Akronyme und Abkürzungen

Ein Akronym (griechisch ακρωνύμιο, von άκρος, ákros – die Spitze, der Rand und όνυμος, ónymos – der Name) ist ein Sonderfall der Abkürzung. Umstritten ist, was genau darunter zu verstehen ist. Es existieren zwei konkurrierende Definitionen des Begriffs.

Der Duden über das Akronym

Der Duden (deutsches Unviversalwörterbuch, Mannheim 2005) besagt, ein Akronym sei ein Kunstwort, das aus den Anfangsbuchstaben mehrerer Wörter zusammengesetzt ist und nennt EDV (elektronische Datenverarbeitung) als Beispiel. Demnach wären also Wörter, auf die dieses Kriterium zutrifft, Akroynme, egal ob sie beim Lesen buchstabiert oder als Wort gelesen werden. „CDU“ und „SPD“ wären Akronyme, „Abk.“, „lt.“, „Betr.“ oder „kpl.“ jedoch nicht.

Akronym als gesprochenes Wort

Eine ebenfalls verbreitete, konkurrierende Definition schränkt Akronyme auf Abkürzungen ein, die als eigenes Wort gesprochen werden. Statt der Anfangsbuchstaben werden auch häufig Wortteile verwendet.

AJAX progress indicator
Suche: (löschen)
  • a
  • AA
    Assisted Ascent
  • AAS
    Alternate Air Source
    Secondary air source taking a variety of configurations: an extra second-stage regulator (octopus) attached by a low-pressure hose from the first-stage regulator, an extra second stage (AIR) integrated into the low-pressure inflator of the buoyancy compensator (BC), or a totally redundant air system such as a pony bottle or Spare Air©.
    Alternative Air Source [BSAC].
  • AAUS
    American Academy of Underwater Sciences
    Nonprofit corporation that establishes and maintains standards for the scientific diving community and engages in research on safe scientific diving practices.
  • ABCD(s)
    Airway (Atemwege) – Breathing (Beatmung) – Circulation – Defibrillation
  • ABC(s)
    When giving first aid, these should always be checked immediately, in the order listed. That is, "Establish an airway, check for breathing and pulse." [Diving Medicine]
    Airway, Breathing, Circulation (casualty assessment) [BSAC]
  • ABI
    Approved Boathandling Instructor
  • ABJ
    Adjustable Buoyancy Jacket
  • ABLJ
    Adjustable Buoyancy Life Jacket
  • Abseil
    A controlled descent of a rope using friction obtained by wrapping the rope around the body in a particular way or passing the rope through a karabiner.
  • ABT
    Actual Bottom Time
    The number of minutes that a diver spends underwater on a particular dive, calculated from beginning of descent to beginning of direct ascent to the surface or a safety stop. Used in calculating the repetitive group designation on a dive table.
  • ACE
    Diamond Reef System© proficiency award.
  • ACI
    Assistant Club Instructor (BSAC)
  • ACLS
    Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
  • ACUC
    American Canadian Underwater Certifications
    Association of Canadian Underwater Councils. Canadian and European certification agency
  • AD
    Adventure Diver (PADI)
    Advanced Diver (BSAC)
  • Adaptation
    Process of making adjustments in response to the environment
  • ADT
    Actual Dive Time
  • AED

    engl.: Automatic Emergency Defibrillator [BSAC]
    Automated External Defibrillator

    dt.: Automatischer externer Defibrillator

  • AEDU
    Admiralty Experimental Diving Unit (UK)
  • AGE

    engl.: Arterial Gas Embolism
    Entry of gas emboli into arterial circulation. Breath holding ans Uncontrolled Emergency Ascents are most common causes. [Basic Diving Terms]
    Commonly called "air embolism," this pressure-related injury can occur on ascent when a diver fails to exhale or exhales insufficiently, causing expanding air to rupture lung tissues and enter the bloodstream. If circulation is blocked by the air bubbles, a strokelike injury occurs. Requires recompression in a chamber. [Dive medicine]

    dt.: Arterielle Gasembolie
    Die arterielle Gasembolie wird durch einen Lungenüberdruckunfall ausgelöst, dabei gelangt Luft in den Lungenkreislauf und wird dann vom Herzen ins Gehirn gepumpt. Im Gehirn können die Bläschen denn verheerende Folgen haben, es kann zu Schwindel, Sehstörungen, zu Schmerzen in der Brust, bis hin zu Bewusstlosigkeit und Lähmungen kommen, ausserdem auch Erbrechen, sowie Gefühls- und Sprachstörungen. Diese Symptome treten in 80% der Fälle innerhalb von 5 Minuten nach dem Aufstieg auf. Bei einer Gasembolie sollte so bald wie möglich in einer Druckkammer rekomprimiert werden.

