{"id":7143,"date":"2025-01-08T12:50:23","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T04:50:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/?p=7143"},"modified":"2025-01-08T12:50:23","modified_gmt":"2025-01-08T04:50:23","slug":"gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/","title":{"rendered":"A Logical Application of Gradient Factors for OC Tech Divers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Logical Application of Gradient Factors Settings for Open-Circuit Tech Divers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">As an active <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/what-is-technical-diving\/\">technical diving<\/a> instructor for many years, I see many tech divers struggling to use Gradient Factors to their full advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article explains my own systematic and easily applicable approach to setting Gradient Factors for optimal off-gassing effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Disclaimer:<\/strong> <em>Any opinions provided in this article only reflect my own successful approach to decompression using gradient factors. Dives requiring staged decompression are substantially more risky than dives that stay well within no-stop limits. No strategy can guarantee to protect every diver from <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/types-decompression-sickness-dcs\/\">DCS<\/a> injury. Consequently, I reserve liability for any decisions you may make. Never risk your life on only one source of information. If you choose to make riskier dives, obtain the proper training and work up to them slowly to gain experience.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Article Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#What-Gradient-Factors-to-Use\" >What Gradient Factors to Use?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#The-Barrier-of-Gradient-Factor-Theory\" >The Barrier of Gradient Factor Theory<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#Dont-be-intimidated-by-gradient-factors-theory\" >Don&#8217;t be intimidated by gradient factors theory<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#Gradient-Factors-in-CCR-Diving\" >Gradient Factors in CCR Diving<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#Become-A-Shearwater-Power-User-eBook\" >Become A Shearwater Power User! (eBook)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#Gradient-Factors-for-Open-Circuit-Tech\" >Gradient Factors for Open-Circuit Tech<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#Setting-Gradient-Factor-Low\" >Setting Gradient Factor Low<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#Match-the-first-deco-stop-with-the-first-gas-switch\" >Match the first deco stop with the first gas switch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#Maximize-off-gassing-as-the-priority\" >Maximize off gassing as the priority<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#Avoid-back-gas-deco-stops\" >Avoid back gas deco stops<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#There-is-safety-value-in-habitual-routine\" >There is safety value in habitual routine<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#GF-Low-%E2%80%93-Example-Use\" >GF Low &#8211; Example Use<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#GFLo-example-1\" >GFLo example 1<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#GFlo-example-2\" >GFlo example 2<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#Setting-GF-High\" >Setting GF High<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#DCS-susceptibility-is-a-bell-curve\" >DCS susceptibility is a bell curve<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#Judging-your-DCS-tolerance-takes-a-lot-of-dives\" >Judging your DCS tolerance takes a lot of dives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#Summary-of-my-GF-setting-method\" >Summary of my GF setting method<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#About-The-Author\" >About The Author<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factors-application-use-settings-open-circuit-tech\/#Purchase-my-exclusive-diving-ebooks\" >Purchase my exclusive diving ebooks!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-Gradient-Factors-to-Use\"><\/span>What Gradient Factors to Use?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2011 NEDU &#8216;Deep Stop&#8217; study cast free-gas models in a less favorable light. Those results, coupled with follow-on commentary from subject-matter authorities, like Simon Mitchell, reversed the trend toward deep-stop profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The popularity of Buhlmann ZHL-16C with Gradient Factors ascended back into supremacy&nbsp;amongst both the&nbsp;tech community and technical computer manufacturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As of 2019, nearly every single legitimate <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/best-technical-diving-computer\/\">tech computer<\/a> comes loaded with an iteration of the ZHL-16B\/C algorithm with gradient factor control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"scuba-b4-h2-2\" style=\"margin-top: 10px;margin-bottom: 10px;\" id=\"scuba-522440327\"><div class=\"scuba-adlabel\">Sponsored Link<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9354033900485448\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9354033900485448\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2393012471\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"false\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The-Barrier-of-Gradient-Factor-Theory\"><\/span>The Barrier of Gradient Factor Theory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From my observations, the biggest actual difficulty that divers encounter when using gradient factor controlled algorithms is that setting the high\/low variables demands some explicit knowledge of dissolved-gas decompression theory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I guarantee that some readers probably just took a mental leap towards the door just from having heard those words mentioned.