Diving Physics

Course Description

Covers the physical effects of working underwater on the diver’s body by factors such as air, sound, and light, with detailed emphasis on pressure and temperature and calculation of formulas to solve diving problems related to physics.

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the characteristics of matter and the components of air and the relationship to hydrostatic and hyperbaric pressure.
  • State the gas laws (Boyles, Charles, Daltons, Henrys, Amonton’s -Gay-Lussac’s) and explain the practical application in diving.
  • Explain buoyancy as related to Archimedes principle and calculate lift capacities in salt and fresh water.
  • Explain the effects of light in water and the relationship of factors such as depth, density, and turbidity, and refraction.
  • Explain the effects of sound in the water environment and procedures to prevent diver injury.
  • Explain the theory of decompression and the need for decompression procedures.
  • Select proper decompression tables and schedules using the U.S. Navy Decompression Tables; to decompress divers using in-water air decompression, in-water oxygen decompression, surface decompression, perform repetitive dives, and the various emergency procedures related to decompression procedures.
  • Explain the theory of altitude diving and procedures to follow for flying after diving.


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