Multiple Dives Daily

[lmorin]

In case you feel like some 'light' reading on the topic:

Lang, M.A. and R.D. Vann (eds.). 1991. Proceedings of the AAUS Repetitive Diving Workshop. Duke University, NC. 339 p.
RRR ID: 4243

AAUS Workshop Executive Summary (NOTE: this was written in 1991 so some recommendations have changed):

Although diving is a relatively safe activity, all persons who dive must be aware that there is an inherent risk to this activity. Currently, the risk of decompression illness in the United States is estimated at 1-2 incidents per 1,000-2,000 dives for the commercial diving sector, 2 incidents per 10,000 dives for recreational diving activities and 1 incident in 100,000 dives for the scientific diving community.
..........
It must be kept in mind that DCS is a probabilistic event.

My take is that sure, you can go ahead and dive your schedule. But, that should be done with complete recognition that (according to your profile) you are a novice diver and that your body may rebel along the way. My warning is very simple: Pay attention to your body. If it says to slow down, do so. Otherwise, have lots of fun!

 

[Ana]

My take is that sure, you can go ahead and dive your schedule. But, that should be done with complete recognition that (according to your profile) you are a novice diver and that your body may rebel along the way. My warning is very simple: Pay attention to your body. If it says to slow down, do so. Otherwise, have lots of fun!

This is a great sugestion.
My first thought when I read the OP was: well, this is what you plan to dive but unless there is a bet or some kind of promise to a higher entity, somewhere along the plan you'll skip a dive just because you'll be tired. In addition to that, there is the ever present weather, this factor goes above anybody's control and always rules ocean dives.
As far as mixing night dives in between, I'd say you better. That way you'll have enough time in between dives. Unless you get spook in the dark, the same rules apply day or night.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

The replies above all offer great advice. I would offer a few additional suggestions:

1. Use a computer - it will track residual nitrogen over the entire two weeks from each 24 hour period to the next.

2. Use Nitrox.

3. Set the computer to "Air".

For all the reasons mentioned above you are pushing limits.

Remember that many, many young fit divers have found themselves bent when they never technically exceeded the No-Decompression Limits on their dives. Residual nitrogen and decompression are imperfectly understood, plus there are so many different variables that impact these processes that what may bend one diver may not bend another...so "hard and fast" rules are difficult to identify.

By diving nitrox on a computer set for air you are maximizing your safety by building in tremendous conservatism. Considering that you're planning a schedule of 4-5 dives per day for two weeks, thats not a bad idea.

Another point is that you're likely to get cold on that schedule - even diving in extremely warm water. Take this from someone who lived on Guam for a few years. Ensure you bring a wetsuit that is up to the task.

Best,

Doc

 

[jon m]

1. Use a computer - it will track residual nitrogen over the entire two weeks from each 24 hour period to the next.

2. Use Nitrox.

3. Set the computer to "Air".

this is also my plan for roatan this spring. planning on 20-25 dives in 1 week...

 

[jeckyll]

The replies above all offer great advice. I would offer a few additional suggestions:

1. Use a computer - it will track residual nitrogen over the entire two weeks from each 24 hour period to the next.
....
Best,

Doc

Heretic!



Seriously, I trained with an instructor who happened to be very anti-computer, did deep dark technical dives and said what scared him was 'vacation diving with many dives during the day'.

I would add to all the good tips above: Make sure you have slow ascents. Keep bubble size small and also ensure you take longer stops. Maybe to 3 minutes at 20 feet and 3 minutes at 10 feet. Give you body a chance to off gas without rushing to the surface.

Just my $0.02

 

[Blackrock]

Thanks to all that replied, especially Doc Intrepid and Ann Marie. I really appreciate the replies and advice from all of you.

My buddy and I will seriously consider all the advice and try to maximize our fun while maximizing safety.

What will likely happen is: We will do 4 dives a day for the first 3 days and then start to get tired and cut it back. We'll take at least 2 days off, if not that plus a few half days.

I wanted to get a reaction to the plan for the most amount of diving we would be doing. Check the ABC Islands forum for my trip report in mid-January.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I'm planning a 3-week Indonesia trip coming up in March ... we're figuring somewhere around 60 dives for the trip. Our strategy is very slow ascents -- spending a lot of time in the shallows before surfacing -- using nitrox every chance we get -- early to bed/early to rise -- no booze -- every 4th day is a "deco day".

... Bob (Grateful Diver)