  • AHA
    American Heart Association
  • AI
    Assistant Instructor (PADI)
    Advanced Instructor (BSAC)
  • AIC
    Advanced Instructor Course (BSAC)
  • AICD
    engl.: Automated Internal Cardioverter/Defibrillator
    dt.: Automatischer interner Kardioverter/Defibrillator
  • AIE
    Advanced Instructor Exam (BSAC)
  • AIR
    Alternate Inflation Regulator
    Second-stage AAS incorporated into the low-pressure inflation mechanism of a BC.
  • AISE
    Association of Independent Scuba Educators
  • AIW
    Advanced Instructor Workshop (BSAC)
  • aka
    also known as
  • AKOR
    Ärztekommission für Rettungswesen des Schweizerischen Roten Kreuzes
  • Aktive Höhle
    Wird von Wasser durchflossen, vergrössert sich also noch.
  • Akute ZNS O2-Toxizität
    -> Paul Bert-Effekt
  • Al 80
    Most common tank in industry. Aluminum 80 - metric capacity 11.1 liter.
  • AMDT
    Adjusted Maximum Dive Time
  • Analyse
    Damit ist die genaue Bestimmung von Prozentsätzen von Gasen in einer Atemmischung gemeint. Bei den meisten Tauchoperationen wird nur der Sauerstoff analysiert.
  • Anastomoses
    Small, winding tubes that interconnect with each other in a maze-like pattern, normally along bedding-planes; frequently seen on ceilings where the rocks below have fallen away.
  • AND
    Advanced Nitrox Diver (BSAC)
  • ANDI
    American Nitrox Divers International
    N.Y.-based technical certification agency.
  • ANDL
    Adjusted No-Decompression Limit. Based on residual nitrogen levels, the maximum time that a diver can spend underwater on a repetitive dive without a required decompression stop.
  • Anoxia
    A total absence of oxygen.
  • Anoxie
    Eine fehlende Sauerstoffversorgung wird als Anoxie bezeichnet, eine mangelnde Sauerstoff-Versorgung als Hypoxie.
  • ANSI
    American National Standards Institute
    Private, nonprofit membership organization that administers and facilitates consensus for the U.S. private-sector voluntary standardization system. The first ANSI minimum training standards for the scuba industry were established in 1986.
  • AODC
    Association of Offshore Diving Contractors
  • AOW
    Advanced Open Water
    A common title for the recommended training course following entry-level scuba certification. An overview course consisting of five to 10 academic modules and associated open-water dives, each of which provides an introduction to a different aspect of scuba diving, such as night diving or compass navigation.
    Advanced Open Water (PADI) [BSAC]
  • AOWD
    Advanced Open Water Diver certification; second level of PADI certification
  • AP
    Absolute Pressure
    Ambient Pressure [BSAC]
  • Aquatic
    Describes a surface or underwater habitat and the animals that live in it.
  • Aquifer
    A zone of the earth, rocks and/or sediment able to transmit useful amounts of ground water.
  • AR
    Ascent Rate
  • Arrow marker
    Arrow markers are placed on the line to indicate the most appropriate direction of exit from the cave. It is recommended that permanently placed arrow markers should indicate the distance (in meters) to the cave exit and be positioned on the line at all intersections, on the outgoing side of the line indicating the exit direction. Arrows at intersections should be placed a short distance from the intersection to avoid confusion with other lines, but preferably within easy physical reach.
  • Arterielle Luftembolie
    Luftblasen, die z. B. bei einer Lungenüberdehnungsverletzung von der Lunge in das Blut der Lungenkapillaren kommen. Diese Blasen können dann zum Herz und schliesslich in die arterielle Blutbahn gelangen. In schwerwiegenden Fällen kann eine arterielle Luftembolie tödlich sein. Erste Hilfe ist eine unmittelbare Behandlung in einer hyperbaren Dekompressionskammer. Auch bekannt als eine Luftembolie.
  • Artifact
    Object produced by human workmanship.
  • ASA/ISO
    American Standards Association/International Standards Organization. Sets manufacturing standards for film speed, e.g., film speeds: 25, 50, 64, 100, 200, 400, etc.
  • ASD
    Atrial Septal Defect
    A hole in the heart
  • ASDA
    Advanced Scuba Diving Association
  • ASF
    Australian Speleological Federation
  • ASL
    American Sign Language
    Comprised of expressive hand signals, this language of the deaf has proven to be a useful skill for underwater communication between recreational divers.
  • ata
    Absolute pressure
    Includes the atmospheres of pressure you accumulate under the water and the atmosphere of pressure at the sea level.
    Atmospheres absolute
    Denotes gauge pressure plus the weight of the atmosphere. Used in gas calculations. [Measurements]
    Atmospheres Absolute [BSAC]
  • ATEA
    Amphibian Tank Escape Apparatus
  • Atemvolumen
    Die Menge der Luft, die mit jedem Atemzug inhaliert und ausgeatmet wird.
  • atm
    Atmosphere
    A measure of pressure. One atmosphere (14.7psi/1.013 bar) represents the weight of the Earth's atmosphere at sea level. The weight (pressure) of 33 feet (10 m) of salt water or 34 feet (10 m) of fresh water = 1 atmosphere. [Measurements]
    Atmosphere [BSAC]
  • ATS
    Atmospheres Absolute Over Sea Level (ie. gauge pressure)
  • AUF
    Australian Underwater Federation
  • AV
    Artificial Ventilation
  • AVPU
    Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive (simplified consciousness assessment)
  • AWARE
    Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility and Education. A PADI nonprofit environmental foundation that provides financial support for aquatic preservation endeavors, develops conservation-oriented educational materials and initiates public awareness campaigns.
  • Azimuth
    The true bearing of a survey line, determined by measurement from an accurate survey.
  • b
  • BA
    Breathing Apparatus
  • Bailout-Flasche
    Eine kleine Tauchgeräteflasche; normalerweise 6 Liter oder weniger. Weithin verwendet als ein Notfallatmungssystem.
  • bar

