An Open Water diver must have at least a basic decompression method

Scuba diving is considered as a sport with risks. This is a fun sport activity for a very large number even for children from 10 years. Beginners completely trust their guides during their first dives and they forget those risks. Especially when the risks are invisible.

Decompression sickness and decompression illness can threaten your life

In this post I will not talk about decompression. We will have opportunity to discuss later. Beginners quickly forget the risks associated with decompression once they are certified. That’s understandable. This is a phenomenon that is discussed during the Open Water course theory briefly, where it should take at least 2 full days to cover the theme applied to the scuba diving. Today research still continues to better understand decompression.

Open Water divers who want to dive as an autonomous diver, I mean without dive guide but with a buddy, each diver must have a decompression method ». What is it ? This is actually a set of tools that allow you to estimate the amount of dissolved gases in your body during your dives, and thus determine the appropriate procedure for your ascent to the surface.

Use your dives tables within you Open Water crewpak

Among the instruments that you can use after your certification is dive tables + depth gauge + timer :

• In the PADI Open Water kit, a submersible copy of the PADI dive table RDP (Recreational Dive Planner) is provided. This table is suitable for recreational dives to 40 meters. You can take it with you underwater.
• The depth gauge is often integrated into the console of your regulator near the air gauge. This is a mechanical manometer with two needles. When the pressure increase, the main needle will tell you your current depth. This needle will also push the second one and memorize your maximum depth during your actual dive.
• The timer is nothing other than a waterproof watch that tells you your bottom time. Failing to have a timer, you can of course use a watch. This requires you to remember the time when you enter the water, and mentally calculating the time you spent at the bottom at the end of your dive.

Learn to use a basic decompression method

This combination dive tables, depth gauge and timer is probably the best way to dive safely. You learn to plan your dives and dive your plan. Throughout the PADI Open Water, I aware my students of the consequences of decompression. Therefore, I involves them in their first dives. They plan their dive and simulate a repetitive dive. It is good habit that they must acquire.