Sukellustauluista

Sukellustauluista, often translated as diving tables, are crucial tools for recreational scuba divers to plan their dives safely. These tables provide information on safe ascent rates, no-decompression limits (NDLs), and required surface intervals between dives. They are based on extensive research into the effects of nitrogen absorption and off-gassing in the human body at various depths and dive times.

The most common type of diving table is the Recreational Dive Planner (RDP). The RDP typically consists of several charts. The first chart helps a diver determine their "depth-time profile" by identifying the maximum time they can spend at a particular depth without needing to perform mandatory decompression stops. This is based on the diver's "No-Decompression Limit" (NDL). After a dive, the table also indicates the diver's "pressure group," which represents the amount of residual nitrogen in their body.

Subsequent tables on the RDP are used to plan repetitive dives. The pressure group from the previous dive is used in conjunction with the planned depth of the next dive to determine the new pressure group and the corresponding NDL for that subsequent dive. This ensures that the cumulative nitrogen exposure from multiple dives remains within safe limits. Additionally, the tables provide guidance on the minimum surface interval required between dives to allow the body to off-gas nitrogen and reduce the risk of decompression sickness.

While diving computers have largely replaced traditional diving tables for many divers due to their convenience and real-time monitoring capabilities, understanding how to use diving tables remains a fundamental skill for scuba divers. They offer a reliable, albeit less dynamic, method for dive planning and serve as a valuable backup in situations where a dive computer may fail. Proper training in dive table usage is a standard part of open water diver certification.