PADI open water max depth

[archman]

Yeah, DAN's standard plan gets old real quick. I think I only had it for one year.

 

[FatRob]

again, as i think most people have pointed out, these are recommended depths.

another time, also shortly after my OW class, i "semi-aborted" a dive. upon getting to the botton, the visibility was crap... maybe 10 feet. at that point, i decided to stick close to the anchor line and go no further. i had a great dive, all in about 20 square feet of ledge.

Yup 60 feet for OWD....

10 feet! That's good vis! my last dive we had 5 feet best... yuck! 40 ft and 36deg F water too! Have to say I found that challenging... but then I have zip all experience yet, so it was a good experience.... despite having to surface after losing sight of my buddy... he was probably all of 6 feet away! Well I'm sure that for some 5 feet is great vis too !!! Just emphasising the point that depth, while important, is not the only limiting factor!....

Could somebody confirm... but isn't the 60 feet a recommended maximum because you are able to make a swimming ascent from that depth, without excessive risk (In PADI's esteemed opinion) but beyond that there are potential issues with ascending that fast...?

 

[Walter]

This article from Aug '05 disagrees. Even DAN has a depth limit on their standard plan.

That depth limit is regardless of certification.

 

[Kevfin]

Obviously, the PADI limit can not be enforced. Charters or other operators may insist you follow the limit. But, once you have your tank filled, the limit is your choice.

Nothing stops you from going to greater depths. Well, except maybe a Dive Master if you're tethered to one.

Seriously, if you want to go deeper, build experience and work your way to deeper depths. Possibly with someone that has gone deeper than you. Everybody is affected by depth and narcosis differently.

The recreational limit is considered 130 fsw (with good reason). However, no one is going to pull your card (except possibly your maker) if you exceed this limit.

 

[garyfotodiver]

If these recommended depths are really legal limits, then I'm in big trouble. My daughter is PADI Jr. OW and we routinely go to 70fsw.

Also, now I know why the local PADI dive shop owner told me I couldn't go to 120fsw with an AOW card.

 

[garyfotodiver]

This article from Aug '05 disagrees. Even DAN has a depth limit on their standard plan.

Yeah, 130ft, the maximum recommended recreational depth.

 

[adurso]

So true Halthron....
I've worked in a lot of different places around the world -- by law, (and also usually insurance coverage wise - if you want a payout that is) your depth limit is determined by what card you have, regralardless of the number of dives you have under your belt, so PADI OW is 60ft/18m - though many places definatly take into account your expericnce and comfort level in the waters.

What law would that be? And who enforces said law?

 

[midwayman]

Bottom time is so short at 30m on air anyways.

 

[The Kraken]

The depth from which you cannot return to the surface alive.

the K

 

[DallasNewbie]

This article from Aug '05 disagrees. Even DAN has a depth limit on their standard plan.

From the article: "Lloyds TSB, have refused to pay out because the experienced diver went below their depth limit of 30 metres." That would be the max depth covered by the insurance company. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with the diver's certification, and it surely varies from insurance company to insurance company. IOW, don't use Lloyds TSB.