&nbsp; Don&#8217;t run away yet folks &#8211; I have promised a simple and logical system, and that isn&#8217;t dependent on reading PhD-level papers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"211\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-settings-decompression-300x211.jpg\" alt=\"gradient-factors-use-settings-decompression\" class=\"wp-image-7153\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-settings-decompression-300x211.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-settings-decompression.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To be fair, dissolved-gas decompression modeling is not a particularly lightweight subject at face value; and that in itself can be sufficiently daunting to deter many&nbsp;divers from sinking their teeth into it.&nbsp; The subject can even intimidate some technical diving instructors from attempting to teach it (<em>but they should&#8230;whatever happened to subject-matter <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/what-is-diving-experience-diving-expertise\/\">expertise<\/a>?<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont-be-intimidated-by-gradient-factors-theory\"><\/span>Don&#8217;t be intimidated by gradient factors theory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The consequence of this understandable reluctance is that many divers allow themselves to be content with only using gradient factors on constant, arbitrary, default settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or they will seek information about &#8216;<em>the best gradient factor settings<\/em>&#8216; from online forums and groups &#8211; where they&#8217;ll invariably absorb misleading or inappropriate direction that is completely out-of-context to their actual needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest context misunderstandings arising from gradient factors debates is whether the participants are discussing open-circuit (OC) or closed-circuit (CCR) diving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gradient-Factors-in-CCR-Diving\"><\/span>Gradient Factors in CCR Diving<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rebreather divers use constant set-points that continuously deliver an optimal breathing gas mix throughout the bottom and deco phases of a dive. As they are unconstrained by carrying only a few pre-set mixes, their choice of gradient factors doesn&#8217;t need to consider off-gassing efficiency or slow-tissue on-gassing as major controlling factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the CCR diver, gradient factors can be chosen merely through personal physiological preferences (<em>i.e. what makes them feel best after a dive<\/em>), or in line with a prevailing agency or team philosophy. However they choose to shape their ascent curve, they will always be breathing an optimal mix whenever and wherever they stop. Higher\u00a0off-gassing efficiency is assured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An open-circuit technical diver who &#8216;mimics&#8217; gradient factor preferences gleaned from a CCR diver&#8217;s perspective will inevitably fail to extract such an optimal outcome &#8211; especially where deeper stops may be an attraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Become-A-Shearwater-Power-User-eBook\"><\/span><strong>Become A Shearwater Power User! (eBook)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-stretch is-layout-constrained wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/233171\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Shearwater-Settings-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Shearwater Power User Settings GF Gradient Factors eBook\" class=\"wp-image-26260\" style=\"width:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Shearwater-Settings-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg 652w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Shearwater-Settings-Book-Cover-Image-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Shearwater-Settings-Book-Cover-Image-768x1206.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Shearwater-Settings-Book-Cover-Image-96x150.jpg 96w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Shearwater-Settings-Book-Cover-Image.jpg 794w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-column-is-layout-12dd3699 wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background\" style=\"line-height:1.3\">An Illustrated Guide to Gradient Factors and Advanced Shearwater Computer Settings for safe scuba diving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"line-height:1.3\"><strong>42 Pages. Printable PDF format. Fully Illustrated.