As a scuba diver, I get asked all the time about how deep can you dive before you start to lose air. People are often surprised when they find out that you can dive down to 200 feet or more. This is not unusual at all considering the vastness of underwater. If you have ever seen photos of the deepest places on Earth, then you probably already know how accurate these measurements are. While it is impossible to go and explore those depths for yourself, here is what Scuba Diving Blog has to say about it:
“Diving down to a hundred feet or more requires complete Scuba Diving gear which is normally used in commercial diving shops. Since the question ‘How deep can you dive without decompression’ is a common one, Scuba Diving Blog has put together a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section to address the most commonly asked questions related to Scuba diving. We have also included a link at the bottom of this page to a review of the Omega Nene Marine Scuba Diving Chair. The chair has received rave reviews from users and is one of the best values for the money you will pay for this piece of equipment. There is also a link at the bottom of this page to a review of the dive computer equipment used by divers.”
The question of how deep can you dive without decompression is answered by some very interesting data. When a diver is measured at the Scuba Board certified site, they are asked many pertinent questions. The answers include the weight of the diver, the length of their diving time, how many hours they have been underwater and the total distance they have scubained. Obviously these answers are only given by experienced divers, but it is an ideal starting point for a discussion of whether you need the compression or not.
A simple solution to the question, “How deep can you dive without decompression?” is to choose a lighter weight suit. As a rule, for every 100 grams of body weight (pounds), you should add one and a half atmospheres of compressed air. For example, if you weigh two-hundred and fifty pounds, you should add about five pounds of compressed air to your weight. Most divers will agree that these pressures are manageable and do not cause them discomfort.
However, there are some divers who have chosen to use nitrogen filled suits. They feel that the higher the nitrogen content, the deeper the dive can go. When choosing a suit that has high or very high nitrogen content, it is important to make sure the mask is properly fitted. The mask is a very important component of your Scuba diving equipment, because it allows you to see the divers below you and helps to keep your head above water. It also provides a barrier between you and the nitrogen bubbles.
Another option to consider in how deep can you dive without decompression is to purchase a “scuba tank”, which is a tank used just for decompression stops. These tanks are available at most dive shops and can be very handy when you know you are going to need to add more air than normal to your air tank. This will save you time if you need to scuba dive at a certain depth and air is low. If you plan to do your own filling, make sure you purchase an “official” nitrox tank from the dive shop so you don’t run the risk of damaging it.