---
title: "Introduction to Decompression Theory"
description: "Understand decompression as a physical process happening in your body on every dive, not as rules to follow. Tissue compartments, dissolved-gas models, gradient factors, and how to read what your dive computer is actually telling you."
canonical: "https://donarundas.com/courses/fundamentals/intro-to-decompression-theory"
author: "Donarun Das — TDI Trimix Instructor, KISS Sidewinder CCR Instructor"
category: "course/fundamentals"
disclaimer: "Dive theory published by a working instructor for education. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for training. Decompression, gas, and depth decisions belong with your own training, your dive computer, and a dive medical officer."
license: "© Donarun Das. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Introduction to Decompression Theory

## At a glance

- **Track:** fundamentals
- **Duration:** 1 day
- **Taught in:** Maldives, Sri Lanka, and India (scheduled around your travel dates)
- **Enquire:** https://donarundas.com/contact

Most divers follow their dive computer without knowing what it is calculating or why. This course explains the physiology of inert gas absorption and elimination, the physics behind decompression models, and how to read what your computer is actually telling you. No unnecessary mathematics. No jargon without explanation.

This understanding is worth having whether you dive recreationally or plan to go further.

The course is theory-based with no mandatory water component, though a practical dive can be added to observe decompression planning in action.

## Who this course is for

![Three divers grouped close in dark water: a CCR diver on a chest-mounted loop in front, two backmount divers lit behind](https://donarundas.com/images/courses/intro-to-decompression-theory/cover.jpg)

- Any diver who wants to understand what is happening in their body on every dive
- Anyone who uses a dive computer but does not fully understand what it computes
- Divers who push NDLs, dive repetitively, or do liveaboards and want better-informed habits
- Divers planning technical training who need solid theoretical foundations first

Open Water upwards. No certification level requirement.

## Prerequisites

- Open Water certification (minimum)

## What this course covers

- Inert gas absorption: tissue compartments, half-times, and saturation curves
- Classical Haldanian dissolved-gas theory and how traditional decompression models work
- Bubble models: VPM and RGBM approaches and what they do differently
- M-values and the theoretical decompression ceiling concept
- Gradient factors: what they are, what adjusting them does, when they matter
- Decompression stops: why, at what depths, and for how long
- Ascent rates and their role in decompression safety
- Reading dive computers: what each number and alarm actually means
- Introduction to decompression planning software: Deco Planner and Shearwater concepts

## Course structure

One day, classroom theory and Q&A discussion. No diving required. An optional follow-up dive with live decompression observation can be added.

Location: Pondicherry (primary) or any programme location.

### Fees and pricing

Pricing is tailored to your course and location. A full breakdown is provided before any commitment is made.

### Ready to train?

Enquire via WhatsApp or call +91 82489 40670. Donarun responds personally to every enquiry.

## Common questions

### Do I need to be good at maths for this course?
No. The concepts are explained without requiring calculations beyond basic arithmetic. The goal is genuine understanding, not formula memorisation.

### Is this a prerequisite for technical diving?
Not formally, but it is strongly recommended before starting any technical programme. Divers who understand decompression theory before entering technical training learn faster and make better decisions underwater.

### Can I take this course online or remotely?
The core course is classroom-based and works best as an in-person session with discussion. If you are considering remote delivery, enquire directly.

## What comes next?

Theory understood? [Dive Planning](https://donarundas.com/courses/fundamentals/dive-planning) takes it into practice: working out gas volumes, turnaround pressures, decompression schedules, and contingency thinking for real dives.

---

**Source:** [https://donarundas.com/courses/fundamentals/intro-to-decompression-theory](https://donarundas.com/courses/fundamentals/intro-to-decompression-theory)

**About the author:** Donarun Das is a TDI Trimix and KISS Sidewinder CCR instructor teaching technical and rebreather diving in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and India. He holds the deepest verified civilian dive in India (103 m, open-circuit trimix, Lakshadweep, March 2026). Courses: https://donarundas.com/courses — enquiries: https://donarundas.com/contact

> Dive theory published by a working instructor for education. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for training. Decompression, gas, and depth decisions belong with your own training, your dive computer, and a dive medical officer.

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