Tag Archive: ascent
How to Judge Your Ascent Rate Without a Dive Computer by Andy Davis Novice divers often express frustration about how to best conduct safe and controlled ascents from their scuba dives. In particular, I see many new divers questioning the best technique for judging their ascent speed. The common use of dive computers has automated […]
A Logical Application of Gradient Factors Settings for Open-Circuit Tech Divers by Andy Davis As an active technical diving instructor for many years, I see many tech divers struggling to use Gradient Factors to their full advantage. This article explains my own systematic and easily applicable approach to setting Gradient Factors for optimal off-gassing effect. […]
How to Dive with ‘Insta-Buddies’ by Andy Davis The term ‘insta-buddy‘ is popularly used within the scuba community to define a diver of unknown skill, capability and mindset – that you are paired with on a dive boat. Typically, this term is used to describe the worst case scenario; of a scuba dive buddy who […]
Choosing and Using A Redundant Air Source By Andy Davis Pony cylinders are a popular choice amongst divers who seek a redundant form of air supply as a contingency for Out-Of-Air (OOA) emergencies when scuba diving. There is a lot of debate about when, or if, a recreational open-water diver should need a redundant air […]
Scuba Q and A: How To Ascend When Diving? Q. How should a scuba diver ascend when scuba diving? Answer: Novice scuba divers are taught to ascend very slowly from depth – which is an appropriately simplistic ‘rule’ that helps them avoid a too fast ascent which could otherwise cause decompression sickness. However, there is […]
Best Ascent Speed for Scuba Diving by Andy Davis Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the dive training agencies to which he is affiliated. Information presented in this article is not intended to advocate breaching the Safe Diving Practices taught […]
Does Nitrogen Narcosis Impairment Persist? by Andy Davis. A new study on nitrogen narcosis challenges the long held presumption that nitrogen narcosis impairment dissipates immediately on ascent from depth. A scientific study, ‘Persistence of Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency Impairment; Evidence of Prolonged Nitrogen Narcosis,’ first published in 2012 in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, by Costantino […]
ANDI Ascent & Descent Procedures – Open Circuit Diving During all ANDI training courses, students are taught to follow a set system of procedures for ascent and descent. These procedures include a number of stops, to enable team cohesion, increase safety and conservative off-gassing. You don’t need to be an ANDI trained diver to appreciate […]
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