Diving Science and Technology

Diving Science and Technology (DSAT) is a research and development team that is part of PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. DSAT develops and maintains the theoretical basis for PADI's recreational diving courses.

History[edit | edit source]

DSAT was established in the late 1970s by Dr. Raymond Rogers, a physicist and diving enthusiast. The team was initially formed to develop a decompression model for recreational divers, which resulted in the creation of the RDP, the Recreational Dive Planner.

Research and Development[edit | edit source]

DSAT's primary focus is on the development of safe and practical decompression procedures for recreational diving. This involves extensive research into decompression theory, physiology, and hyperbaric medicine. DSAT also conducts research into diving equipment, diving safety, and diving accident analysis.

DSAT Gas Blender Course[edit | edit source]

One of the key contributions of DSAT is the DSAT Gas Blender Course. This course teaches divers how to blend enriched air nitrox and helium-based gases for use in technical diving. The course covers the physical properties of oxygen, its associated hazards, handling requirements, and what cleaning equipment is necessary.

DSAT TecRec[edit | edit source]

DSAT TecRec is a series of technical diving courses developed by DSAT. These courses provide training for divers who wish to dive beyond the normal recreational diving limits, using different gas mixes and diving to greater depths. The TecRec courses include Tec 40, Tec 45, Tec 50, Tec Trimix 65, and Tec Trimix Diver.