The meaning of the term “deep” as it applies to recreational diving has been a matter of debate for many years among scuba divers. It is a very subjective term. For some divers, 18 meters / 60 feet may be considered a deep dive, while for others, 39 meters / 130 feet is the standard for which determines a “deep” dive. It all depends on a diver’s personal experience and what the environmental conditions are at the time of the dive. The majority of the international training agencies define a deep dive as one deeper than 18 meters / 60 feet.
Analysis of diving incident data suggests that as the depth increase so do the risks, usually beyond depths of 24 meters / 80 feet and deeper. For this reason, SNSI defines a deep dive as one that takes place deeper than 24 meters / 80 feet.
It should be noted that the generally accepted depth limit for recreational diving is 30 meters / 100 feet, and the depth limit for deep divers trained by internationally recognized training agencies is 39 meters / 130 feet.
SNSI has a unique recreational course for those who want a more complete “enjoyment” of diving: the SNSI Recreational Deco Diver course, during which you will use the same equipment as in deep diving, but with additional precautions, such as the addition of a decompression cylinder containing Nitrox 32. The course permits you to dive up to 45 meters / 150 feet with a maximum decompression time of 15 minutes. As an advanced diver and your experience increases, you will find that the limit of your dives will become the no decompression curve rather than the air supply. With the SNSI Recreational Deco Diver course you will be able to extend your time underwater and increase your fun.