If you are enrolled in a course, your digital student portal includes downloadable PDF versions of both the metric and imperial RDP tables.
The PADI RDP (Residual Nitrogen Time) Table, also known as the Recreational Dive Planner, is a tool used by scuba divers to plan safe dives and avoid decompression sickness. Here is an informative text regarding the PADI RDP Table in metric units (depth in meters and time in minutes):
The RDP consists of three main sections, typically printed across a single, double-sided card:
Using the table deepens your understanding of decompression theory and nitrogen loading. Anatomy of the PADI RDP Metric Table Padi Rdp Table Metric Pdf
The RDP tables provide key values for each depth, including:
This table is the starting point. It is a grid with depths (in meters) along the top and dive times along the side.
The absolute maximum time you can spend at that specific metric depth without needing emergency decompression stops. If you are enrolled in a course, your
You will see a box split into two numbers (often color-coded with white and blue/red backgrounds): Bottom Number (Adjusted No Decompression Limit / ANDL): Result: You can safely stay at for a maximum of
– Shows how your Pressure Group changes as you off-gas nitrogen during a surface interval (SI).
Assigns a "Pressure Group" (letter A–Z) based on nitrogen levels. Anatomy of the PADI RDP Metric Table The
on the surface, your nitrogen drops, making you a . Step 3: Find Limits for the Repetitive Dive (Table 3)
While modern dive computers have become the standard for tracking nitrogen in real-time, the remains the foundational blueprint of dive safety theory. For divers who prefer the International System of Units (meters and bars) over Imperial units (feet), the PADI RDP Table Metric PDF is an indispensable tool.
A new, lower Pressure Group letter, reflecting your decreased nitrogen levels. Table 3: Repetitive Dive Timetable
– Gives the Adjusted No-Decompression Limit (ANDL) and Residual Nitrogen Time (RNT) for subsequent dives based on your current Pressure Group. Critical Rules for Use