The PADI Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) Table (Metric) is a foundational, non-electronic tool for calculating safe "no-decompression" limits, utilizing a three-table system to plan repetitive dives in meters. While requiring a learning curve to master pressure groups, it serves as a reliable, essential backup to modern dive computers. For a visual guide to learning the tables, see this YouTube video. PADI RDP TABLE - Table Met | PDF | Scuba Diving - Scribd
The PADI Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) in its metric version is a fundamental tool for managing nitrogen absorption and ensuring safety for recreational divers. Unlike Navy tables designed for deep or commercial work, the RDP was the first table created specifically for "no-stop" recreational diving, providing more liberal limits for the multi-level, shallower dives typically enjoyed by sport divers. Core Structure of the Metric RDP
The metric RDP consists of three integrated tables designed to track your "Pressure Group"—a letter from A to Z representing the residual nitrogen remaining in your body.
Table 1 (No Decompression Limits): Used for your first dive to find your starting Pressure Group based on depth (in meters) and bottom time.
Table 2 (Surface Interval Credit): Calculates how much nitrogen leaves your body while you are out of the water. Your Pressure Group "recedes" (e.g., from N to D) as time passes.
Table 3 (Repetitive Dive Planning): Accounts for residual nitrogen when planning a second or third dive. It provides your Adjusted No Decompression Limit (ANDL), which is the maximum time you can safely stay at a specific depth given your current nitrogen load. Essential Rules for Safe Planning
To use the tables accurately and safely, divers must adhere to several non-negotiable rules:
The PADI Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) metric version is a specialized tool used by scuba divers to calculate No Decompression Limits (NDL) and track nitrogen absorption across multiple dives. Unlike the imperial version, which uses feet, the metric table uses meters (m) to represent depth. 🛠️ Core Functions of the Metric RDP
The planner consists of three primary tables designed to be used in sequence: Table 1: No Decompression Limits Padi Rdp Table Metric Pdf
Finds the maximum time allowed at a specific depth for a first dive.
Assigns a Pressure Group letter (A–Z) based on depth and time. Table 2: Surface Interval Credit
Tracks how much nitrogen "off-gasses" while you are on the surface.
Assigns a new, lower Pressure Group based on your time out of the water. Table 3: Repetitive Dive Timetable
Calculates Residual Nitrogen Time (RNT) from previous dives.
Provides the Adjusted No Decompression Limit (ANDL) for your next dive. 📏 Key Metric Limits & Rules
When using the metric table, divers must adhere to specific rounding and safety rules:
Depth Rounding: If your exact depth is not on the table, always round up to the next greater depth (e.g., 11m becomes 12m). The PADI Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) Table (Metric)
Time Rounding: If your exact dive time is not shown, round up to the next value.
Maximum Depth: The recreational limit for most dives is 40 meters. Open Water divers are typically limited to 18 meters.
Safety Stops: Recommended for all dives at 5 meters for 3 minutes. They are mandatory if you come within three pressure groups of a limit. 🔄 Metric vs. Imperial Differences
While the planning method is identical, the values differ slightly due to rounding: Metric System Imperial System Depth Unit Meters (m) Max Depth Safety Stop NDL Example (10m/33ft) 219 minutes 205 minutes
Note: Never mix metric and imperial tables for the same dive series, as nitrogen tracking will become inaccurate. 💾 Essential Definitions
Actual Bottom Time (ABT): The total time spent underwater during a single dive.
Residual Nitrogen Time (RNT): Theoretical minutes added to a dive to account for nitrogen still in your body. Total Bottom Time (TBT): The sum of ABT and RNT ( ), used to find your final Pressure Group. The duration of that dive
How long you plan to stay on the surface before the next dive Step 3: Calculate your Pressure Group After a
I can then walk you through calculating your Pressure Groups and limits! Metric or Imperial? - Jump - Sail - Dive
I’m unable to directly create or provide a PDF file. However, I can give you the complete structured content for a PADI RDP Table Metric (e-RDP)*
After a dive, you have residual nitrogen. To find your Pressure Group (PG):
| Pressure Group | Depth (m) → RNT (min) |
|----------------|------------------------|
| Example: Group E | 12m → 12 min RNT
15m → 19 min RNT
18m → 26 min RNT |
RNT = additional “imaginary” bottom time from previous dive.
If you need a Padi Rdp Table Metric Pdf immediately for a training session:
Do not use BitTorrent or random Google Drive links. Outdated versions (pre-2010) do not account for modern dive physiology research and could give you dangerously long bottom times.
When using a Padi Rdp Table Metric Pdf, divers often make these errors: