Decompression Theory and Tables

Teacher

Garth Edwin Winfield

Understanding Decompression Theory and Tables

The aim is to help learners understand the principles of decompression theory, covering the following key areas:

Foundation of Decompression
- Terminology of decompression
- Solubility of gases in liquid
- Transport of gas in the human body
- Gas elimination
Decompression Procedures
- Pre-disposing factors to decompression sickness
- Awareness of decompression tables for different models (including nitrox and mixed gas)
- Understanding dive profiles
- Limits of decompression tables
Altitude Diving
- Correction, calculations, and tables
Diver Monitoring
- Personal decompression computers
- Omitted decompression procedures
Emergency Procedures
- 100% oxygen procedures for treating diving emergencies
- Guidelines for flying after diving
Modes of Decompression
- No-stop dives
- In-water stage decompression
- Surface decompression
- Saturation decompression
- Hyperbaric treatment

Assessment Preparation

To prepare for assessment, engage in group work and create a short presentation covering the following topics:

Decompression Principles
- Discuss principles and limitations of decompression theory.
Decompression Procedures
- Describe procedures and equipment used for decompression.
Predisposing Factors
- List factors that may increase the risk of decompression sickness.
Decompression Tables
- Discuss tables for different gas mixtures, including nitrox and mixed gas.
Dive Profiles
- Identify and explain dive profiles.
- List limitations of decompression tables related to dive profiles.
Altitude Diving
- Discuss correction, calculations, and tables.
Diver Monitoring
- Discuss the importance of monitoring divers and using computers to record dive profiles.
Omitted Procedures
- Describe omitted decompression procedures.
Emergency Oxygen Procedures
- Explain emergency procedures involving 100% oxygen for diving emergencies.
Flying After Diving
- Discuss considerations for flying after diving in relation to decompression.
Modes of Decompression
- Describe various modes: no-stop dives, in-water stage decompression, surface decompression, saturation decompression, and hyperbaric treatment.

Course Features

Lectures 39
Quiz 0
Duration 10 weeks
Skill level All levels
Language English
Students 31
Certificate Yes
Assessments Yes

Garth Edwin Winfield

Greetings and welcome, I am an instructor at The Academy of Diving and Offshore Medicine. I have been a professional diver since 1996 and have worked extensively in both the commercial and recreational industries. I have specialized mainly in salvage, inspection and potable water systems during my career as an inshore diver. I have a deep passion for teaching and love imparting my knowledge and experience to all of my students and to assist in helping each student find a way to harness and develop their own knowledge and experience in diving. I teach a lot on the Class IV and III programs as well as assist on elements of the Class II program and Chamber Operator program. Additionally, I oversee the Class IV, III and II Learner Supervisor programs at the Academy. I also facilitate a lot of online coaching. If you have any questions or confusions about anything you may learn in the content and would like to ask, please feel free to contact me directly through this platform or via my work email at coaches@divingschool.co.za or my work WhatsApp at +27 73 898 7863 (I may be busy in the classroom or underwater but I will respond in time). I look forward to meeting you on your practical development and helping you find the best direction in your chosen career as a commercial diver.