Vol. 2 Issue 11 November 2014

Transcription

1 The UTD Journal Vol. 2 Issue 11 November 2014 IN THIS ISSUE RATIO DECO The Decompression Project Facts, Science, and History MIN DECO The Recreational Side of Ratio Deco UTD s FACILITY INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM Deferring the Cost of the IDC THE SAND BENEATH MY FEET A ScubaFit Blog by Gretchen Ashton CLEANING UP OUR PLAYGROUND An LA Waterkeeper Blog UTD TECHNIQUES Using Ratio Deco

2 UTD Journal A Monthly Online Magazine Published by Unified Team Diving Edited by Jeff Seckendorf Volume 2, Issue 11 November 2014 UTD International, Inc Sorrento Valley Road, Ste i San Diego, CA USA info@unifiedteamdiving.com UTD International, Inc. All rights reserved. The authors, UTD International, Inc., Unified Team Diving, their officers, heirs, and assigns, along with any distributors, agencies, manufacturers, or others referenced in this publication, will not be liable for any damage, injury, or death that may result from the use or application of any information contained within.

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE RATIO DECO The Decompression Project Facts, Science, and History MIN DECO The Recreational Side of Ratio Deco UTD s FACILITY INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM Deferring the Cost of the IDC THE SAND BENEATH MY FEET A ScubaFit Blog by Gretchen Ashton CLEANING UP OUR PLAYGROUND An LA Waterkeeper Blog UTD TECHNIQUES Using Ratio Deco Front Cover UTD Instructors Sergi Perez of Rivemar Dive Resort in Spain and Ben Bos of NOW Divers in Denmark on deco during the Ratio Deco project in Italy. Back Cover Prepping for the Ratio Deco Project tech dives at Argentario Divers, Italy.

4 RATIO DECO A 5-YEAR RESEARCH PROJECT BY DOCTORS, BI- OLOGISTS, AND PHYSIOLOGISTS THAT PROVES EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY The final weekend of this 5 year study, which they called Decompression Profile Project 2014, was hosted by UTD Instructor Trainers Simone Nicolini and Andrea Cappa at Argentario Divers in Italy in October This test inclucded 60 technical divers 30 would dive Ratio Deco and 30 would dive the modified Bulhmann profile. Before and after the dive all the divers were tested for blood cell dust, immune response and bubbles. The preliminary results clearly show massive advantages in implementing s-curves and using UTD s Ratio Deco over a 30/80 Bulhmann Profile. Watch the video by NOW Dive s Ben Bos on the next page for an inside look at the test day and interviews with the participants and medical professionals. The UTD Instructor Team at Argentario Divers. Mosan, Ben, Andrew, Michael, Andrea, Sergi, and Simone.

5 TM WATCH THE VIDEO. UTD Instructor Trainer and Ratio Deco test-dive participant Ben Bos takes you though the science, the medicine, and the testing of a 5-year Ratio Deco research project.

6 RATIO DECO The science By Andrew Georgitsis About 5 years ago two diving physicians in Italy become very interested in scientifically testing UTD s Ratio Deco ascent strategy. Their idea was to test the effectiveness and efficacy of some of the concepts in Ratio Deco such as S-Curves. They would test it against a modified Bulhmann model to keep many of the Ratio Deco components consistent protocols such as the choice of gasses and deep stops. This would objectively test UTD Ratio Deco S-Curves and thenemphasis on O2 windows to dramatically improve decompression. The doctors were testing several parameters including: 1. A reduction in the blood cell dust. 2. No activation of the body s immune system. 3. Bubble formation and elimination. UTD Ratio Deco rules are simple and well defined, however to truly better understand the core of Ratio Deco as a strategy, let s look at some of the history. I first used Ratio Deco in 1996 as a memorization technique and then later, in 1997, added a set of rules of thumb for deep stops. These deep stop ideas were emerging from the WKKP. We wanted an easy way to add WKPP Deep Stops to our Bulhmann Profiles. The rules I developed were to keep the system simple and easy. At that time the director of WKPP, George Irvine, had proposed that the first deep stops were to be at 80% of the ATA s (Atmospheres Absolute). This was difficult for teaching and diving new technical divers would need to do their calculations on the fly, and in the imperial system they first would need to convert their depth (feet) into ATA s, then calculate the 80% of the ATA s, and then convert the resulting ATA s back to feet, a difficult task without a calculator, let alone at depth. So, it was much easier for me to teach a rule of thumb that divers could do simply and easily we called it scuba math. Simply we did 75% of the depth for deco dives and 50% of depth for non-deco dives. The math was easier and the results were so close to the 80% rule that it did not really matter we were rounding shallower to the nearest 10 /3m mark anyway. Then in the late 90 s Erik Baker released his Deco Software which allowed us to implement the Workman adjustments (gradient factor HI and gradient factor LO) to a Bulhmann profile. This allowed us to push the Bulhmann stops much deeper in the computer-generated profiles, however the consequence, or penalty, was additional unnecessary decompression time fundamental flaw in the Bulhmann model. So, once again I decided to use pure a Bulhmann model to give me the basic time of deco and then spread that time over some intermediate and deeper stops until I intersected the deep stop times I was using in the WKPP model. At that time Ratio Deco was not a scientific model but more a way to create decompression schedules that I wanted from existing models I did not believe in. In the early 2000 s I started adding into the Ratio Deco strategy more of the other models such as Bruce Wienke s RGBM and/or David Yount s VPM. My knowledge and understanding of the various decompression models and decompression software grew rapidly. The idea was that I could do my decompression on the fly without relying on a computer and/or a software program. The above knowledge, combined with thousands of cave, technical and trimix dives, was a great proving ground for Ratio Deco, but I really realized how powerful the Ratio Deco strategy was when I started combining it with other diving and medical knowledge that I had being studying. That is when I really struck gold.

7 TM First was standardized gas mixes. This is a powerful component of Ratio Deco how to choose the correct bottom mix and correct decompression gasses. Another gold nugget was when I studied and worked with an anesthesiologist who helped me understand oxygen, the body, the on and off effect, and so on. That is when I realized we needed to extend the oxygen windows and that it takes 3-5 minutes for the blood to circulate. This means that we needed to stop longer deeper to allow the O2 to saturate the blood and circulate throughout the body. This keeps the bubbles smaller, their surface tension higher and creates the most benefit from our hight PPO2 (1.6) O2windows. This is when I started testing and implementing S-Curves into Ratio Deco. S-Curves, as the video will explain, is the shape of the decompression profile in which when we first switch to a high PPO2 gas (1.6). It is more beneficial to remain at that depth (21m/70 )and stop for 3-5 minutes to allow the blood to saturate and circulate than it is to do one minute and then move shallower as all other profiles will dictate. In fact UTD s Ratio Deco is the first and still currently the only decompression strategy or profile that emphasizes and extends the decompression time at the O2 windows and shortens the time in the intermediate stops. Another was the off O2 effect at 9m/30 where I started coming off the high O2 mix, doing a back gas break. This allows the lungs to recoup from the high PPO2, and allows the extremities to dilate rather than constrict from the high concentrations of oxygen. The current back gas breaks from O2 at 6m/20 are 10 minutes on and 5 minutes off as prescribed by the anesthesiologist who explained that this would prevent the body from dilating the lungs and constricting the extremities when breathing pure O2 a constricted extremity and dilated lung (full of fluids) would reduce the efficiency of decompression. All of this, combined with the decompression models and deep stops rules of thumb are what effectively become today s Ratio Deco. RATIO DECO The History By Andrew Georgitsis I first developed Ratio Deco, or Deco of the Fly, around 1996, even before I became GUE s Training Director. It was a "memorization technique" that I used to remember my decompression times and adjustments so I did not have to write them down on a slate. Then, over the last 17 years of my Hogarthian/DIR/UTD teaching, diving, and exploration, I slowly morphed it into a "Decompression Strategy that would allow us to decompress in the safest, most efficient manner with the least risk, while considering all of our open circuit and closed circuit needs. The specifics included gas choices, bottles choices, gas volume, rock bottom, tank weight and size, equipment requirements and so on. I have spent the last 17 years learning, understanding and diving ALL the various decompression models (Bulhmannn, RGBM, VPM etc.), as well as many concepts and ideas and techniques such as Brian Hills deep stops, each time weighing the pro s and con s and implementig the best of it into Ratio Deco. Ultimately I have found the best strategy to dive and decompress a strategy that minimizes risk and maximizes benefits. Today s version, known as "UTD s Ratio Deco, is very simple and well laid out and has a definitive set of rules and techniques that any diver beginner, advanced, technical, trimix or rebreather can read about, learn, and implement. More informaton on Ratio Deco can be found in our UTD Student and Diver Manaul in our Ratio Deco Digital Course Materials.

8 reduce the cost of your idc by over 80% UTD s NEW Facility Instructor program

9 TM Introcducing UTD s new Facility Instructor program. This program is designed to dramatically reduce the cost to become a UTD instructor teaching at a UTD facility. The program is designed to eliminate any financial barrier for dive centers or dive center instructors crossing over to UTD. In the Facility Instructor program, UTD will defer 100% of the Class Prep Module and almost half the Academic Module. Deferments related to the in-water module may be deferred by the UTD instructor trainer. Here s how it works: The UTD Facility Instructor can only teach through their assigned UTD Dive Facility. No UTD Facility Instructor may teach independently (outside of) the assigned UTD Facility. All classes taught by UTD Facility Instructors must list their affiliated UTD Facility as the Organizer for all classes they teach. What Defines a Facility : A UTD Facility is a physical dive center with an on-site fill station and a rental gear program. They must have a Terms and Conditions form signed and on file with UTD. Each UTD Facility must be a stocking dealer of UTD equipment at Level 2 pricing. Annual Fees: UTD annual instructor membership fees are waived for the first calendar year. Subsequent years are $150. All instructor membership fees are due by the end of December each year. Facility Instructors may participate in the UTD Instructor Loyalty Program (no annual membership fee if not affiliated with any other training agency). Costs: Class Preparation Module: $525, deferred to $0. Registration and Academic Module, $600, deferred to $350. In-Water Module, at the discretion of the Instructor Trainer. Transfer fee to move to a different facility, $350 (can then teach at both each facilities). Transfer fees are credited toward the total deferment. To teach independently, all deferments must be paid in full. Instructors who have paid the total IDC costs, or paid all their deferments can teach at any facility. Advanced upgrades are not included in the Facility Instructor program, however Facility Instructors may upgrade (Tech, Trimix, Overhead, etc.) for the standard fee of $300 per category the in-water training is at the discretion of the UTD Advanced Instructor Trainer. Facility Instructors who do advanced upgrades may still only teach at their facility until all Foundational Instructor deferments are paid. Contact jeff@unifiedteamdiving.com for more details , ext 2

10 UTD TECHNIQUES Using Ratio Deco 1. Ratio Deco is an ascent strategy, not a decompression theory. 2. Ratio Deco is designed to be adjusted on the fly, not on a dive computer or spreadsheet. 3. Ratio Deco only works with standard bottom gasses and standard deco gasses. 4. Ratio Deco is consistent across all depths, so once you learn Min Deco for recreational diving, it s easy to learn the strategy for technical diving. 5. Ratio Deco is easy to learn, easy to use, and easy to modify. To take the Ratio Deco online course, CLICK HERE.

