Page 48 - Winter2012.indd

Many practices exist when it comes to
ascending after a dive. Some people follow
newer guidelines of 30 feet per minute,
and others are comfortable ascending at
60 feet per minute. Some divers follow the rates set by the
manufacturers of their dive computers, and others just
make sure to ascend more slowly than their own bubbles.
But where does all this information come from, and what
constitutes a safe ascent rate? Is there a magic number divers
can use to ascend at the end of dives to minimize the risk of
decompression illness (DCI), and what are the downsides of
ascending too fast?
Ascent Rates
Slow is the way to go.
B Y S C O T T S M I T H
46 | WINTER 2012
RESEARCH, EDUCATION & MEDICINE // S A F E T Y 1 0 1
46-47_Safety101_Winter2012.indd 46 1/12/12