The impetus for the major changes in the PADI standards, which are significant, was the joint PADI/DAN study on dive fatalities. This indicated that the primary preventable cause of dive fatalities was an air embolism caused by a panicked, rapid ascent following an OOA situation without easy access to a buddy. The new standards emphasize the buddy system, put major emphasis on being aware of current air pressure, have more OOA practice, and focus more on independent dive planning and execution.
In addition, the new standards and procedures put much heavier emphasis on buoyancy control and trim, and people on ScuibaBoard were clearly told they were instrumental in making that happen.
In addition, the new standards and procedures put much heavier emphasis on buoyancy control and trim, and people on ScuibaBoard were clearly told they were instrumental in making that happen.