Dive tables 291794 222469252 2008-06-29T14:33:31Z DOI bot 6652755 Citation maintenance. Formatted: title. You can [[WP:DOI|use this bot]] yourself! Please [[User:DOI_bot/bugs|report any bugs]]. [[image:Decompression_table_bsac_nitrox.jpg|thumb|right|[[BSAC]] [[Nitrox]] Decompression tables]] '''Dive Tables''', '''Decompression Tables''' or '''Tables''' are printed cards or booklets that allow divers to determine for a particular dive profile and [[Breath|breathing]] gas, the [[Decompression stop]]s required for that dive in order to avoid [[decompression sickness]]. With dive tables, it is assumed that the [[dive profile]] is a ''square dive'', meaning that the diver descends to maximum depth immediately and stays at the same depth until resurfacing (approximating a rectangular line when drawn in a [[coordinate system]] where one axis is depth and the other is duration). Some dive tables also assume physical condition or qualifications of the diver, e.g., Navy dive tables should not be used by recreational divers. More complex tables can take into account staged dives, dives performed at [[altitude diving|altitude]], and decompression dives. == History == The knowledge of decompression and decompression sickness developed in the 19th century. The studies used sponge diver experiences as input. The first workable decompression table came available in 1908.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Boycott |first=A. E. |coauthors=J. C. C. Damant, J. S. Haldane. |title=Prevention of compressed air illness |journal=J. Hygiene |volume=8 |pages=342–425 |date=[[1908]] }}</ref> == Common Decompression Tables == * [[US Navy]] Tables<ref name=usn>{{cite book |authors=US Navy |title=US Navy Diving Manual, 6th revision |year=[[2006]] |publisher=US Naval Sea Systems Command |location=United States |url=http://www.supsalv.org/00c3_publications.asp?destPage=00c3&pageID=3.9 |accessdate=2008-06-15 }}</ref> * [[Bühlmann tables]]<ref>{{cite book |title=Decompression-Decompression Sickness |last=Bühlmann |first=A. A. |year=[[1984]] |publisher=Springer-Verlag |location=Berlin New York |isbn=0387133089 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Tauchmedizin |language=German |last=Bühlmann |first=A. A. |year=[[1995]] |publisher=Springer-Verlag |location=Berlin |isbn=3540555811 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Tauchmedizin: Barotrauma Gasembolie Dekompression Dekompressionskrankheit |language=German |last=Bühlmann |first=A. A. |year=[[1992]] |publisher=Springer-Verlag |location=Berlin |isbn=3540555811 }}</ref> * [[British Sub-Aqua Club|BSAC]] 88 tables * [[PADI]] tables: the recreational dive planner (RDP)<ref>{{cite journal |author=Hamilton Jr RW, Rogers RE, Powell MR |title=Development and validation of no-stop decompression procedures for recreational diving: the DSAT recreational dive planner |publisher=Diving Science & Technology Corp. |location=Tarrytown, NY |date=[[1994]] |url=http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/4228 |accessdate=2008-06-15 }}</ref> and "the wheel" * DCIEM tables * French Navy 90 Tables == Alternatives == * the [[Dive computer]] - has the advantages of monitoring the actual dive, as opposed to the planned dive, and does not work on a "square profile" - it dynamically calculates the real profile of depth over time. * bespoke tables generated by decompression software - represent a diver's specific dive plan and [[breathing gas]] mixtures. * [[Ratio deco]] is a simplified method for quickly determining the necessary decompression profile without the use of written tables or computers. It is taught in advanced diving courses held by [[Global Underwater Explorers|GUE]] instructors. Ratio Deco relates to using a known set point of decompression obligation related to a specific depth and bottom time. The decompression obligation changes in set increments relative to the set point with changes in actual depth or bottom time. * Decompression software such as <ref>[http://www.gue.com/ DecoPlanner, decompression simulation software]</ref><ref>[http://www.gap-software.com/ GAP-software, decompression simulation software]</ref>, used to simulate decompression profiles with different gas mixtures. == External links == *[http://www.ndc.noaa.gov/dp_forms.html Dive tables from the NOAA] == References == {{Reflist|2}} [[Category:Decompression algorithms]] [[Category:Diving equipment]] [[Category:Underwater diving]] [[de:Dekompressionstabelle]] [[fr:Tables de décompression]] [[it:Tabella di decompressione]] [[no:Dykketabell]] [[ru:Декомпрессионная таблица]] [[fi:Sukellustaulukot]]