<\/strong> <strong>$9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/233171\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><\/strong><\/a><\/strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/233171\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Become A Shearwater Power User eBook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.313), 18px);\">As featured on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=zTjVXugn-m0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DiveTalk Podcast<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"scuba-b4-h2-3\" style=\"margin-top: 10px;margin-bottom: 10px;\" id=\"scuba-3032490110\"><div class=\"scuba-adlabel\">Sponsored Link<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9354033900485448\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9354033900485448\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6151212517\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"false\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gradient-Factors-for-Open-Circuit-Tech\"><\/span>Gradient Factors for Open-Circuit Tech<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned, open-circuit technical divers aren&#8217;t fed a constant stream of optimally blended gas throughout each phase of their dive. Instead, they&#8217;ll have pre-filled cylinders of gas that&#8217;ll be used at varying phases; a bottom mix, perhaps a travel mix, and one or more deco mixtures (<em>typically 50% and 100%<\/em>). These gasses are breathed in distinct depth ranges, throughout which the off-gassing efficiency is variable (<em>except O2<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, the open-circuit technical diver must consider how their gradient factor settings promote off-gassing efficiency when bearing in mind the gas mixture actually being breathed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We use two gradient factor settings to determine our ascent profile: low and high. It&#8217;s generally written as GF low\/high &#8211;<em> i.e. GF 30\/70 would indicate that GF low is 30 and GF high is 70<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Setting-Gradient-Factor-Low\"><\/span>Setting Gradient Factor Low<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In a nutshell, the Gradient Factor Low (GFlo) setting determines at what depth the first decompression stop will be mandated. The lower the number, the deeper the first stop will arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using dive planner software, the diver can experiment with variable GFlo settings. For any given dive profile, they will notice that they have complete control over their initial stop depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, where is a logical place to first stop?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Match-the-first-deco-stop-with-the-first-gas-switch\"><\/span>Match the first deco stop with the first gas switch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ll suggest that an ideal first stop depth should coincide with the initial gas switch depth, <em>i.e. the MOD of the first mixture switched to during ascent<\/em> &#8211; whether that is an appropriately calculated trimix travel gas or just the 50% deco gas on shallower tech dives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This assumes that the diver will (1) opt for a 50% deco mix as their first-choice initial deco gas mix, and (2) that diver will use an appropriate travel gas when using hypoxic trimix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, I am not a big fan of back-gas deco. The sole purported benefit from <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/deep-stops-richard-pyle\/\">deep stops<\/a> (<em>on back gas<\/em>) is micro-bubble management. That may be a philosophical or holistic attraction to some, but it inevitably costs the diver with respect to greater slow-tissue on-gassing and, thus, longer overall deco obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maximize-off-gassing-as-the-priority\"><\/span>Maximize off gassing as the priority<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Forgive me for perhaps being obtuse, but I thought the driving aim of decompression was to actually get rid of inert gas, not to load more of it deeper into our tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Back-gas decompression stops only benefit slightly through the diffusion value of leading (faster) tissues. Fast tissues, and fast-tissue <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/sub-clinical-decompression-sickness-stress-micro-bubbles\/\">micro-bubbles<\/a>, will be more than adequately resolved in the early phases of accelerated deco anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note: <em>Of course, there may exist certain very extreme hypoxic dives whereby the diver simply can&#8217;t carry enough cylinders to enable gas switches at the significant depths where <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/why-do-deep-divers-use-helium\/\">helium<\/a> fast-tissue micro-bubble control might be advantageous. That said, who even does very extreme hypoxic dives on open-circuit nowadays?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avoid-back-gas-deco-stops\"><\/span>Avoid back gas deco stops<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I am also not a fan of ascending on back gas when I have a much more optimal mix to breathe. I want to utilize a deco gas immediately from its MOD for the maximal off-gassing I can achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;ve got it, use it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you&#8217;re going to use it, why not slow your ascent down with a schedule of shorter stops up until your longer decompression depths occur? All that you&#8217;re really doing is slowing a 9-10m per minute ascent down to a 3m per minute ascent. Your gas switch is providing you with adequate differential for off-gassing, so there&#8217;s no need to rush once switched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"There-is-safety-value-in-habitual-routine\"><\/span>There is safety value in habitual routine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s another big benefit behind this simple GFlo system &#8211; it consistently determines your first stop at the same depth &#8211; that being the gas MOD\/switch depth.