5.10.2. Mandatory Safety Stops
When the ascent rate exceeds 10 m/33 ft per minute continuously for more than 5 seconds,
the microbubble build-up is predicted to be more than is allowed for in the decompression
model. The Suunto RGBM calculation model responds to this by adding a Mandatory
Safety Stop to the dive. The time of this Mandatory Safety Stop depends on the severity
of the ascent rate excess.
The STOP sign appears in the display and when you reach the depth zone between 6 m
and 3 m/20 ft and 10 ft, the CEILING label, ceiling depth, and the calculated Safety Stop
time also appear in the display. You should wait until the Mandatory Safety Stop warning
disappears. The total length of the Mandatory Safety Stop time depends on the seriousness
of the ascent rate violation.
WHEN CEILING AND STOP ARE
DISPLAYED, MAKE A ONE MINUTE
MANDATORY SAFETY STOP IN THE
DEPTH ZONE BETWEEN 6 M AND 3 M.
You must not ascend shallower than 3 m/10 ft with the Mandatory Safety Stop warning
on. If you ascend above the Mandatory Safety Stop ceiling, a downward pointing arrow
will appear and a continuous beeping starts. You should immediately descend to, or below,
the Mandatory Safety Stop ceiling depth. If you correct this situation at any time during
the dive, there are no effects on the decompression calculations for future dives.
WHEN CEILING AND STOP
ARE DISPLAYED, IMMEDIATELY
(WITHIN 3 MINUTES) DESCEND
TO OR BELOW CEILING.
If you continue to violate the Mandatory Safety Stop, the tissue calculation model is affected
and the dive computer shortens the available no-decompression time for your next dive.
In this situation, it is recommended that you prolong your surface interval time before your
next dive.
5.11. Deep stops
Deep Stops are safety stops that occur deeper than traditional stops, with the purpose of
minimizing microbubble formation and excitation.
The Suunto RGBM model calculates deep stops iteratively, placing the first stop about
halfway between the maximum depth and the ceiling depth. After the first Deep Stop is
completed, another Deep Stop will be prompted halfway to the ceiling, and so on until the
ceiling depth is reached.
The Deep Stop length can be set to 1 or 2 minutes.
NOTE
With Deep Stops on, the Recommended Safety Stops will still be
activated at the end of the dive.
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