Best Practices for Deep Technical Deco Stops Using Shearwater Computers

Best Practices for Deep Technical Deco Stops Using Shearwater Computers

Technical diving requires precise planning, advanced skills, and reliable dive equipment, especially when it comes to decompression stops. As divers explore deeper depths, deco stops become crucial for off-gassing inert gases and preventing decompression sickness (DCS).

One of the most trusted tools for technical divers is the Shearwater dive computer, known for its accuracy, customizable deco settings, and multi-gas capabilities. In this guide, we’ll cover best practices for deep technical deco stops and how to optimize your Shearwater dive computer for a safe and efficient ascent.

Understanding Decompression Stops in Technical Diving

When diving beyond recreational limits, your body absorbs inert gases (like nitrogen or helium) from the breathing mix. As you ascend, these gases must be slowly released to avoid bubble formation in tissues.

Decompression stops are planned pauses at specific depths to allow for controlled off-gassing before surfacing. Without proper stops, a diver risks DCS, nitrogen narcosis, or oxygen toxicity.

Best Practices for Deep Deco Stops Using Shearwater Computers

1. Use Gradient Factors for Safe Ascent

Shearwater dive computers allow divers to adjust gradient factors (GF), which determine how conservatively the computer calculates decompression limits.

  • Lower GF (e.g., 30/70): More conservative, longer deco times.
  • Higher GF (e.g., 50/85): Faster ascent, but increased risk of DCS.

✅ Best Practice: Customize gradient factors based on your dive profile, gas choice, and physical condition. Many technical divers use 30/70 or 40/85 for a balance of safety and efficiency.

2. Optimize Gas Switches for Faster Off-Gassing

Shearwater dive computers support multi-gas setups, allowing you to switch gases at planned depths for a faster and safer deco stop.

  • Deep stops: Use Trimix to reduce narcosis and helium saturation.
  • Intermediate stops: Switch to EAN50 (Enriched Air Nitrox 50%) for improved nitrogen off-gassing.
  • Final deco stops (6m/20ft): Use 100% Oxygen (O2) to accelerate decompression.

✅ Best Practice: Set your Shearwater to auto-switch gases at the correct MOD (maximum operating depth) to avoid missed switches.

3. Plan Deep Stops for Better Bubble Control

Shearwater dive computers offer customizable deep stop options to slow the initial ascent and minimize bubble formation.

  • Deep stops occur at half the maximum dive depth to prevent rapid nitrogen release.
  • This method is useful in trimix diving and when using conservative gradient factors.

✅ Best Practice: Enable deep stops if your dive involves long bottom times at depths beyond 50m/165ft.

4. Monitor Tissue Loading and CNS Exposure

Shearwater computers provide real-time tissue loading graphs and CNS (Central Nervous System) oxygen toxicity tracking.

  • Tissue Graphs: Show how much gas is dissolved in your body.
  • CNS Exposure: Helps prevent oxygen toxicity when using high O2 deco mixes.

✅ Best Practice: Keep CNS exposure below 80% and follow your Shearwater’s tissue loading indicators for a safe ascent.

5. Maintain Proper Buoyancy and Stop Depth

Maintaining precise buoyancy control is critical during deco stops. Even a small depth change can impact your decompression schedule.

  • Use a DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy) to maintain a stable ascent.
  • Monitor your depth closely with Shearwater’s digital depth and time display.
  • Hover effortlessly using proper trim and buoyancy techniques.

✅ Best Practice: Use your Shearwater’s depth alarm to stay within ±1m of your required deco stop depth.

6. Extend Shallow Deco Stops for Extra Safety

The final decompression stop (at 6m/20ft) is the most crucial. Extending this stop even by a few minutes can significantly reduce post-dive fatigue and DCS risk.

  • Many divers extend their final stop by 5-10 minutes as an extra safety measure.
  • If gas supply allows, consider adding extra time at 3m/10ft as an additional buffer.

✅ Best Practice: Use Shearwater’s "Time to Surface" feature to gauge your remaining deco time before surfacing.

7. Post-Dive Data Review and Logging

After surfacing, reviewing your dive profile can help identify areas for improvement in your deco strategy. Shearwater dive computers allow you to:

  • Download dive logs via Bluetooth to Shearwater Cloud.
  • Analyze ascent rates, gas switches, and deco stop compliance.
  • Adjust settings for future technical dives.

✅ Best Practice: Always review your dive data to refine your decompression approach for future dives.

Why Choose Shearwater for Deep Technical Diving?

Shearwater dive computers are the gold standard for technical divers, offering:

✔ Multi-gas and Trimix support – Perfect for deep and technical dives.
✔ Customizable decompression models – Adjust gradient factors for safety.
✔ Vibrant, easy-to-read display – Essential in low-visibility conditions.
✔ Reliable Bluetooth dive log downloads – Track your deco performance.

Popular Shearwater Dive Computers for Tech Divers:
🔹 Shearwater Perdix 2 – Best all-around for deep technical dives.
🔹 Shearwater Teric – Wristwatch-style with full technical capabilities.
🔹 Shearwater Petrel 3 – Built for advanced CCR and mixed-gas diving.

Master Deep Deco Stops with Extreme Water Sports

At Extreme Water Sports, we offer:

✅ PADI & TDI Technical Diving Courses – Master deep decompression techniques with expert instructors.
✅ Shearwater Dive Computer Training – Learn how to customize settings for optimal deco safety.
✅ Guided Deep Wreck and Trimix Expeditions – Explore Fujairah’s best deep dive sites with our professional team.

📅 Ready to refine your deco skills and maximize your safety? Contact us today to book a technical diving course or a guided dive with Shearwater computers! 🤿🌊

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