How is a diver's consumption rate calculated?

To understand how a diver’s consumption rate is calculated, it's essential to consider the physics of diving and how pressure affects breathing gas requirements. The correct formula involves the diver's depth and their Respiratory Minute Volume (RMV), which is the amount of air they breathe in a minute, measured in liters per minute.

At greater depths, the surrounding water pressure increases, which affects the density of the breathing gas. The formula provided in the correct answer incorporates this principle by adjusting for pressure at depth. The calculation begins with the depth of the dive, adds 33 (which accounts for the fact that 1 atmosphere of pressure is experienced at sea level plus an increase of approximately 1 atmosphere for every 10 meters of water depth), and then divides by 33 to normalize this value. This adjusted depth value represents the pressure at the depth in atmospheres.

By multiplying the resulting value by the diver's RMV, the equation gives a detailed insight into the volume of gas required for the diver to sustain their activities at that specific depth. It is essential to ensure that the diver can carry sufficient gas supply for the duration of their dive, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Understanding this formula helps divers plan their dives effectively, managing gas supplies to prevent situations such