- Mon Oct 25, 2004 1:49 pm
#6031
Scuba has been around for quite a long time, and many improvements have been made since it's birth. The most popular and accessible method of air is compressed air. Usually a standard 3000 psi, but depending on the material the tank is made of, and the abilities of the individual, that number can vary. Aside from pressurized air, there is also Nitrox. Which is Nitrogen enriched Oxygen, or as I understand it, more oxegenated air. There are also more expensive methods such as rebreathers, which works on the principle that we only use about 14% of the oxygen we breath in. This method is widely used by elite miltary units because you can stay down for longer with less tank wieght, and it produces no bubbles. The problem with developing methods for longer bottom time is getting bent. I've found that using the standard method of compressed air you can stay down for as long as you want, as deep as you want (until you run out of air that is) without getting bent. I wouldn't recommend this method. It is always best to use the RDP. Now if your talking about reasons to dive other than recreational, such as rescue or construction, I am all for developing methods for longer, and safer bottom time. Remember, diving can be a very dangerous pastime, and someone should know what their limits are before they dive deeper or longer.