Ascent differences

[nueOWdivr4]

So in our OW class we studied the different types of ascents and the order (which one is best, 2nd best, etc.) but I was confused about two of the ascents and their differences. I asked the instructor (he wasn't our regular one, our regular was with a Rescue Diver class) and he didn't give a clear answer. My question was/is what is the difference between a normal ascent and a controlled emergency ascent? The only difference I can tell from the PADI Open Water book is during a controlled emergency ascent you make an "ahhhhhh" sound while ascending...I don't quite see what the major difference is between the two.

 

[do it easy]

The normal ascent is usually much slower and can include a safety stop at 15'/20'. You don't need to make the "aaahhhhh" sound because you should be breathing continuously, which prevents building up pressure in your lungs.

The controlled emergency swimming ascent (CESA) is an emergency procedure that assumes that you have no air left besides what is in your lungs. The goal here is to ascend no faster than 60'/min and exhale continuously so that your lungs don't burst as the residual air expands.

 

[alewar]

Check the CMAS books, perhaps you find some useful tips:

http://www.aquadivers.com/INFO AREA/English 1-3 Star Book/P1Eng.pdf

http://www.aquadivers.com/INFO AREA/English 1-3 Star Book/P2Eng.pdf

http://www.aquadivers.com/INFO AREA/English 1-3 Star Book/P3EngHC.pdf

 

[ronbeau]

The normal ascent is usually much slower and can include a safety stop at 15'/20'. You don't need to make the "aaahhhhh" sound because you should be breathing continuously, which prevents building up pressure in your lungs.

The controlled emergency swimming ascent (CESA) is an emergency procedure that assumes that you have no air left besides what is in your lungs. The goal here is to ascend no faster than 60'/min and exhale continuously so that your lungs don't burst as the residual air expands.

The most astounding part is that an instructor would not know the difference between a normal ascent and a CESA.

 

[nueOWdivr4]

well they did know the difference but did not explain it well enough so that i remembered it and understood it

 

[Bottomfeeder Brodie]

The most astounding part is that an instructor would not know the difference between a normal ascent and a CESA.

No kidding! Apples and oranges dude.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

The reason for the "aaahhhhhh" sound on an emergency ascent is to help you assure that you keep an open airway. The biggest danger for someone making a controlled emergency swimming ascent isn't the lack of air, it's their instinct to hold their breath ... in which case the expanding air as they ascend will blow holes in their lungs.

The most important difference between a normal ascent and an emergency ascent doesn't involve the mechanics of the ascent itself ... it's what's going on inside your head while you're ascending.

In a normal ascent, we're breathing normally, taking our time, and generally relaxed. In an emergency ascent, we only have the air that's in our lungs, we have only the amount of time it takes to use that air, and we're generally pretty stressed ... if not downright panicked. Underwater, stress is not your friend ... and panic is your deadliest enemy.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[nueOWdivr4]

alright thanks guys, i got it now

 

[salibandy]

I must have had some bad instructors, cause no one taught me to make that 'ahhh' sound. They just told me, keep breathing.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I must have had some bad instructors, cause no one taught me to make that 'ahhh' sound. They just told me, keep breathing.

Rather a challenge when one is OOA don't you think? The "AHHHH" is the back up to normal breathing assuming you are OOA. But if it is a true CESA, something tells me breathing normally will not happen..