by John Benson

Created on: August 06, 2009

Divers often refer to decompression as a glass ceiling. Decompression diving is about passing this ceiling at the right time and doing so in a safe and competent manner. Below is a brief description of what decompression diving is, and some tips on for safer and better decompression diving.

What is decompression diving?:

Decompression diving refers to a dive that exceeds the usual decompression time/depth limits. The ourpose of decompression diving is really to allow divers longer on the bottom of where they are diving. It releases the diver from many of the restrictions that divers face. But the limiting of these restrictions also means the dive is open to greater risks, and requires the diver to be experienced and competent.

What this means is that on the ascent the diver will need to make one or more decompression stops. If the diver fails to make the decompression stops then they can suffer from decompression sickness, or the bends.

Decompression diving isn't for the occasional diving amateur, nor for those who do not wish to accept the risks that decompression diving can have. But for those who are experienced and able enough, below are some tips for making the most from decompression diving.

Tips for decompression diving:

* Keep it simple. If you are beginning decompression diving, or this is your first dive don't do anything complicated. No decompression dive should be planned with more than one stop on your ascent until you are completely comfortable with your own ability to maintain depth etc. Never do anything which you cannot control, or which exposes you to risk.

* Imagine every dive is a decompression dive. There is some evidence to suggest that every dive is really a decompression dive, or should be treated as such. Safety stops should be a part of any 'normal' dive as are slow ascents. Therefore many of the techniques that make a good diver, also make you a good decompression diver. That is a very good way t improve, and extend your diving abilities by ensuring you always foolwing the besr practice in every dive, which means you will be a safe decompression diver.

* Make sure you have the hardware. Most dive computers will allow you to plan some form of decompression dive. Start small, and trust in your computer as it isn't going to cheat, give you a few more seconds, or just let you see whats round that rock! Oh. And please make sure you know and understand all of your computers decompression functions. You don't want to

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