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Scuba Diving Acronyms You Should Know

Scuba Diving Acronyms You Should Know

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on November 29, 2017
scuba diver in full gear underwater

If you’re new to the world of scuba, the information that’s thrust upon you can seem overwhelming, from technical terms to acronyms that all have a valuable place in the dive world. There are more than 200 scuba diving acronyms in use around the world, but these are some of the more common and important for you to know.

drysuit diving diver in water
Image via Shutterstock

Scuba Diving Acronyms

SCUBA: Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus

Did you know that the word “scuba” itself is an acronym? In fact, SCUBA stands for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, and refers to your underwater life support system.

DAN: Divers Alert Network

DAN stands for Divers Alert Network, which is a non-profit agency dedicated to diver safety. It is is one of the more important acronyms in the lexicon of SCUBA terminology, and certainly one every diver should be familiar with. It is the most comprehensive agency out there catering to the specific needs of divers and dive-related injuries. In addition to a wealth of information offered to the public in regard to dive safety, they also offer insurance to help cover the costs of an unforeseen dive accident at a very reasonable rate. Whether you’re brand new to diving or an old hat, you need to acquaint yourself with DAN!

AAS: Alternate Air Source

The alternate air source can refer to your backup second stage regulator on your octopus. This is used in case your primary regulator fails or you need to share air with a buddy who has run out. The alternate air source is usually a bright color such as fluorescent yellow. AAS can also refer to a pony air bottle or a bailout bottle that is used when your primary air tanks are empty, however this is more commonly referred to as an EAS or Extra Air Source.

ABT: Actual Bottom Time

Actual bottom time refers to the time a diver spends underwater, from the time the diver begins their descent to the time they begin a continuous ascent to the surface. ABT is a term used in dive tables to represent the amount of time a diver spent underwater.

ADT: Actual Dive Time

ADT stands for actual dive time, and is the period from the beginning of descent to the time you are back on the surface. It is essential to know this scuba diving acronym, as safe diving will depend on knowing the amount of time you can spend underwater.

AOW: Advanced Open Water

Advanced Open Water is a scuba diving certification level provided by PADI, SSI, and a few other training agencies. AOW is a second level qualification that a diver may obtain after basic OW or Open Water certification, and this allows recreational divers to dive to a maximum of 30 meters (100 ft) deep.

BC or BCD: Buoyancy Compensator or Buoyancy Control Device

The BC or BCD (buoyancy compensator or buoyancy control device) is a piece of equipment worn by divers to control their buoyancy both underwater and at the surface. The BCD is an indispensable piece of SCUBA equipment, and one that will teach you exactly what the name entails. The BCD is worn by every SCUBA diver to help manage their depth and neutral buoyancy through the use of hoses and bladders that can take in or expel air to affect buoyancy. Your air tank may keep you alive, but your BCD lends a strong assist by ensuring you make it through the dive safely.

scuba diver above water
Photo by Mael BALLAND on Unsplash

C-CARD: (Scuba Diving) Certification Card

C-Card is the generic term used for any scuba diving certification card from any issuing agency such as PADI, NAUI SSI, CMAS etc. A C-card is proof that the diver has trained and certified as a diver and dive shops will not allow divers to dive without one.

CCR: Closed Circuit Rebreather

Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus or CCUBA or a CCR (Closed Circuit Rebreather), allows a diver to breathe the exhaled air, again and again, while constantly removing the CO2 using chemicals while replenishing oxygen into the system as necessary.

CMAS: Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques/The World Underwater Federation

CMAS is the international umbrella organization for diver training organizations. Founded in 1958, CMAS is based in France. The organization offers the international framework for diver and instructor qualifications and members of the CMAS Council are representatives of the other recognized dive agencies.

DCI: Decompression Illness

Decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism are commonly classified together as decompression illness. Air embolism is a medical condition characterized by an air/gas bubble or bubbles in the bloodstream, which cause a variety of problems ranging from blockage of blood supply to organs, stroke like symptoms, and possible cardiac arrest if it reaches the heart.

DCS: Decompression Sickness

DCS, or decompression sickness, is caused by dissolved gases coming out of the bloodstream and forming bubbles in the tissues, organs, and blood vessels, which can cause a range of symptoms from a mild rash to death. The symptoms and consequences of decompression sickness can range from slight discomfort to paralysis and death, so it is vital that every diver understand the implications of DCS and follow procedures to avoid it. Never dive below your maximum depth, and always adhere to decompression limits and safety stops.

DIR: Doing It Right

DIR stands for doing it right, which in the scuba world means using standardized equipment configuration and safety procedures, fundamental dive skills, and teamwork to prevent and handle emergencies.

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 Master examination.

DPV: Diver Propulsion Vehicle

DPV, also known as a diver propulsion vehicle, 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.

LDS: Local Dive Shop

LDS stands for local dive shop, and if you live along the coast or any other region where diving is available, you are likely to have more than one shop at your disposal. Your LDS is where you can go for information, take classes to become SCUBA certified, and obtain air fills. Many divers are avid supporters of their favorite LDS, but your choice may be different depending on service, pricing, and location, so be sure to shop around to find what works best for you.

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 those conducted by PADI and SSI, and it enjoys a status of being the second largest scuba certification agency after PADI.

Mexico scuba diving
Mexico. Photo by Pascal van de Vendel on Unsplash

NDL: No Decompression Limit

NDL or no decompression limit refers to the time a diver 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.

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. The reduced percentage of nitrogen reduces the nitrogen uptake in the body’s tissues. This then extends 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.

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.

SIT: Surface Interval Time

SIT, or surface interval time, is the duration you can spend on the surface between two dives to help the body recover from the nitrogen exposure.

SMB: Surface Marker Buoy

A surface marker buoy, or SMB, is a safety device that is deployed either at the surface or underwater to indicate a diver’s position in the water.

SPG: Submersible Pressure Gauge

Your submersible pressure gauge, or SPG, is exactly what it sounds like: the gauge by which you monitor the pressure in your tank. The SPG’s sole responsibility is to measure and relay the air pressure in your tank, giving you an accurate measurement of how much air you have left. Never forget to test your SPG before every dive! You test your air gauge simply by breathing in and out through your regulator. If the needle moves as you breathe, you know you have an issue with your SPG.

SSI: Scuba Schools International

With 35 Regional Centers and Area Offices around the globe, SSI (first established in 1970) 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.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro