Advanced Specialty
SSI Decompression Diving
Recreational diving stays within no-decompression limits. Decompression Diving is the first step beyond that — learning to plan and execute dives that require mandatory decompression stops before surfacing. It is structured, methodical and the bridge toward technical diving.
The Essentials
Decompression Diving — Key Facts
2 days
Duration and Structure
- Digital learning : Decompression theory, physiology and planning
- Training dives : Four dives with planned decompression obligations
- Gas planning : Multi-level dive profiles planned before each dive
- Debrief : Profile and stop execution reviewed in detail
Advanced prerequisites
Prerequisites
- Certification : Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent
- Specialty : Deep Diving certification required
- Experience : Minimum logged dives as per SSI requirements
- Age : Minimum 18 years
Beyond recreational limits
What You Can Do
- Plan and execute dives with mandatory decompression stops
- Understand and manage real-time gas obligations
- Use decompression software and dive computers for planning
- Progress toward SSI technical diving programs
Skills and Knowledge
Planning Is the Skill
Decompression diving is mostly about what happens before you enter the water. A thorough dive plan accounts for target depth, time, gas consumption, stop depths and durations, and contingencies if the plan changes. In the water, the goal is executing that plan precisely.
- Decompression theory — how nitrogen loading and off-gassing work beyond NDLs
- Table and computer planning — generating and interpreting deco schedules
- Gas management — calculating requirements for multi-level profiles with stops
- Stop execution — maintaining precise depth during mandatory stops
- Abort procedures — safe ascent if the dive needs to end early
Where This Leads