8
Higher Risk Dive Profiles
The user must understand that all decompression devices (decompression tables
and/or dive computers) are based on mathematical models and that many experts
are currently concerned that these models may not under certain conditions
adequately describe the physiological phenomena. These conditions are presently
identified as dives which incorporate the following:
- REVERSE PROFILES where the diver spends most of the dive at shallow
depths and then descends to the maximum depth shortly before surfacing.
- SAWTOOTH PROFILES where the diver alternates between greater and
shallower depths repeatedly throughout the dive.
- CONSECUTIVE DIVES where the diver performs repetitive dives to
approximately the same maximum depth with only short surface intervals
between dives. The risk of DCS increases when depth and the number of
repetitive dives increase and when the surface intervals are decreased.
- MULTIDAY DIVES repetitive dives performed for several consecutive days.
- DECOMPRESSION DIVES any dive during which the no-decompression limit
has been exceeded or the diver is advised by the computer that he may not
return directly to the surface.
WARNING!
DIVE PRACTICES WHICH INCLUDE THE ABOVE DESCRIBED "HIGHER RISK
DIVE PROFILES" ARE CONSIDERED POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND
SHOULD BE AVOIDED EVEN IF THEY CONFORM TO THE MATHEMATICAL
MODEL!
Dive Computer Limitations
While the SOLUTION
á
is based on current decompression research and
technology, the user/ diver must realize that the computer cannot monitor the actual
physiological functions of an individual diver. All decompression schedules currently
known to the authors, including the U.S. Navy Tables, are based on a theoretical
mathematical model which is intended to serve as a guide to reduce the probability
of decompression sickness.
