Final Cautions About Dive Tables
There are a few remaining precautions and special notes worth mentioning about the dive tables.
First, the NAUI and PADI dive tables are designed for a recreational no-decompression dive in warm water at sea level. Some things to remember when using the tables:
Cold water diving is considered any dive in water temperatures below 70º F (21º C). To accommodate for cold water dives using these tables, add 10 ft. (3 m) to the depth of the dive.
If you exceed the no-decompression time limit on a dive by 5 minutes or less, make an 8 minute safety stop at 15 ft. (4.5 m) and do not make another dive for at least 6 hours.
If you exceed the no-decompression time limit on a dive by more than 5 minutes, make a 15 minute safety stop at 15 ft. (4.5 m) and do not make another dive for at least 24 hours.
PADI tables have a special rule called the WXYZ Rule:
- If the Pressure Group after a dive is W or X, the SIT should be at least 1 hour.
- If the Pressure Group after a dive is Y or Z, the SIT should be at least 3 hours.
Second, remember that special dive tables are needed when diving at altitude (above 1,000 ft. [300 m]) or with Enhanced Air Nitrox (EAN).
As a final caution, it cannot be stated too strongly that these tables should only be used by a certified SCUBA diver or under the supervision of a certified SCUBA instructor. Misuse of the tables can lead to serious injury or death. The dive tables are merely a guide; different people react differently to diving and have different susceptibility to decompression sickness.