&nbsp; Consistency and simplicity are great things in technical diving &#8211; they help&nbsp;prevent human factors errors (<em>i.e. screw-ups<\/em>) from occurring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you rely upon a constant, or default, gradient factor low &#8211; then your first stop depth will vary from one dive profile to another. That increases the risk of confusion leading to omitted stops.&nbsp; You&#8217;re much less likely to make a critical error if you always begin your staged decompression from the MOD of your first gas switch, especially if you consistently opt for the same standard mixes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"GF-Low-%E2%80%93-Example-Use\"><\/span>GF Low &#8211; Example Use<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, for example: on a typical extended-range or normoxic trimix dive, I will usually be carrying a cylinder of 50% deco gas. As the MOD for that gas is 21m\/70ft, I will use my planning software to adjust my GFlo setting until it calculates my first deco stop at that same depth. Easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At that time\/depth, and once switched onto my 50%, I can be confident that I am neither loading my slow tissues nor missing out on a more optimal off-gassing differential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"GFLo-example-1\"><\/span>GFLo e<strong>xample 1:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In this example (<em>planned on Multi-Deco using ZHL-16C<\/em>) the diver uses the default Shearwater setting of <strong>GF30\/70<\/strong> for a 20-minute air dive to 40m with 50% deco mix.&nbsp; &nbsp;You can see that even on this lightweight tech dive, the algorithm mandates the first stop at 18m &#8211; above the optimal gas-switch depth for the 50% mix carried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"499\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-40m-Default-GF-30-70-1024x499.jpg\" alt=\"40m-Default-GF-30-70\" class=\"wp-image-7155\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-40m-Default-GF-30-70-1024x499.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-40m-Default-GF-30-70-300x146.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-40m-Default-GF-30-70-768x374.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-40m-Default-GF-30-70.jpg 1082w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A simple downwards tweak of GFlo to a setting of <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">25<\/span>\/70<\/strong> drops our first mandated stop down to 21m. This corresponds with our mix MOD and gas switch. The runtime increases by 1 minute to reflect the length of that extra stop. However, we have simplified our ascent plan and added some extra conservatism with respect to the extra 1 minute of off-gassing.&nbsp; For those concerned over micro-bubbles, the deeper stop on a richer mix will have some extra effect on faster-tissue bubble resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"494\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/zhl16-use-gradient-factors-use-40m-Default-GF-30-70-1024x494.jpg\" alt=\"gradient-factors-use-40m-Default-GF-30-70\" class=\"wp-image-7165\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/zhl16-use-gradient-factors-use-40m-Default-GF-30-70-1024x494.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/zhl16-use-gradient-factors-use-40m-Default-GF-30-70-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/zhl16-use-gradient-factors-use-40m-Default-GF-30-70-768x370.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/zhl16-use-gradient-factors-use-40m-Default-GF-30-70.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"GFlo-example-2\"><\/span>GFlo example 2:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s look at the opposite case &#8211; in this instance a 50m dive, also for 20 minutes using air and 50%.&nbsp; Again, we start with the Shearwater default settings of GF <strong>30\/70<\/strong>.&nbsp; We can see that the model now mandates the first stop at 24m.&nbsp; This is below our deco mix MOD of 21m. During this stop, we can assume that our slow-tissue will further on gas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-50m-Default-GF-30-70-1024x495.jpg\" alt=\"gradient-factors-use-50m-Default-GF-30-70\" class=\"wp-image-7157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-50m-Default-GF-30-70-1024x495.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-50m-Default-GF-30-70-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-50m-Default-GF-30-70-768x371.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-50m-Default-GF-30-70.jpg 1066w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In this instance, a small upwards refinement of GFlo to a <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">40<\/span>\/70<\/strong> setting neatly coincides our first designated stop with our deco mix MOD. In doing so, we have cut 2-minutes from the overall run-time; a result of eliminating stop time that served no benefit, along with avoiding the consequent slow-tissue penalty that had to be paid in the shallow deco (<em>6m and 3m stops<\/em>) phase of the dive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"491\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-50m-Adjusted-GF-40-70-1024x491.jpg\" alt=\"-50m-Adjusted-GF-40-70\" class=\"wp-image-7158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-50m-Adjusted-GF-40-70-1024x491.