    "bar": the metric unit for measuring pressure. A full scuba tank at 3000 psi reads approximately 200 bar on a metric gauge. [Measurements]

    "BAR": Buoyancy Air Releases [BSAC]

  • BARF
    Buoyancy, Air, Releases, Fins (BSAC)
  • Barotrauma

    engl.: Pressure injury.

    dt.: Jede durch Druck, resp. durch Druckdifferenzen hervorgerufene Verletzung.

  • BARZ
    Buoyancy Air Releases ZIPs! (Drysuits) (BSAC)
  • Bat
    The only mammal that can fly, known for its use of echolocation to move and hunt in the dark.
  • Bat gate
    A gate constructed at the entrance of a cave or mine, designed to prevent humans from entering while permitting free entrance and exit of bats, other creatures and natural airflow.
  • BC
    Buoyancy Compensator
    Buoyancy Control [BSAC]
  • BCD

    engl.: Buoyancy Compensation Device
    The item of required scuba gear that secures the air cylinder to the diver and provides a means to control buoyancy. Modern BC's consists of a jacket-style vest plus one or more air bladders that can be inflated orally or with air from the scuba tank via a low-pressure inflator mechanism.
    Buoyancy Control Device [BSAC]

    dt.: Auftriebskörper oder Gerät mit Auftrieb (Tarierweste, Jacket).

  • BCRA
    British Cave Research Association
  • BDO
    Branch Diving Officer (BSAC)
  • Bed
    A layer in rocks.
  • Bedding plane
    The surface between two contiguous layers of rock.
  • Belay
    1. To attach to an anchor. 2. To operate a safety line.
  • Bends
    Leichte Symptome der Dekompressionskrankheit. Symptome in Haut, Gelenken, Knochen, Muskeln und Bändern werden als „bends“ bezeichnet (engl. to bend = beugen). Im engl. Sprachgebrauch werden Hautsymtome als "skin bends" bezeichnet. Je nach betroffenen Geweben reichen die Symptome von Juckreiz, Quaddelbildung bis hin zu starken Schmerzen und Bewegungseinschränkungen in Gelenken und gelenknahen Knochenteilen.
  • BH
    Boat Handling
  • BHA
    British Hyperbaric Association
  • BIBS
    Built-In Breathing System
  • BIU
    Back Inflation Unit
    A type of BC with all the floatation positioned behind the diver's back.
  • Biwak
    Ist ein behelfsmässiges Lager bei mehrtägigen Höhlenvorstössen.
  • Black-Out
    Bewusstlosigkeit; kann durch eine übermässige Hyperventilation verursacht werden.
  • BLS
    Basic Life Support
    Beatmung und Thoraxkompression (CPR = Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, wird häufig als Synonym verwendet)
  • Blue hole
    Cave surface opening on the ocean floor, can be prone to reversing currents with tidal flow.
  • BMA
    British Medical Association
  • BMJ
    British Medical Journal
  • Body fat
    Fat absorbs about six times as much nitrogen as an equal weight of blood (nitrogen reservoir for bubble growth). Fat’s high nitrogen solubility increases absorption and bubble growth. Fatty tissue’s excess accumulation of inert gas (nitrogen) can greatly slow elimination. Statistics show that the fattest 25% of the diving population, as measured by skin-fold thickness, have a ten-fold increase in DCI incidence.
  • Bottom Mix