11 MIN DECO the recreational side of ratio deco 1. A recreational ascent begins at 50% of average depth. 2. the stops are one minute for each 10 /3m. 3. these are the additional rules for min deco. Or 50% of maximum depth if leaving the bottom deeper than the average. Average depth is established by a system of depth averaging. Each five minutes during the dive note your depth, then remember a culmulative average. So if your first five minutes averages 60 /18m, then that s your cumulative depth. If you then go to 80 /24m, then after 10 minutes your average depth is 70 /21m, and so on. Base your first stop at 50% of this average depth. If, at the end of the dive, you are deeper than your culmulative average, then base the ascent on that deeper depth. Ascend from depth at a rate of 30 /10m per minute to your first stop then wait for one minute. If you don t show seconds on your bottom timer, wait until you see the first minute change then wait another full minute so you are sure to get the whole stop. Once your minute is up, ascend at a rate of 30 /10m to the next stop, which is 10 /3m above the first stop. When the next minute clicks over on your bottom timer, ascend another 10 /3m for one minute. The travel time is inclded in each stop, so really you are doing 20 seconds of travel and 40 seconds of stop. Standard Gasses Apply Air to 60 /18m, Nitrox 32 to 100 /30m, 25/25 to 130 /39m, Round shallower to the first stop a 90 /27m dive stops first at 40 /12m. If your surface interval is less than 1-hour, double the shallow stops (2 ATA to surface - 30, 20, 10 / 9m, 6m, 3m). 20 /6m and 10 /3m stops are interchangeable based on environmental conditions. If you can t hold the 10 /3m stop, do it all at 20 /6m and then do a slow ascent to the surface. No ascent is less than 3 minutes, however on a 20 / 6m dive, 20 /6m becomes your first stop, so you wouild then do two minutes at 10 /3m then up.

12 Sand Beneath My Feet By Gretchen M. Ashton, CFT, SFT, SFN, NBFE During my years as a competitive power lifter I utilized cross training to enhance my performance. Each summer I selected a completely different activity from my usual training to stimulate mind, body and spirit. One of my most memorable experiences was the season when I took instruction in Goju Ryu, an Okinawan style of Karate. Goju Ryu is a close contact encounter with hard and soft techniques. Although Goju Ryu includes kicks, takedowns and throws, most of my training was centered on grappling, circular hand motions, breathing and concentration. My favorite workouts were at the beach practicing Katas. Katas are prearranged sequenced movements for exercise and training used widely among the martial arts. Other exercises included the low and very wide stance generally referred to as a sumo stance which was incredibly effective leg training for the big lifts of the squat and dead lift. My Sensei seemed to float across the sand and my task was to simply stay face-to-face with him while in this sumo stance position. At the time it seemed impossible but I did my best and experienced improvement. The breathing technique was amazing! Beginning with an inhale through the nose I was told to imagine the air flowing down into my abdomen curling around in a constant flow. The inhale, and the exhale which was a reversal of the process, was practiced with

13 TM a goal of lasting as long as possible and timed with specific body movements. I continue to practice and benefit from this breathing technique, especially for exercise and scuba diving. My Sensei also taught me to listen to the breathing of others; valuable awareness when presented with an opponent, but for me especially helpful when training fitness clients. While walking at the beach I sometimes stop and try to perform the Sanchin Kata as I did that Summer; standing in knee-deep surf, focusing on the horizon, with the sand gradually washing away beneath my feet. Arigato Goju Master. For more information about healthy diving, contact Gretchen at

14 Time to Clean Up Our Playground An LA Waterkeeper Blog One of my favorite things in Los Angeles is the beach. I am willing to forgive and forget any and all horrifying traffic experiences on our congested freeways the moment I get to the sand, see the shimmering blue vastness of the ocean and feel the breeze. Growing up in a smallish town in Bulgaria which frequently turned into a furnace during the summer with no nearby cooling escapes, I looked forward to our two-week summer vacation at the Black Sea the entire year and then grieved for months after the short period of fun at the beach ended. So I have always considered myself extremely fortunate to end up living by the beach and I think most of us living here would agree that one of the greatest perks of LA is the beach. Whether it s birthday parties, playdates, weddings, concerts, weekend outings, Memorial Day, July 4th or Labor Day get-togethers of any kind we Angelenos go to the beach to celebrate and have fun for any occasion. And the beach and our ocean never stop giving the cool water, the glistening sun, the sand. Even when we are not so nice, and leave our trash in the sand to be dispersed by wind, washed away into the ocean and eaten by the sea life that we so much enjoy seeing in the water.

15 TM Well, it s time to clean up our playground and LA Waterkeeper invites you to join us. Last year nearly 60,000 volunteers participated in beach clean ups throughout California collecting 375 tons of trash and recyclable materials. You can be, no you should be one of these volunteers this year and give back to our amazing beaches and ocean. By Tatiana Gaur

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