Scuba diving whether recreational or professional is filled with acronyms making it confusing for someone starting out at the hobby. Here is a continuation of our list of commonly used Scuba Diving acronyms and their descriptions to help you get started. If you missed out on our first part click here.
DM = Dive Master (PADI)
A Dive Master is scuba certification level that is used for a diver responsible for a whole group of divers. It is the lowest Professional rating of most scuba certification agencies, allowing a diver to lead a group of divers on a dive. To become a Dive Master one must complete an internship working at a dive center or dive shop and complete the Diver Masters examination.
DPV = Diver Propulsion Vehicle
DPV, also known as an underwater propulsion vehicle or underwater scooter) is a motorized piece of scuba diving equipment that increases the range of a scuba diver underwater. A DPV usually consists of a battery-powered electric motor, which drives a propeller moving the diver forward underwater.
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NDL = No Decompression Limit
NDL or No Decompression Limit refers to the time a divers is allowed to spend underwater without having to perform a decompression stop to expel the nitrogen bubbles that may form in their bodies after extended period of breathing compressed air.
NAUI = National Association Of Underwater Instructors
A US based scuba agency, NAUI started in 1959 is the oldest recreational scuba certification agency. NAUI is a non-profit association which was started for the promotion of dive safety through education. Its diver courses are very similar to that conducted by PADI and SSI and it enjoys a status of being the second largest scuba certification agency after PADI.
NITROX = Nitrogen + Oxygen Mixture
Nitrox refers to any Gas Mixture of Nitrogen and Oxygen; where the dive gas mixture contains higher than normal percentage of oxygen in the mixture and the reduced percentage of nitrogen is reduces the nitrogen uptake in the body’s tissues and so extending the possible dive time, and reducing the risk of decompression sickness.
PADI = Professional Association Of Diving Instructors
Based in the United States and by far by the biggest and most recognized dive certification agency in the world, PADI was started in 1966 to improve the training into a variety of different courses rather than just the one single universal course. PADI centers are the most widely spread out across the world and you can find one in almost any dive destination.
SSI = Scuba Schools International
With 35 Regional Centers and Area Offices around the globe, the 1970 established SSI is based in the United States. It has well over 2,200 authorized dealers and supports Dive Businesses and Dive Resorts. A major difference between SSI and other diver education organizations like PADI, NAUI, CMAS and others is that SSI is a Retail based organization, intended to ensure the quality of training worldwide.
SPG = Submersible Pressure Gauge
The SPG or Submersible Pressure Gauge is connected to your tank via a hose and indicates how much air is left in your tank during a dive. Air pressure is measured in PSI or bar. Most SPGs have a section of the dial highlighted in red which shows you when you’re getting low on air.
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RDP = Recreational Dive Planner
The RDP or Recreational Dive planner refers to the decompression table with which no decompression stop diving can be planned using. A RDP allows divers to plan their dives outlining the time the diver is allowed to spend at varying depths before having to perform a decompression stop.
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