit on site for treating DCS.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Know emergency contact procedures if a diver is lost or incapacitated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
<\/span>Mandatory Decompression Diving Equipment<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nDecompression dives require specialized equipment configurations to stay safe.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Multiple Large Gas Tanks<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n
\n- <\/i> Standard 80 cf<\/strong> tanks drain quickly at depth. Larger 120+ cf sizes are required<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Multiple staged decompression tanks may be needed to complete longer profiles.<\/li>\n
- <\/i> Use multiple first stages with isolator valves for gas switching during ascent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n