Descent rate

[Divin'Papaw]

What is the standard (is there such a thing?) descent rate? How long do you take to get down to, say, 60'? How about 100'?

Is it important to descend slowly, or if you don't have any problem equalizing, can you sink like a rock without any problems?

 

[landlocked]

What is the standard (is there such a thing?) descent rate? How long do you take to get down to, say, 60'? How about 100'?

Is it important to descend slowly, or if you don't have any problem equalizing, can you sink like a rock without any problems?

Limited only by how fast you can clear your ears.

 

[Footslogger]

Limited only by how fast you can clear your ears.

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Completely agree and it varies from dive to dive for the same person. There are days I can cut a pretty mean chogie down the anchor line and others where I have to go at it a lot slower.

'Slogger

 

[D_O_H]

I've seen some people say that narcosis can be more pronounced if you make a quick descent. I haven't noticed this effect though.

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

Agencies (I think) and the Navy (for sure) recommend 70 fpm, but you can go down as fast as your ears will let you.

Bear in mind that fast descents to narcotic depths usually make the narcosis more pronounced, and remember in cold water laying on your power inflator for a long blast at the last minute is a good way to freeze a first stage.

For me and my diving, last one to within 5-10 feet off the bottom loses. Anyone who hits the bottom gets emasculated back on-land in a round of guffaws.

 

[VinceDS]

Limited only by how fast you can clear your ears.

I agree as well. There are times my buddy and I have done a reverse "Polaris" to 150'. As long as you can clear your ears and equilize the pressure in your mask you should have no problems...

 

[Dan Gibson]

Dive bombing can be dangerous.

 

[DumboDiver]

I agree, as fast as you can equalize.

 

[VinceDS]

Dive bombing can be dangerous.

Yes, I know... I have, in the past, hit the power inflator on the wings a bit late

But, when you are doing a "hot drop" sometimes you have no choice.

 

[Dan Gibson]

Others might suggest a hot drop is not the way to do it. For example, if in current, drifting into the site from up current may be the better choice if the boat captain permits this method. It isn't just about having to hammer an inflator if you get ahead of the inflator speed.

Yes, I know... I have, in the past, hit the power inflator on the wings a bit late

But, when you are doing a "hot drop" sometimes you have no choice.