    engl.: Mix breathed at the bottom, especially when other gas mixes are used for travel and/or decompression.

    dt.: Eine Atemmischung, die am tiefsten Punkt, oder bei der "Arbeitstiefe" des Tauchgangs verwendet wird.

  • Boyle’s law
    For any gas at a constant temperature, the volume of the gas will vary inversely with the pressure.
  • BP
    1. Backplate, 2. Blood Pressure
  • BPM
    Beats per minute (heart/pulse rate)
  • BPR
    Back Pressure Regulator
  • BRA
    Buoyancy Releases Air
  • Braille dive
    Low visibility dive. i.e. to feel your way around.
  • Brandungshöhle
    Entsteht durch Angriff der Wellen auf das Gestein einer Steilküste.
  • Breakdown
    A large or small accumulation of rough jumble of angular rock fragments filling all or part of a cave passage after the collapse of part of the walls and/or ceiling. Also can form into a "debris cone".
  • Bröller
    Nennt man Höhlen, aus denen gelegentlich unter lautem Getöse Wasser schiesst.
  • BS
    British Standard
  • BSAC
    British Sub Aqua Club
    International certification agency based in the United Kingdom.
  • BSI
    British Standards Institute
  • BSOUP
    British Society Of Underwater Photographers
  • BT
    Bottom Time
    The total elapsed time from when the diver leaves the surface in descent to the time (next whole minutes) that he begins his ascent, measured in minutes.
  • BTU
    British Thermal Units or calories
    measurement of heat.
  • Buddy-Atmung
    Ein Notfallverfahren für eine Ohne-Luft Situation; zwei Taucher teilen sich eine zweite Stufe, während sie aufsteigen; wird auch als Wechselatmung bezeichnet.
  • BW
    Backplate and Wing
  • BWRAF
    1. Begin, With, Review And Friend (PADI). 2. Buoyancy Weights Releases Air Final OK (PADI).
  • c
  • C
    Celsius
    Metric unit of temperature. C = (F -32) x .556.
  • CADC
    Canadian Association of Diving Contractors
  • CAGE
    Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism
    Bubbles of air that obstruct the arterial blood flow to or in the brain.
  • Calcit
    Fachwort der Kristallographen für kristallinen Kalk. In dieser Form bildet er meist den Sinter.
  • Calcite
    A mineral (CaCO3) composed of calcium carbonate; the principal component of limestone.
  • Calcium carbonate
    A compound (CaCO3) found in nature as calcite; in shells and used in making lime and cement.
  • Calciumhydrogencarbonat
    Entsteht, wenn sich Kalk in kohlensäurereichem Wasser auflöst.
  • Call the dive
    Thumbs up command signal for finishing the dive or start back to surface
  • CAPS
    Cave mapping software & electronic survey equipment
  • Carbon-14 dating
    The process by which the radioactive decay of the carbon-14 isotope is measured to determine the age of organic (once living) items. Most useful for objects 100 years to 70,000 years old.
  • Carbon dioxide
    Often found in dry cave passages and air pockets. Normally displaces oxygen.
  • Carbonic acid
    A weak acid (H2CO3) formed by water reacting with CO2, especially in the soil.. This acid can dissolve limestone, and is the primary agent in the creation of solution caves.
  • Carboxyhemoglobin
    Hemoglobin that has bonded with inhaled carbon monoxide.
  • Cartography
    The science and art of making maps. Modern cave divers survey caves as they explore them and later draft maps from these surveys.
  • CAUS
    Canadian Association for Underwater Sciences
  • Cave
    A natural underwater chamber or passage big enough to be entered by divers. v. to explore a cave.
  • Cave coral
    A cave formation consisting of small knobby clusters (cf. Popcorn).
  • Cave diving hazard
    General hazards include total darkness, loss of visibility, increased potential for confusion, unexpected currents, cave ins, restrictions, depths and unknown distances.
  • Caver
    A person who explores caves. Less commonly known as a spelunker.
  • Cavern
    A natural underwater chamber often of large size that sunlight can enter and illuminate.
  • Cavern dive
