Multiple Dives Daily

[Blackrock]

Do I have to worry about anything if I do multiple dives per day for about 2 weeks? (Please answer within the context of these hypothetical parameters)

Always within No Deco limits
Proper body hydration
Minimal alcohol use at night (& not every night)
Maybe one day off after 7 days
Proper ascent rates
Not overweight (body fat)
Not out of shape, but not in great caridovascular shape (I don't go to the gym often)
Plenty of sleep
Not much strenuous top-side

Planning on doing about 50 dives in 2 weeks. That's close to 4 per day.

Thanks for all your responses!

 

[PerroneFord]

Yes, you have things to worry about. And if I was planning on something like that alcohol would be strictly out, I'd take a day off every 4 days, and I'd try to clean up on oxygen on the last dive of each day.

That's just me. I'll be interested in seeing what others have to say on this. But to me it sounds like a recipe to get bent.

 

[Jimmer]

I agree with Perrone on this, absolutely NO alcohol when planning a schedule like that. O2 would be very wise if you have it available to you. Depending on the depths, 4 dives might be pushing it, and I would also recommend getting lots of sleep at nights.

 

[Darnold9999]

I have done as many as 29 dives in a 6 day period with no ill effects.

However - no alcohol, slow ascents, extra time at safety stops and tropical easy diving. Pretty much stayed within air limits using nitrox as a "safety" cushion. If your dive buddy is diving air this is easy.

Wouldn't even think about doing that kind of diving in local water.

 

[Nick_W]

Blackrock, no offense or anything, but I think you and your buddy need to seriously evaluate whether or not you're ready for all of the things you're planning. Between this thread and the night diving thread I get the feeling you may be getting in just a bit over your head.

 

[ianr33]

Kind of depends how deep/long the dives are IMHO. If every dive is nudging an NDL and you only do short safety stops then you might have a problem.

Take good surface intervals,dont push NDL's, do Loooong safety stops and you should be fine.Listen to your body. If you feel unduly tired take a break.

I'm sure many resort divemasters do that many dives routinely.

 

[ianr33]

I agree with Perrone on this, absolutely NO alcohol when planning a schedule like that. O2 would be very wise if you have it available to you. Depending on the depths, 4 dives might be pushing it, and I would also recommend getting lots of sleep at nights.

Using O2 if you are not trained for it is asking to get hurt! How deep are you going to breathe it? Are you SURE! How are you going to get 02 fills?
Bad idea.

 

[Dirkadiver]

It's hard to say without knowing profiles, but I'm w/ Perrone. 4 dives/day for 14 days will be pushing it. I'd bypass the booze & take a couple of 24hour breaks during the 2 weeks. A couple of years ago, I did a long weekend (3 days) of 4 dives/day & depending on how you're getting to & from the dive sites, will be an endurance test. I think if you let us know where you're headed, it will shed some light on potential profiles & dive sites.

 

[PerroneFord]

Using O2 if you are not trained for it is asking to get hurt! How deep are you going to breathe it? Are you SURE! How are you going to get 02 fills?
Bad idea.

Surface o2, not in water.

 

[gangrel441]

Nick - That seems a bit harsh...

Blackrock - I have been on two trips so far where I have logged 4-5 dives a day for 5-6 consecutive days. Stay conservative, keep hydrated, avoid alcohol like the plague, and listen to your body. If you feel fatigued or uncomfortable, don't be afraid to relax and skip a dive here and there. 5 dives would most likely be two morning dives, two afternoon dives, and a night dive. That is quite a pace to keep up, and you probably will taper off.

If you are doing that many dives during the week, consider taking your AOW while you are down there. It probably will not cost much relative to the trip, and most of the course is actually diving, vs. classroom time. After doing that course, you will probably be much more comfortable with night diving and the diving in Bonaire in general. AOW boils down to a good excuse to get at least 5 dives in with an local instructor as your guide. Also, you may want to get Nitrox certified before you head down there, as you can use Nitrox to increase your safety margins.

Most of all, enjoy the diving, and enjoy the vacation! Dive as much as you like (within obvious limitations), but feel pressured to dive so much that your enjoyment of the trip is diminished.