PADI Ascent Rate

[EarlJonesIII]

When I went thru the OW course in 2004 it was 60 feet per minute, and we did buddy breathing during the exercises.
When I went thru the OW refresher a few months ago it was 30 fpm and buddy breathing was "banned".

Apparently the results over the years determined that too many divers got lung over-expansion injuries from holding their breath while their buddy was using the reg during ascending. Although we were taught to slowly exhale while your buddy was using the reg, in a panic situation divers forget their training.

 

[DevonDiver]

So why have all or most others changed and PADI haven't?

One rumour I've heard floating about is that if they do, then claims may be able to be made against PADI from previous incidents in the US

I've heard the same. Changing the ascent rate could open them to litigation, even a class action suit.... from anyone who got 'undeserved' bent diving PADI tables over the years.

Given that the tables will probably be gone in the coming years, it's probably not worth changing it at this stage.

When diving computers... PADI advise following computer instructions, so they avoid all liability for DCS issues.

 

[DevonDiver]

It may be archaic, but when all else fails....it's better than nothing.

Two pertinent articles :

How to Judge Your Ascent Rate

and

Best Ascent Speed for Scuba Diving