Deep Tech

Question
Hi Mike,
 I am an MSDT PADI and SSI instructor. I supervise a dive team at work that conducts underwater explosive test for the DoD. We are sending five guys to the 40 fathom grotto next month for deep tech training.  I am 53 years old  and plan on taking the traning along side the new guys. I have been diving since 1978 with over 3000 logged dives. I sometimes feel that I should just set back and let the "young bucks" do their thing, but I just can't. Anyway, these will be Deco dives to 180 feet. Should  be concerned about increased DCS chances becuase of my age and diving history? I'm in good shape, training for my 3rd marathon, and hope to be retiring in a couple of years.

Thanks,

Bill

Answer
Hi Bill,

Where age is concerned, we're a "Band of Brothers" but I've still got 13 years on you!!  What you're asking me for is an opinion and that's about all it's worth.  With your ratings and bottom time, you're very aware of the things that predispose divers to increased chances of DCS.  Certainly, age and physical conditioning are among them.  At age 53, you're still relatively young and with your marathon training, your physical conditioning shouldn't be in question.  I'm also assuming that you don't have a history of barotrauma.

From what you've told me, I don't see any reason why you can't join the "young bucks".  In fact, it would probably be good for your relationship with your divers for them to know that the old man can hang with them.

I would make extended deco stops, especially when done above 60 feet and extend your surface intervals to at least two and a half hours if possible.  Try to cut your physical task loading at depth as much as possible.  Let the younger guys handle the physical stuff as much as your class will permit.

You can also check with Divers Alert Network (DAN) for their opinion but I've found that they tend to be very conservative so don't be surprised if they just refer you to a diving physician.  From their standpoint, they might feel liable if they gave you their blessing and you wind up getting injured, whether it's directly related to your diving activities or not.

As for retiring...don't.  Slow down or switch to something less physical and more supervisory.  I've read numerous studies that indicate that complete retirement leaves you with no "reason" to get up in the morning and can lead to a gradual decline in overall health.  Running my dive shop is a retirement project for me.  I've actually retired twice (once from medicine and once from engineering) and, while I may not feel like coming to the shop sometimes, it's always calling me to work.  It gives me a reason to get moving in the morning and I think that's key to prolonging life.  O.K., that's my philosophical speech for the day!!

Anyway, Bill, in my opinion, you can attend the training with your divers but be extra conservative with the deco stops and extend your surface intervals as much as possible.  Be alert to anything that might indicate a deco injury and seek treatment immediately.  Life is full of risks but this one seems manageable to me.

Best wishes for safe diving,

Mike Giles
Mike's Dive Center
mikescuba.com