Something they didn't cover in my manual.

[Wijbrandus]

I'm lurking through the boards, and I keep seeing this same term - FSW. What is that?

I'm assuming it has something to do with depth, but I can't remember what the term is.

Anyone care to enlighten a rookie?

 

[CincyBengalsFan]

It should mean Feet in SeaWater (Ocean) but you never know on this board.

 

[Wijbrandus]

So why does it need a term? Is there a significant difference between salt and fresh to validate a salt water designater? Or is that just an older term that confuses the rookies like me? ut:

 

[WileEDiver]

Oops, you got the answer already.

 

[CincyBengalsFan]

Wijbrandus once bubbled...
So why does it need a term? Is there a significant difference between salt and fresh to validate a salt water designater? Or is that just an older term that confuses the rookies like me? ut:

Yes it does.

1 atmosphere of salt water is every 33 ft.

1 atmosphere of fresh water is every 34 ft.

 

[Walter]

Actually it's 33 fsw & 34 ffw.

 

[Wijbrandus]

Ok. So now I'm really confused.

Having only completed my open water, is this difference covered in advanced or deep? Is that why I don't know about it? Or is this a sign I need to review my books?

 

[Big-t-2538]

O.K...it should have been covered in your basic class...like seriously...this wasn't covered? that is another issue in and of itself.

FSW is Feet of Sea water...

1 atm (or 14.7 psig) is the pressure equal to 33 feet of sea (salt) water

1 atm (or 14.7 psig) is the pressure equal to 34 feet of freshwater.

The difference is due to the fact that salt water is denser than fresh water...

 

[Wijbrandus]

Great. Guess I'm reviewing my manual tonight.

I'm going on my first trip in December. If I can't dive with experience, at least I can dive with all the book knowledge I can pack in my head.

 

[CincyBengalsFan]

Walter once bubbled...
Actually it's 33 fsw & 34 ffw.

Yep, damn..my bad folks.