Deco Stop

Term from Scuba Diving Instruction industry explained for recruiters

A Deco Stop, short for Decompression Stop, is a crucial safety practice in scuba diving where divers pause at specific depths while ascending to allow excess nitrogen to safely leave their body. It's similar to letting a carbonated drink fizz slowly instead of opening it quickly. Understanding and managing deco stops is a fundamental skill for professional divers and diving instructors. When reviewing resumes in the diving industry, this term indicates someone has knowledge of advanced diving safety procedures and possibly technical diving experience.

Examples in Resumes

Trained over 200 students in proper Deco Stop procedures and safety protocols

Led technical diving courses including proper Decompression Stop planning and execution

Managed diving operations ensuring strict adherence to Deco Stop requirements for all skill levels

Typical job title: "Scuba Diving Instructors"

Also try searching for:

Scuba Instructor Technical Diving Instructor Dive Master Diving Safety Officer Technical Diving Trainer Diving Operations Manager Dive Center Manager

Where to Find Scuba Diving Instructors

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you plan decompression stops for a group of divers with different experience levels?

Expected Answer: A senior instructor should explain how they consider the least experienced diver's needs, use conservative timing, maintain group communication, and have backup plans for emergencies.

Q: How do you teach complex decompression concepts to new diving students?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to break down technical concepts into simple terms, use real-world examples, and explain their teaching methodology for different learning styles.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors influence decompression stop times?

Expected Answer: Should mention depth, bottom time, previous diving activity, water temperature, physical condition of the diver, and altitude considerations.

Q: How do you handle a situation where a student is anxious during a decompression stop?

Expected Answer: Should discuss communication techniques, calming methods, proper positioning, and emergency procedures if needed.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between a safety stop and a decompression stop?

Expected Answer: Should explain that safety stops are precautionary and optional, while decompression stops are mandatory and calculated based on dive profiles.

Q: What basic equipment do you need to properly conduct a deco stop?

Expected Answer: Should list essential items like depth gauge, timing device, proper air supply, and reference materials.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of decompression theory
  • Ability to follow predetermined stop schedules
  • Basic diving equipment maintenance
  • Simple dive planning skills

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced dive planning and calculation
  • Emergency procedure management
  • Teaching decompression theory
  • Multiple certification authority experience

Senior (5+ years)

  • Technical diving expertise
  • Complex dive operation planning
  • Training program development
  • Risk assessment and management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No formal diving certification credentials
  • Gaps in diving safety knowledge
  • Limited understanding of decompression theory
  • Poor emergency management skills
  • Lack of recent diving experience