Automatic compensation by capillary gauge for altitude decompression

Abstract

According to simple theory, the indications of a capillary depth gauge are such that ascent rate and decompression-stop position are correct to give unaltered gammas (tissue overpressures) and a safe dive profile--independent of the density of the medium or of surface altitude--if position indications are used directly in a standard decompression table. The usual dial depth gauges must be doubly corrected for altitude but not medium before tables can be used, while distance-measuring systems should be corrected for both altitude and medium. The capillary-gauge dive profile is theoretically conservative when timed step decompression rather than continuous ascent is used if gamma increases with altitude.