1. NAUI Dive Tables

2. Objectives
Describe the function of the dive tables.
Define common dive tables terminology and concepts.
Explain the function and use of each individual table within the dive tables.
Plan repetitive dives not requiring stage decompression.
Calculate the minimum Surface Intervals for repetitive dives.
Determine contingency mandatory decompression stops.

3. Purpose of the dive tables
Track the amount of Nitrogen you accumulate in your body during a series of dives.
Minimize the risk of Decompression sickness.
Set time and depth limits such that you can make a direct ascent to the surface with minimal increase in the risk of decompression sickness (DCS)
There is always the risk of DCS even if you follow the Dive Tables very conservatively.

4. Tables terminology and concepts Dive Schedule/Dive Profile
Abbreviated statement of depth and time
70/40=70 feet for 40 minutes
Actual Dive Time (ADT)
Surface to surface time, not including safety stop.
Depth
Deepest point of dive no matter how brief the time spent there.
Maximum Dive Time (MDT)
Maximum time you can spend on a dive to a given depth without requiring a mandatory decompression stop.
MDT found in table one and applies only when you are a new diver.

5. End-of-Dive Letter Group
Symbol representing amount of excess nitrogen in your body at the end of the dive.
Surface Interval (SIT)
Time on surface between dives.
During the SIT you are getting rid of some excess nitrogen (outgassing) and therefore your letter group, will change.
New Group
Letter group at the end of the SIT
Repetitive Dive (Rep Dive)
Any dive made within 24 hours of a preceding dive.
End-of-Dive letter group found at the end of table 1 after every dive. Based on depth and TNT
During your SIT you should rest and hydrate.
New group is found in table 3 after the SIT.

6. Residual Nitrogen Time (RNT)
Excess Nitrogen in your body after a dive
Represented by your new group at the end of the SIT
Adjusted Maximum Dive Time
The maximum dive time for a repetitive dive to a given depth.
Total Nitrogen Time (TNT)
Represents total nitrogen load in your body at the end of a dive
Determined by combining RNT +ADT = T NT
RNT is found in table 3 and is based on your new group and the planned depth of the upcoming dive.
AMDT is found in Table 3 and is based on your new group and the planned depth of the upcoming dive.
TNT is used after every dive to find your end-of-dive letter group.

7. Mandatory Decompression Stop (Deco stop)
Safety Stop
Voluntary stop at the end of every dive
Facilitates outgassing of Nitrogen
Reduces the likelihood of bubble formation
Mandatory Decompression Stop (Deco stop)
Required stop at 15 feet whenever MDT or AMDT has been exceeded
Beyond the training of recreational diving

8. Rules for Using the NAUI Tables Rate of ascent Depth Time
1/2 foot per second or slower.
Depth
Use exact or next greatest number.
Time
Use exact or next greatest number
Dive sequence
Deep to shallow recommended
During the dive
For any rep. dive
SIT
Minimum recommended 1 hour
Minimum recognized 10 minutes
Keep activity to a minimum
Drink water

9. Depth limit recommendations Altitude Diving
Sport Diving Maximum Depth 130”
Altitude Diving
Special training/tables required when diving at altitudes above 1000 feet.
Flying after diving
1 recreational dive hours
Multiple recreational dives 18 hours
Mandatory Decompression dive 24 hours
Long, cold, strenuous dive
Use next greater TNT
Long, cold and strenous are relative, but if you think any of those apply to the dive you just completed, then use the next greatest TNT.

10. Dives with a max depth of 40 feet
Safety stops
Maintain mouth at 15'
Minimal activity throughout the stop.
Protocols:
Dives with a max depth of 40 feet
3-minute stop at a depth of approximately15 feet.
Dives with a max depth deeper than 40 feet
initial 1-minute stop at a depth equal to ½ the Max depth,
followed by a 2-minute stop at a depth of 15 feet.
For example, on a dive to 100 feet of seawater (FSW),
make a 1-minute stop at a depth of approximately 50 feet,
followed by 2-minute stop at a depth of approximately 15 feet.
Some experts feel that the safety stop or a mandatory deco stop is most effective if the diver maintains a horizontal position with the lungs at the specified depth.

