A Comprehensive Strategy for Saturation Decompression with Nitrogen-Oxygen,

This paper began by discussing an empirical method for finding the ascent rates from saturation dives. These rates were estimated in a subsequent analysis. The estimates are easily modified and can be refined with additional data and other decompression models. A brief review of doppler bubble measurements suggests several conclusions. First, the relationship between bubbles and decompression sickness is qualitatively similar for a variety of decompression exposures. Second, most decompression sickness is associated with high bubble grades. Third, doppler bubble detectors can monitor the progressive development of bubbles during a saturation decompression, and the extent of these bubbles can be reduced by decreasing the rate of ascent. A final conclusion relates to the purpose of this workshop. Likelihood and doppler bubble detection methods are powerful theoretical and experimental tools for solving the problems of decompression. If these tools are to be used effectively, however, adequate support for research must be available and sufficient data from experimental and operational diving must be accurately recorded and published for general use.