How does the RDP compare to the US Navy tables in terms of surface interval times?

The Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) is designed to accommodate recreational divers and includes a formulated set of tables that reflect how to safely plan dives and manage surface intervals. Compared to the US Navy tables, the RDP typically provides shorter surface interval times in some scenarios. This means that after completing a dive, divers can begin their next dive sooner than they might be able to if following the more conservative US Navy tables.

This distinction arises because the RDP was developed with a focus on recreational diving practices and allows for more flexibility under certain conditions, particularly when accounting for the specific dive profiles that recreational divers engage in. The goal is to provide a practical balance between safety and fun while diving, which results in shorter required surface intervals under certain dive conditions.

In contrast, the US Navy tables are designed with a conservative approach that prioritizes safety more strictly, meaning they often require longer surface intervals to ensure adequate off-gassing and minimize the risk of decompression sickness. Thus, the RDP provides an advantage for divers engaged in multi-dive days, making it easier to plan multiple dives within a given time frame while still maintaining a focus on safety.