Max Depth for AOW

[DevonDiver]

In addition to maximum 'recommended' and 'training' depths, we also have to look at the maximum depth to which a diver is trained.

Given the contents of the OW and AOW course, the diver's training does not exceed a basic understanding of narcosis, buddy techniques, rudimentary ascent (with safety stop) techniques. There is no training in decompression, emergency decompression, gas management, redundant gas systems, advanced ascent procedures or narcosis management.

In reality, the limitations of training reflect a 30m/100ft depth limitation; beyond which the diver is at greater risk of narcosis, exceeding NDLs, gas depletion and DCI.

Specialised 'Deep Diver' training, should provide the outstanding training and knowledge required for sub-30m/100ft dives, up until the limit of no-decompression diving.

At no point will a PADI recreational diver recieve any training in effective decompression procedures. This effectively prohibits safe diving beyond the NDLs formulated by tables or individual dive computers. In practice, this makes any depth beyond 40m/130ft 'off-limits' to the PADI recreational diver.

 

[FritzCat66]

I got my AOW with PADI and then took the SSI Deep Diver cert mostly so I could dive within recreational limits (40m/130') without anyone being able to rightfully accuse me of "diving beyond my certification". But I must say that the Deep Diver cert really didn't teach me anything I hadn't already learned from my AOW training, just more emphasis on gas management and the effects of nitrogen, etc.

Not that the extra emphasis is a bad thing, mind you.

 

[String]

just more emphasis on gas management and the effects of nitrogen, etc.

To be fair those are pretty much the only important things between 30 and 40m

 

[DevonDiver]

just more emphasis on gas management and the effects of nitrogen, etc.

You could say the same thing about a technical extended range course.....

 

[koozemani]

I was taught 130' for recreational diving. I've never pushed it much past 100', never had a reason to.

 

[Bob DBF]

Max Depth for AOW

When asked what the maximum depth for our submarine was, the reply was "all the way to the bottom".

The proper question is how deep can you go and safely return to the surface.

You need to answer the question because you are the one going down and it is your life.

Bob
------------------------------
I am not to be used as an example.

 

[DevonDiver]

The proper question is how deep can you go and safely return to the surface.

You need to answer the question because you are the one going down and it is your life.

Technically, I agree with that. However, I doubt many divers have sufficient understanding of the full spectrum of issues and dangers involved with making that personal decision. Instead, they choose based on "what they are happy with", which tends to be a subjective view based on their psychological comfort and level of percieved anxiety. In addition, the sublime effect of narcosis can impact on that self-assessment of capability.

Any diver who feels sufficiently capable of exceeding agency recommended limits should have a very strong and rational basis to do so.

This should be rooted in a comprehensive familiarity with the risks and issues involved. Due to the subjective and often inaccurate nature of this self-assessment, a second-opinion from a knowledgeble authority (instructor/mentor or more experienced peer) is a very wise consideration.

 

[rk288]

PADI and NAUI 100 ft for the courses I took.

 

[Mayor]

For me the tank or tanks would also play a factor, not to mention gases. For example you will not get me any deeper then 80 feet on an AL80.

 

[SilverNU]

thanks for the input..

Im fairly new to diving.. I would rather not have any "mandatory" deco.. by accident or otherwise.. for quite awhile.

I also want to be on firm ground and more experienced before I even think about doing anything beyond my limits. Just have to make sure to know why my limits are.