Decompression Diver2023-06-14T17:10:17+00:00
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I remember the dive that I realized I wanted to become a decompression diver. I was diving for a week in the Florida Keys, seeing all the shipwrecks I could. I was using nitrox to get longer bottom times and surface intervals, I had steel cylinders for maximum air volume. I got down to the wreck for our second dive, excited to explore the other half of it and looked at my computer – I had 10 minutes of no decompression time left. That’s when I realized I needed to figure out how to stay longer.

Maybe that’s your inspiration too, seeing more of the shipwreck. Maybe you want to learn what “no decompression time” actually means. Maybe it’s the first step for you to reaching new depths with trimix.

Learning to plan and execute dives with mandatory decompression will change all of your diving and open the door to new dive sites and opportunities. It’s the gateway into “technical diving”.

This program is designed to give you a wealth of “backend knowledge” for technical diving. We’ll review the history of decompression research to lay the foundation for the current understanding, and keep our minds open for the future of decompression. These topics will be covered in person or via video chat. Then, we’ll hit the water to practice the necessary skillsets for decompression diving.

Double cylinders (sidemount or backmount) and at least one decompression cylinder is the basic kit required for the course. Decompression diving requires specific dive equipment, which we will discuss as part of the program.

  • Familiarity in sidemount or doubles – preferably through an introductory course conducted by a technical instructor – is necessary before enrolling in a decompression procedures program.
  • Nitrox certified.

Video call 1: History of decompression research

Video call 2: Dive planning

Video call 3: Equipment for deco diving

Day 1:

AM – 2x Shallow dive

PM – video review and gear tweaking

Day 2:

AM – 2x Mid depth drills dive

PM – Video review and fills

Day 3:

AM – 2x Deep dives

PM – Video review and fills

Day 4:

AM – 1x Deep deco dive

PM – Course wrap up

Becoming a decompression diver is a big step. You should come into the course with an open mind and be ready for dive myths to be challenged. Our in water days will be long and will challenge your dive abilities. You should expect to have a lot of fun, but work hard.

  • eLearning courses or books
  • Academic and in-water instructional time

There are 4 major elements to a decompression course. These elements are the focus of the training program and all decompression diving after the course.

Fun

Decompression diving is a hobby. It’s meant to be enjoyable. Having fun has to be the focus of the activity. If we’re exposing ourselves to unnecessary risk, getting hurt, or being so task loaded we can’t see the wreck then we are missing the ultimate goal of the activity.

Procedures

The best way to mitigate risk in decompression diving is using team based procedures. This includes dive planning, pre-dive checks, gas switch procedures, and debriefs. Learning and implementing these procedures is the mark of diver who understands the risks of the activity and is focused on enjoying the hobby.

Equipment

There is equipment that is inappropriate in the decompression environment. Developing the knowledge of what makes things work and not work for decompression diving is the hallmark of a competent diver.

Understanding

All decompression divers need to understand the risk of the activity. They also need to have a good grasp on the “why” for procedures. It’s important that divers can back up their decisions because the alternative – blind trust of an anecdote – is not appropriate when diving at this level.

Warning

All text on this site is the opinion of the site creator. Information contained here does not serve as a representation of any affiliations, entities, or agencies that the author may be affiliated with otherwise. Scuba diving requires training with a certified and qualified instructor. Specialty areas of scuba diving require specialty training courses. The information on the website is not a substitute for any training as is presented as an educational supplement.
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