| -> | | | | regardless of whether the RDP (recreational Dive |
| I remember as a child my mother cooking with a | | | | Planner) deems it necessary. With regards to the |
| Pressure-Steamer, I was always fearful the pressure | | | | recommended ascent rate, again I would suggest |
| would explode the sealed pot so I often hid away | | | | that slower is better - the way I suggest this is to |
| from the sight, what I didn't realise was the lid had a | | | | consider your dive profile as a stepping process - |
| built in safety device. This is similar to diving in that | | | | reach your pre-planned depth for the pre-planned |
| there is a risk of insignificant nitrogen "Off-Gassing" | | | | time and then stage your ascent to different levels |
| during our ascents. | | | | i.e. 26 metres Max Depth for 12 minutes, the next |
| Diving has primarily always been about | | | | stage would be 18 metres for 4 minutes then 8 |
| Decompression, from day one the concerns of curing | | | | metres for 4 minutes then 5 metres for 4 minutes - |
| or to be more truthful preventing Decompression | | | | your ascent rate to each different level of the dive |
| sickness has always been the leader in Dive accident | | | | will be both slow and controlled. This example would |
| prevention. Although dive Tables and Computer | | | | give you an ascent time from 18 metres of 12 |
| Models are based on theoretical dive data, there is | | | | minutes as opposed to the recommended rate of 1 |
| still some element of risk and the only way to | | | | minute. This gives us plenty of time for the nitrogen |
| prevent Decompression Sickness is to not dive at all. | | | | in your body to "Off-Gas". |
| However there are also Lions in the Jungle, all we can | | | | As a responsible diver also ensure you are aware of |
| do as educated and safe divers is to ensure these | | | | the emergency action plan and have details of the |
| risks are at kept to their minimum. | | | | nearest Hyperbaric Chamber, have contact details for |
| Avoiding Decompression sickness is to stay hydrated, | | | | rescue contacts etc. do not rely on others having this |
| drink plenty of fluids avoiding alcohol both before and | | | | information they may be thinking the same about |
| after diving, and using re-hydration salts especially | | | | you remember. |
| when diving in hotter climates. Avoid strenuous | | | | Think Moving not Stationary |
| exercise during and after a dive, dive well within | | | | A safety stop, although defined as 5 metres for 3 |
| recommended limits and ensure both Actual Bottom | | | | minutes, can and should be extended where possible |
| Time and ascent rates are adhered to. The | | | | consider a 5 metre stop for 8 minutes, you do not |
| recommended rate is 18 metres in 60 seconds, with | | | | have to be stationary! Keep moving to your planned |
| a 5 metre safety stop where applicable. Personally I | | | | exit point enjoying the wonderful sights at this level |
| would recommend a safety stop after ALL dives | | | | and your dive will be both more enjoyable and safer. |