11. Stage Decompression Diving
Dives that require a mandatory decompression stop.
Considered beyond the realm of sport diving
risk and special equipment considerations.
However you should have contingency information and be familiar with the minimal emergency procedures in case the maximum recreational dive time is exceeded.
Omitted Decompression
Missed mandatory decompression stop and no symptoms
Rest, drink fluids, and watch for signs of DCS.
Do not re-enter water for at least 24 hours.
If signs/symptoms of DCS are present treat for DCS

12. Table 1 End-of-Dive Letter Group Function
Provide MDT for initial dive in sequence
Provide end of dive letter group after any dive
Use
Find depth of dive in left hand column
Follow row for that depth to the right and find TNT
Follow column for TNT down to find end of dive letter group
Circled numbers indicate the maximum TNT you can accumulate for a dive to a given depth without the need for a mandatory decompression stop
Either for one dive or over a series of dives

13. Table 2 Surface-Interval-Time (SIT) Table Function Use
Track SIT
Use
Follow column for end of dive letter group designation down until you find the block of time that includes the time spent on the surface.
Follow that column to the right to your new group designation in table 3.
This is the only table that shows time in hours and minutes.
Surface Interval is time spent on the surface between dives. This may include the time spent back and forth on the surface.
The minimum recommended SIT is 60 minutes.
The minimum recognized SIT is 10 minutes.

14. Table 3 Repetitive Dive Timetable Function
Provide new letter group designation
Provide Adjusted Maximum Dive Time (AMDT)
Provide Residual Nitrogen Time (RNT)
How to Use Table 3
Find the row for your new group designation.
Follow this row to the left to the column for the planned depth of repetitive dive.
The box at the intersection of the column for planned depth and the row for new letter group designation provides:
RNT Top number
AMDT Bottom number
Use this information to plan your dive.
AMDT is the maximum time you can spend on a repetitive dive to a given depth.
RNT is the time value of the excess Nitrogen in your system for a repetitive dive to a given depth.
AMDT can be determined by subtracting RNT from the MDT for a given depth.

15. Determining the End-of-Dive letter group designation for a rep dive
Based on
Actual depth of the dive
TNT (RNT + TNT)
Go to Table 1 End-of-Dive Letter Group
Find the actual depth of your dive in column 1
Follow the row for that depth to the right until you find the TNT.
Follow this column down to find your end of dive letter group.

16. This process involves working backward from table 3.
Planning a minimum SIT
This process involves working backward from table 3.
Used when you must plan a minimum SIT between rep dives.
For example at the end of your dive you are an F diver and you want to go to 80 feet for 20 minutes. How long must you wait.

17. Look at table 3 Repetitive Dive Timetable
Find the column for 80 feet
Follow the column down until you find the AMDT closest to but still greater than 20 minutes.
Remember the AMDT is the bottom number in the box.
In our example it is the third box down which shows
RNT 13
AMDT 22

18. Follow that row to the right to find the highest letter designation that will allow 20 minutes at 80 feet.
In our example it is the letter C.
Continue working to the right until you find the intersection for the row C (the letter designation you must become), and the column for letter F at the bottom of table 1. (F is your current designation as given in the example.)
The box at the intersection of row C from table 3 and column F from table 1 indicates the SIT necessary to change from an F diver to a C diver. In this case it is 2:59 – 4:25, so we must wait a minimum of 2:59.

19. SIT of less than 10 minutes
Two dives separated by a SIT of less than 10 minutes are considered one dive on the tables.
For example:
Dive 1 SIT Dive 2 = on the tables
60/40 0:08 50/30 = 60/70
60 feet for 70 minutes exceeds the Max allowable TNT for recreational divers.This dive sequence puts you into mandatory decompression diving.

20. Mandatory Decompression Stops Found in table 1
Boxes to the right of the circled numbers
Top number
Indicates ADT requiring Mandatory Deco stoop
Bottom number
# minutes that must be spent at 15 feet
Example
A diver has a dive schedule of 100 feet/23 minutes
The diver must spend 5 minutes at 15 feet
Note that any time from 22:01 – 25:00 requires this stop

21. A diver has a dive schedule of 100 feet for 35 minutes
The diver must spend 15 minutes at 15 feet.
Any time from 25:01 – 40:00 requires this stop.
The actual stage decompression tables for air diving are extensive. The information provided here is for contingency purposes only.
Stage decompression diving requires extensive training and equipment, and is beyond the realm of recreational diving.

22. What will be the maximum depth of my dive?
Before the Dive
Prior to entering the water for any dive you must ask yourself, and answer, the following questions:
How much excess Nitrogen, if any, do I have left in my body from previous dives?
Residual Nitrogen Time or RNT
What will be the maximum depth of my dive?
What is my time limit for the planned depth of the dive?
First dive in a sequence Maximum dive time (MDT).
Repetitive dives Adjusted Maximum Dive Time (AMDT).

23. What was the maximum depth of my dive?
Post Dive
After the dive you must ask yourself, and answer, the following questions:
What was the maximum depth of my dive?
How long did I stay under water?
Actual Dive Time (ADT).
What is the total Nitrogen load in my body?
Total Nitrogen Time (TNT).
What is my end of dive letter group?

24. Proper use of the dive tables includes:
Using the tables pre-dive to plan the dive.
Using the tables post dive to determine end-of-dive letter group.
Maximizes Bottom time or minimizes SIT
Minimizes the risk of DCS
The risk of DCS exists even if the tables are followed strictly and conservatively.