Decompression Diving Insights with Paragon Diving in Florida
Difficulty
expert
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Divers should be in good physical shape to handle strenuous dives involving decompression stops and gear management.
Overview
Paragon Diving in Big Pine Key, Florida, delivers expert instruction in decompression diving over a three-day course. Unlock deeper wreck dives in the Florida Keys with advanced gas and computer skills.
Decompression Diving
Ages 16+ • 3 Days • Are you ready for tech?
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About This Adventure
Duration
3 days
About
The SSI Decompression Diving Specialty will teach you how to dive beyond the no-decompression limits. You will learn to plan and conduct dives to a maximum depth of 130ft (40m) with limited decompression using your recreational total diving system and a single decompression cylinder. You will learn and practice how to effectively use your dive computer features, including switching gases, gas integration, time-to-reserve, and time-to-surface. Using these computer functions will become second nature, enabling you to safely conduct dives with limited decompression without hours of dive planning.
Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Decompression Diving Specialty certification and be able to explore stunning deep dive sites or larger wrecks without being restricted by the traditional no-decompression limits. The opportunities to expand your diving adventures have just got bigger!
More Info
Once you have booked your course, you will receive your online academic materials (typically within 24 hours) and a course introduction letter laying out schedule and expectations for the course.
This course requires the student to have and use specialty equipment specific to the course. This will be discussed with your instructor prior to the first day of class.
This course includes 2 boat trips (4 dives) to the wreck.
Prerequisites
- 16 years of age
- Certified as an Open Water Diver
- 24 logged dives (verified on day 1)
- Certifications in Deep and Enriched Air Nitrox specialties
Adventure Tips
Maintain Conscious Gas Management
Always monitor your dive computer carefully to track gas switches and decompression stops accurately.
Prepare Specialty Equipment in Advance
Discuss required decompression cylinders and gear with your instructor prior to course start to avoid delays.
Confirm Sufficient Log Dives
Ensure you have at least 24 logged dives and Deep and Nitrox certifications before enrolling for safety and preparedness.
Plan for Boat Trips
The course includes two boat excursions; bring seasickness remedies if you’re prone, and sun protection for surface intervals.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hawksbill sea turtles
- Tropical reef fish such as angelfish and parrotfish
History
The Florida Keys have a storied diving history, with numerous wrecks dating back to the early 20th century, many preserved as underwater museums.
Conservation
Paragon Diving emphasizes responsible diving practices that protect coral reefs and marine habitats critical to the Keys’ ecology.
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Adventure Hotspots in Key West
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Dual-faced Dive Computer
Critical for managing complex decompression dive profiles and gas switches.
Decompression Cylinder
Required for carrying additional gas needed during staged decompression stops.
Recreational Total Diving System
Optimized for technical dives, balancing primary and decompression gases.
Dive Gloves and Hood
Provide extra warmth during colder months, improving comfort on longer dives.
winter specific