tables, naui vs padi
- Thread starter drglnc
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bahamasita
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From what I understand, both tables are conservative as a safety precaution. However, NAUI developed its tables based on the physiology of very physically fit divers such as Navy SeALs. PADI's dive tables are more conservative than NAUI's because they don't use Navy SeALs as their model. That said, both tables are good and as a beginner you don't want to go to the max time on either table for your dives anyhow. I would recommend a dive computer -- eliminates possibility of mistakes in your calculations, gives you more dive time because it recalculates your available air, nitrogen balance, etc.
Both tables evolved from the Navy diving tables. Both are conservative. PADI uses a different tissue half-time. NAUI's tables have 30 fpm ascent rate while the PADI table uses a 60 fpm. There are other minor differences. Both are based on Haldane. Run some profiles using each; not that far apart. One is not more conservative than the other.
Also, before you run off and buy a computer, learn to use your tables. Too many inexperienced divers advocate going right to a computer. Computers tend to make divers lazy and complacent. Also, while the computer may "give you more time" most new divers are limited by their air consumption and not bottom time.
Also, before you run off and buy a computer, learn to use your tables. Too many inexperienced divers advocate going right to a computer. Computers tend to make divers lazy and complacent. Also, while the computer may "give you more time" most new divers are limited by their air consumption and not bottom time.
The NAUI tables aren't particularly conservative compared to others available, but they are much more conservative than PADI's RDP.
Walter:
When you compare ascent rates, mulitple dives over multiple days, etc., I agree. Individual dives and divers will vary. That was my reason for the "one not more conservative than the other statement"; I could have worded it better.
Overall, if I have a choice, I will use the NAUI table over the RDP.
Even comparing repetitive dives on a single day, NAUI's are much more conservative. Comparing single dives, sometimes one table will be more conservative, somes the other. Neither is among the most conservative tables readily available.
Walter:
Exactly. When comparing single dives, one table will be more conservative and sometimes the other will. You stated better than I could.
David P
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While playin along with my NAUI tables as people ask questions about dive profiles in their homework I noticed that Naui is a bit more conservative in SIT.
Charlie99
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That's because the NAUI/SSI/YMCA tables are derived from the USN tables, which were designed to be suitable for surface supplied divers doing very long dives. The pressure groups and SI times are based upon a 120 minute halftime compartment.David P:
The PADI RDP was developed with recreational divers in mind and tracks the 60 minute compartment with the pressure groups and SI table.
For those unusual cases (extremely long shallow dives) where a compartment with halftime longer than 60 minutes is relevant, the PADI RDP has those special X,Y and Z rules that call out minimum SI times under special circumstances.
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