Aim for the Top.

[Stampsalot]

Ok here's dumb question no 86.4.

So within recreational (no decompression) diving less than 30 meters, lets say within PADI AOW limits. If one was to completely freak out for one reason or another. One would be ok just to shoot for the surface?

The way I've been reading it is if you don't hold your breath, you should be alright, but safety stops etc etc are recommended. Oh and slower than their little bubbles!

(be kind I'm a total newb)

 

[eponym]

"Shoot for the surface?"
At thirty feet per minute, probably yes.
At sixty feet per minute (the old standard, which is about what your bubbles do), it depends.
But DCS can hit anyone on any dive, even when you've followed all the rules.

 

[iluvtheocean]

forget the bubbles -- that doesn't always work -- if you're diving with a computer -- follow the ascent rate recommended. but "shooting for the surface" implies not controlling the ascent rate so yes there is the possibility for trouble / DCS.

 

[3D diver]

30 meters? Shoot for the surface wouldn't be my first choice.

I once had a buddy blow through his air at about that depth and come to me for more. The first thing I did after giving him my octo was to get a firm grip on him and dump his BC, specifically to prevent him from shooting for the surface.

 

[Agility]

I'd expect the time you have spent at depth plays a crucial role.
All the same you should try to slow down your ascent as you get shallower.
The decompression models all are only valid within the ascent rate ranges tested.

 

[j_b78]

In an emergency, yes. Advisable, not really but a bend can be treated, drowning not so much.
The more you dive you'll find it is preferable to avoid situations and circumstances where that is a possibility.

Sent from my GT-P5110 using Tapatalk 2

 

[uncfnp]

Ok here's dumb question no 86.4.

So within recreational (no decompression) diving less than 30 meters, lets say within PADI AOW limits. If one was to completely freak out for one reason or another. One would be ok just to shoot for the surface?

The way I've been reading it is if you don't hold your breath, you should be alright, but safety stops etc etc are recommended. Oh and slower than their little bubbles!

(be kind I'm a total newb)

Stampsalot. No, it's not "ok" to just freak and "shoot to the surface", even at recreational limits. Better to learn to deal with stress and the potential for panic before you dive to any significant depth. If it is truly an emergency and the risk of a slow ascent out weighs the risk of DCS, as in OOA and there is no buddy able to assist, then you make a CESA and deal with the consequences if they occur.

And I have to ask, is this purely a theoretical interest of yours or do you have a concern that you might be at risk for this event?

 

[Stampsalot]

It's theoretical. Obviously it's better to not freak out. But I'm sure people have and just went straight for the surface. I won't be testing the limits out personally. I was wondering what would really happen in this situation how much is built in rules for my safety. i.e. occupational health and safety laws require all factory workers to wear bright yellow or orange vests and have very strict rules about it but really if you don't wear that fluro vest your not really going to die.

 

[iamjblevine]

Ok here's dumb question no 86.4.

So within recreational (no decompression) diving less than 30 meters, lets say within PADI AOW limits. If one was to completely freak out for one reason or another. One would be ok just to shoot for the surface?

The way I've been reading it is if you don't hold your breath, you should be alright, but safety stops etc etc are recommended. Oh and slower than their little bubbles!

(be kind I'm a total newb)

I think the big concern here is "shoot" to the surface. If you were to take 2 minutes surfacing from 30m. And you weren't in one of the grey boxes on the RDP, wasn't a cold water dive, and it wasn't a strenuous dive, then you are correct, the safety stop is optional; recommended, but optional. Any DCS hit you incur would technically be undeserved. Unfortunately your body, insurance company, and wallet don't care if the hit is deserved or undeserved. If you are concerned about something, work with an instructor, mentor, or good buddy to learn to deal with the panic and learn to break the chain. When you get more time take a good rescue class. That class is mrs about self rescue than anything. The will teach to to Stop, Breath, Think, Act.

 

[Stampsalot]

No not concerned as such. I'm all for rules. But I also like to know why and how they became the rules.