BanditDJB

I am diving without a computer. When your headed for the surface you should be traveling at about 6 inches a second. My dive instructor said as long as you don't pass your bubbles you should be o.k. How accurate is this theory?

Kev Martin

Over in the UK we measure depth in metres. Working out your estimate of 6 inches a second would give you an ascent rate of just under 10 metres per minute. PADI advise an ascent rate not exceeding 18 metres per minute. Working on the theory that the slower ascent rate gives you more time to 'off gas' then your conservative rate of ascent will be more beneficial. Regardless, always make the most of your safety stops.

I wonder if the advice not to pass your bubbles goes back to the days when, as a Ships Diver, I was always told that I should always follow the smallest bubbles on ascent. We weren't issued with depth gauges as they couldn't be seen when working underneath a ship or submarine!! Or at least that is what the skinflint Navy used to have us believe!

MgicTwnger

My advice is to get a computer. Most of them measure ascent rate and will let you know if it is too fast.

__________________
I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.

glynneco

Actualy you want to go up slower than the rate of your bubbles if you can but no more then at the same speed

__________________
Is that the bottom of the quarry or is the vis just really bad today?

BanditDJB

Thanks to all of you for your advice. I think I'll have to take the stay behind my smallest bubbles approach. Money is tight and I can't afford the computer yet but I plan on getting one in the future.