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-50m-Adjusted-GF-40-70-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-50m-Adjusted-GF-40-70-768x368.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-50m-Adjusted-GF-40-70.jpg 1074w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Even in these small-scale examples, the principles start to demonstrate where systematic adjustment of GFlo promotes both decompression efficiency and conservatism benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"scuba-b4-h2-4\" style=\"margin-top: 10px;margin-bottom: 10px;\" id=\"scuba-2976359418\"><div class=\"scuba-adlabel\">Sponsored Link<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9354033900485448\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9354033900485448\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2954736365\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"false\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Setting-GF-High\"><\/span>Setting GF High<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gradient Factor High (GFhi) setting determines the overall length of decompression, with a ratio bias towards shallow\/O2-range decompression. The lower the number, the longer the decompression mandated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This boils down to a rather simple means of controlling the overall conservatism of your deco dive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If GFhi 100 (%) is zero conservatism (raw <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/understanding-m-values-eric-baker\/\">m-value<\/a>), then any deduction from that number is a % conservatism value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, a GFhi setting of 70 equates to 30% conservatism below that absolute safety threshold.&nbsp; A GFhi of 85 gives just 15% conservatism. Simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"256\" height=\"197\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gradient-factors-use-setting.jpg\" alt=\"GF settings\" class=\"wp-image-7150\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Obviously, I won&#8217;t try to suggest how much conservatism YOU need in YOUR decompression schedules. It&#8217;s a personal factor &#8211; and should take account of both your specific physiology and long-term and day-to-day DCS predisposition factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A nominal setting for one diver may be hyper-aggressive for another. And vice-versa.&nbsp; There&#8217;s no magic formula to arrive at an ideal setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Experienced technical divers pay close attention to their post-dive vitality and learn to tailor their conservatism based on subtle (<em>or not so subtle<\/em>) feedback from inside their bodies.&nbsp; Less experienced divers have to build up their experience and gain reliable confidence in how much DCS tolerance they have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DCS-susceptibility-is-a-bell-curve\"><\/span>DCS susceptibility is a bell curve<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>DCS susceptibility is a bell curve and you have to accrue lots of experience to learn where you float on that demographic spread.&nbsp; Some people won&#8217;t symptomatically bend after ridiculously fast ascents or huge amounts of missed deco. Others can bend on the most benign of shallow no-stop dives. Everyone else lies somewhere in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may call me a prude, but I&#8217;d suggest that it&#8217;s best to learn your tolerances&nbsp;<em>without<\/em>&nbsp;having to visit a recompression chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll never be aware of the occasions when you WOULD have gotten bent but were otherwise saved by a sufficiently conservative schedule.&nbsp; You&#8217;ll only ever learn such a definitive lesson if you do get bent.&nbsp; Try to avoid that lesson &#8211; it sucks. Just ask anyone who&#8217;s learned it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Judging-your-DCS-tolerance-takes-a-lot-of-dives\"><\/span>Judging your DCS tolerance takes a lot of dives<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Likewise, don&#8217;t think that a few hundred dives are anywhere near sufficient to have determined your general DCS susceptibility.&nbsp; You have to dive enough times, inside a given range, to have given the ill-omened stars ample chance to align and try to kick your arse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So in that respect, start with a low GFhi and slowly throttle back your conservatism over many, many repeated dives. Patience and self-discipline help with the application of that strategy. If\/when you feel physically sub-optimal post-dive, it&#8217;s time to back off and drop your GFhi down a notch, or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary-of-my-GF-setting-method\"><\/span>Summary of my GF setting method<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For a given dive, identify the MOD of the first gas you&#8217;ll switch onto during ascent (<em>appropriate<\/em>&nbsp;<em>travel gas or 50%<\/em>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjust the GFlo to coincide the first stop with your first gas switch at MOD.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If that happens to provoke a significant variation in stop depth, take some time to apply common sense and also reconsider what gasses you might use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjust the GFhi to provide an overall level of prudent conservatism for the deco.