{"id":6279,"date":"2023-07-30T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-30T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lagona-divers.com\/?p=6279"},"modified":"2023-07-21T18:22:49","modified_gmt":"2023-07-21T16:22:49","slug":"single-tank-deep-diving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lagona-divers.com\/en\/single-tank-deep-diving\/","title":{"rendered":"The Wrong Way to Dive Deep: The Dangers of Single Tank Deep Diving"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We\u2019ve all heard the stories. Perhaps we\u2019ve even told them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deep diving on single tank is a thing of the past. Yet it continues to happen in the present and continues to cause dive accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s clear this fatal issue up, once and for all, dispelling the myths and misconceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Defining our Terms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Deep\u2019 is a relative term – one person\u2019s deep is another person\u2019s shallow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recreational diving, new divers are restricted to around 18 metres. With further recreational training, divers can extend their limits to a maximum of 40 metres – while remaining within no decompression limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dives in excess of 40 metres, or any dive requiring mandatory decompression stops, belong to the realm of technical diving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the purposes of this article, \u2018deep\u2019 is meant in this sense – dives deeper than 40 metres and\/or requiring decompression stops.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Setting the Scene<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Previously, when technical diving was still in its embryonic phase, single tank deep diving was commonplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access to specialised equipment, gases and training was scarce, and so for those looking to go deep, single tank dives were one of very few other options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Zwei<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s not forget – this was a time when Nitrox was known as the \u201cVoodoo gas\u201d!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deep diving past 40 metres and completing mandatory decompression stops with a single tank in this period was still dangerous – yet, given the lack of alternatives, it was also somewhat understandable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the practice still continues today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talk with any instructor, divemaster, or simply any diver that\u2019s been around long enough – the chances that they have their own \u2018that one deep dive\u2019 <\/em>story are high. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, in the world of today, with ease of access to technical diving courses, mixed breathing gases, specialised equipment, and accident reports, why would anyone continue this dangerous practice?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Benefits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The benefits of deep diving on single tank diving are obvious and practical:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Reduced costs<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. An easier way to go deep diving<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Technical diving courses, equipment and gases – like everything in diving – are not for free. Nor does every course guarantee certification – there\u2019s a standard you need to first reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To become a tec diver, you need to invest time and money. You also need to be a good diver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Single tank deep diving saves you on these investment costs and doesn\u2019t make good skills a prerequisite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Additionally, single tank deep diving is just easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There\u2019s no new equipment configuration to get used to (and purchase); you can immediately go deep diving without having to first do a tec course; nobody is going to deny you a certification card. And overall, you don\u2019t need to make any sort of commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sounds good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But single tank deep diving isn\u2019t all seahorses and rainbows. Let\u2019s take a look at the risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Risks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The end-risk of deep single tank deep diving is death<\/strong> and\/or severe injury<\/strong>. The factors that get you there are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n