46
Diving with microbubble (MB) levels
6. DIVING WITH MICROBUBBLE (MB) LEVELS
NOTE:
The following chapter deals with the characteristics of diving with microbubble (MB)
levels. For general information about displays and features of diving with Subgear XP-
3G see chapter 3.
Microbubbles are tiny bubbles that can build up inside a diver’s body during any dive
and normally dissipate naturally during an ascent and on the surface after a dive. Dives
within no-stop time and observance of decompression stops do not prevent the formation
of microbubbles in the venous blood circulation.
Dangerous microbubbles are those migrating into the arterial circulation. The reasons for
the migration from the venous blood circulation to the arterial circulation can be a great
many microbubbles collecting in the lungs. SUBGEAR has equipped Subgear XP-3G dive
computers with a new technology to protect from microbubbles.
The diver chooses – according to his/her needs – an MB level and influences through it the
level of protection from microbubbles. Diving with MB levels requires additional ascent stops
(level stops), the ascent is slowed down and the body gets more time to desaturate. This
works contrary to the formation of the microbubbles and increases safety.
Subgear XP-3G features 6 microbubble levels (L0-L5). Level L0 corresponds to
SUBGEAR’s well-known decompression model ZH-L8 ADT and does not require level stops
due to microbubble formation. Levels L1 to L5 offer additional protection from microbubble
formation with level L5 offering the highest protection.
Similar to the display of information during decompression dives or dives within no-stop
time, Subgear XP-3G displays depth and duration of the first level stop as well as the total
time of ascent as soon as the MB no-stop time has run out. As the MB no-stop time is
shorter than the ordinary no-stop time a diver will be required to carry out a stop (level stop)
sooner than a diver using level L0.
If a diver ignores a required level stop, Subgear XP-3G will cascade to a lower MB level and
the dive can not be completed with the initially chosen MB level. E.g. if a diver sets level L4
on Subgear XP-3G prior to the dive and during the dive ignores the recommended stops
Subgear XP-3G will automatically adjust the setting to level L3 or lower.
To Next Page
Loading...
