Gas planning and the associated math - controversies over need and how to teach

[mksmith713]

Way too heated for my .02

 

[b1gcountry]

Azimuth straight out and back, and SPG for rule of halves (turning around at 1/2 SPG minus a small reserve) or rule of thirds is all you really need for NDL.

Until and if you get into tech diving, anything else would be a waste of time in OW1 or AOW.

This works most of the time, but will get them in a lot of trouble if they ever do a moderately deep square profile. You need significantly more air coming up than going down.

 

[24940]

Inappropriate in the sense that it goes beyond their ability to absorb and utilize it during their first course.

It is more appropriate to leave that concept for later courses.

Most appropriately either master diver or deco.

Most divers don't pursue MD or deco certs. Gas planning needs to be introduced as soon as possible and it need not be confusing if presented properly.

1/2 out, 1/2 back isn't a plan, it's a recipe for disaster. While the concept of gas planning in relation to dive planning is a new concept, most OW students understand it when explained in terms they understand and use already.

The issue isn't about the student's ability to learn the concepts, it's about the instructor's inability to teach them.