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s it.&nbsp; Super easy-peasy and you no longer need to dive using default gradient factor settings or lurk on techie internet forums listening to irrelevant debates by CCR divers&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those wishing to read more, I have written a case-study example of three Gradient Factor profiles on a 60m trimix dive:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/gradient-factor-comparison-60m-trimix-decompression-dive\/\">A Gradient Factor Comparison Using A Simple 60m Trimix Dive Case-Study<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-medium is-resized is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/andy-davis-technical-diving\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"296\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1-300x296.png\" alt=\"Andy Davis Technical Sidemount Wreck Diving Subic Bay Philippines RAID Courses Training\" class=\"wp-image-6812\" style=\"width:225px;height:222px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1-300x296.png 300w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1-1024x1009.png 1024w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1-768x757.png 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-constrained wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About-The-Author\"><\/span>About The Author<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"274\" height=\"77\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/bmc-button-1-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27046\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/bmc-button-1-1.png 274w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/bmc-button-1-1-250x70.png 250w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 274px) 100vw, 274px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/andy-davis-technical-diving\/\">Andy Davis<\/a> is a <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/raid-diving-courses-philippines\/raid\/\">RAID<\/a>, PADI TecRec, ANDI, BSAC, and SSI-qualified independent technical diving instructor who specializes in teaching <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/sidemount-courses\/\">sidemount<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/technical-diving-courses\/\">trimix<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/technical-diving-courses\/\">advanced wreck<\/a> diving courses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently residing in <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/subic-bay-wreck-diving-sites\/\">Subic Bay, Philippines<\/a>; he has amassed more than 10,000 open-circuit and CCR dives over three decades of challenging diving across the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Andy has published numerous diving magazine articles and designed advanced certification courses for several dive training agencies, He regularly tests and reviews new dive gear for scuba equipment manufacturers. Andy is currently writing a series of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/extras\">advanced diving books <\/a>and creating a range of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redbubble.com\/people\/andydavistech\/shop\">tech diving clothing and accessories<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prior to becoming a professional technical diving educator in 2006, Andy was a commissioned officer in the Royal Air Force and has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Belize, and Cyprus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2023, Andy was named in the &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/gue.com\/blog\/sidemount-andy-davies\/\" target=\"_blank\">Who&#8217;s Who of Sidemount<\/a>&#8221; list by GUE InDepth Magazine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-palette-color-7-color has-vivid-red-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-dd81a6de961563c5bf17302e4376cbd2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Purchase-my-exclusive-diving-ebooks\"><\/span>Purchase my exclusive diving ebooks!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/233191\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Gas Management For Scuba Divers Book\" class=\"wp-image-26264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg 652w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-768x1206.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-96x150.jpg 96w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image.jpg 794w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/233171\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Become A Shearwater Power User Book\" class=\"wp-image-26382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-652x1024.jpg 652w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-768x1206.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-978x1536.jpg 978w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-95x150.jpg 95w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/111242\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-652x1024.jpg 652w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-768x1206.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-96x150.jpg 96w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE.jpg 794w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/262907\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A Comprehensive Guide to Backplate &amp; Wing BCDs\" class=\"wp-image-26808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg 652w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image-768x1206.jpg 768w, 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