PSAI CAVE DECOMPRESSION DIVER

The Professional Scuba Association International’s Cave Decompression Diver course is designed for those divers who wish to utilize enriched air (Nitrox) at oxygen concentrations up to and including 100% by volume (EAN22 to Oxygen) in their diving activities including stage decompression procedures. It is highly recommended the Cave Decompression Diver students also take Narcosis Management® – Level II in order to expand and enhance their ERD knowledge, skills and training, and to prepare them for required deco stops.

COURSE CONTENT INCLUDES:

History of Enriched Air Diving:

  • Early uses of Nitrox.
  • Popular acceptance of Nitrox.
  • PSAI’s involvement in Nitrox Education.

Physical Principles of Enriched Air Diving:

  • Pressure.
  • Boyle’s Law.
  • Dalton’s Law.
  • Formulas for Advanced Nitrox Diving.
  • Best Mix.
  • Oxygen Exposure.
  • Maximum Operating Depth.

Physiological Principles of Enriched Air Diving:

  • Benefits of Nitrox.
  • Hazards of Excess Oxygen.
  • Decompression Models.
  • Accelerated Decompression.

Decompression Fundamentals
Equipment for Enriched Air Diving:

  • Standard Equipment.
  • Cylinder Considerations.
  • Manufacturer’s Recommendations.
  • Stage/Decompression
    Cylinder Recommendations.
    Dive Planning.
  • Equivalent Air Depth and Tables.
  • Computing Best Mix and Maximum Operating Depth.
  • Use of Dive Computers.
  • Dive Planning Tables.
  • Computer Generated Dive Profiles.

Methods of Generating Nitrox:

  • Partial Pressure.
  • Continuous Blend Technique.
  • Gas Permeable Membrane Technique.
  • Pre-mixed Gas.

Using Nitrox.
Gas analysis.
Limits, Maximum Operating Depth.