DecoPlan

A technical open-circuit plan starts with the shape of the dive, then adds gases and conservatism. Work in that order and the gas numbers have something real to stand on.

1. Set depth and time. Enter the bottom depth and bottom time. If the dive changes depth in stages, add levels rather than forcing everything into one square profile.
2. Add the gases. Enter the bottom gas and deco gases with the mix from your analyser. The planner sets switches by MOD, so the mix and the planned depth stay consistent.
3. Choose the model and gradient factors. Use the decompression model and gradient factors that match your computer and your team's convention. Keep them visible; they are part of the plan, not a hidden setting.
4. Enter SAC and reserve. Your consumption and reserve determine whether the plan is actually carryable. Use your own working SAC, not an optimistic number.
5. Read the profile and the gas totals. Check the ascent shape, the deco stops and the gas left at the end. If the plan only works on paper, change the plan before the dive.

This lesson describes planning software. It is not a dive course, a schedule or a substitute for training and team procedure.

Text + clip The animated clip is available above; the text steps remain below for reference.

A rebreather plan is two plans: the loop you intend to dive and the open-circuit exit you hope never to use. DecoPlan keeps them in the same place.

1. Set the setpoints. Enter the bottom and ascent setpoints. If your plan uses a low setpoint on the descent, add it there rather than assuming it.
2. Define the diluent. Choose the diluent for the loop. It affects the loop and the bailout picture, so it belongs in the plan from the start.
3. Add bailout cylinders. List the open-circuit gas you would need to reach the exit. Treat the bailout as a separate gas supply, not as spare loop volume.
4. Test the worst moment. Check bailout for a failure at the deepest or most distant point your plan allows. A bailout that works only on the way home is not a bailout.
5. Review the whole exit. Read the bailout ascent and gas totals against your team's procedure. If the numbers are tight, shorten the dive or add gas before you get wet.

Bailout planning is safety-critical. Follow your certification, unit and team procedures; this page cannot validate them.

Text + clip The animated clip is available above; the text steps remain below for reference.

Recreational planning should be quick without being vague. Set the dive, check the mix and leave with a clear gas picture.

1. Set depth and time. Enter the planned depth and bottom time. The planner shows the no-decompression limit for the profile.
2. Choose the mix. Use air or nitrox with the mix from your analyser. Check the ppO₂ at depth next to it; the number matters more than the label on the cylinder.
3. Add your SAC and cylinder. Enter your consumption and the cylinder you will carry. The planner shows how much gas remains after the dive.
4. Keep a reserve. Treat the remaining gas as a reserve, not as time to spend. Plan the ascent and exit with the reserve intact.
5. Sanity-check the plan. Compare the profile, NDL and gas against your training and the day's conditions. Software supports the decision; it does not make it.

This is a description of the planning workflow. It is not a dive schedule or a substitute for training.

Text + clip The animated clip is available above; the text steps remain below for reference.

DecoPlan plans dive profiles. DecoPlan Cave is a separate route and gas planner.

1. Choose the task. Use DecoPlan for the dive profile and DecoPlan Cave for a cave route and gas.
2. Find the reference. Cave Atlas is reference inside both apps. The voice project is still in development.

Two separate planners; the reference and voice project have different roles.

Text + clip The animated clip is available above; the text steps remain below for reference.

Each app has one universal Mac installer for Intel and Apple Silicon, macOS 14 or later.

1. Choose the app. Download DecoPlan or DecoPlan Cave from its own download section.
2. Choose one Mac file. The universal installer supports Intel and Apple Silicon. macOS 14 or later is required.

The two apps have separate installers. Android availability is listed separately.

Text + clip The animated clip is available above; the text steps remain below for reference.