How to use the PADI RDP Table

One of the most important things when answering questions with the RDP table, like the ERDPml, is to follow a methodical approach. Draw out a dive diagram, fill in the numbers from the question and then work the answer.

The RDP table will, in many cases, give different answers to the same question calculated using the ERDPml. The reason for this is that the table has columns for 35ft, 40ft, 50ft, 60ft and so on up to 140ft. The ERDPml has columns that only jump in five foot increments, 35ft, 40ft, 45ft, 50ft, 55ft and so on. This means that there is less rounding when using the ERDPml giving lower pressure groups or longer dives or shorter surface intervals on some dives.

Below i have laid out the different ways the RDP table can be used, and the different types of questions you may be asked. It is done by just giving an example question with a video to show how the answer can be calculated. At the bottom is a quiz for you to test what you have learned. At the end of the quiz you will be directed to a page that contains videos showing how to calculate the answers.

Calculating your  pressure groups after a series of dives

 

 

Finding the minimum surface interval required between 2 dives.

 

How to calculate a minimum surface interval using the RDP table.

Finding the adjusted no decompression limit for a repetitive dive

 

How to answer RDP table questions in the PADI exams - Maximum allowable time or adjusted no decompression limit questions.

Finding the maximum allowable depth for a repetitive dive

 

PADI Instructor exam study aid. PADI RDP Table example exam question https://goprocaribbean.com/divetheory

Calculating the total amount of time it would take complete three dives with minimum surface intervals

 

Calculating the total amount of time required to do three scuba dives using minimum surface intervals.

At the moment I am transitioning to new quiz software, so only Physics Quiz 1 is working. Let me know if you have feedback on the look and feel of that quiz. My old software suddenly stopped working properly and I am in the middle of teaching an IDC so I won’t be able to update them all for a couple of weeks.