    A dive performed inside the entrance of the cave and within direct sight of the surface entrance conducted in daylight hours only
  • Cavern zone
    Aso known as daylight zone. Within sight of surface entrance and in the sunlight.
  • CBL
    Controlled Buoyant Lift
  • CBPDS
    Confederação Brasileira de Pesca e Desportos Subaquáticos (CMAS Brazil)
  • CC
    Cardiac Compression
  • CCBA
    Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus
  • CCCM
    Closed Chest Cardiac Massage
    Superceded by ECM, and eventually CC
  • CCR
    Closed Circuit Rebreather
  • CD
    Course Director
    Level of instructor certification authorized to conduct instructor training.
    1. Club Diver, 2. Course Director (PADI, NAUI) [BSAC]
  • CDAA
    Cave Diving Association of Australia
  • CDC
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    U.S. government agency within the Department of Health and Human Services which, among other functions, maintains the Travelers Hotline, with information on geographic distribution of diseases and inoculations required/recommended for travel to other countries.
  • CDG
    Cave Divers Group of Great Britain
  • CDG-GB
    -> CDG
  • CEDIP
    European Committee of Professional Diving Instructors
  • CEN
    Comiteé Européenne de Normalization (The European Committee for Standardisation)
  • CESA
    Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent
    A skill learned in basic certification class. In an out-of-air emergency, a diver ascends at a normal rate while exhaling continuously.
  • cf
    Cubic foot
    A measure of volume. Scuba cylinders are manufactured in standard sizes, such as 30, 50, 72 and 80 cf.
  • CFT
    Comhairle Fo-Thuinn
    The official name of the Irish Underwater Coucil
  • CFWA
    Close focus wide angle
    In underwater still photography, a close-up shot taken with a wide-angle lens. Produces an image with a prominent foreground subject set against an expansive background, often blue water.
  • Chiroptera
    "hand-wing;" the scientific order that bats belong to.
  • CI
    Club Instructor (BSAC)
  • CIE
    Club Instructor Exam (BSAC)
  • CIPP
    Compagnie des Instructeurs Professionnels de Plongee
  • CIRSS
    Comitato Italiano Ricerche Studi Subacquei (Italy)
  • Clay
    Classification of very fine silt (includes anything smaller then 1/256 mm).
  • Clay bank
    Sediments laid down in beautiful layers sometimes forming banks or walls. Very fragile and can be ruined forever by just one careless diver!
  • cm
    1. Cutis Marmorata (CM)
    inflamation of the skin signaled by a reddish, mottled discoloration
    2. centimeter. 1 cm = .39 inches. [Measurements]
  • CMAS
    Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (World Underwater Federation)
    Federation of underwater organizations from a number of countries, including the United States, that organizes competitive water events (e.g., fin swimming, underwater hockey) in addition to offering recreational diving instruction.
  • CMC
    Center for Marine Conservation
    An environmental organization.
  • CNS
    Central Nervous System
    The injury site associated with the more severe, type II, decompression sickness.
  • CO
    Carbon monoxide
    Can cause unconsciousness and death if found in greater-than-normal quantities in breathing gas. [Dive Medicine]
    1. Carbon monoxide, 2. Cardiac output [BSAC]
  • CO2
    Carbon dioxide
    Major component of exhaled air. Buildup in the respiratory system stimulates breathing. Excess can result in unconsciousness.
  • Cockpit karst
    Conekarst in which the residual hills are chiefly hemispheroidal and the closed depressions often lobate.
  • Coffin cave
    Cave used as a burial site.
  • Column
    A cave formation (speleothem) formed when stalactites and stalagmites grow together, or when one of them grows all the way to the floor or ceiling. Forms when the cave was dry.
  • Commercial cave
    -> Show cave
  • Composit Flasche
    Eine Tauchflasche, deren Metallkern mit Kunstfasern (Fiberglas, Carbonfasern, Kevlar) verstärkt ist.
  • Conduit
    An underground stream course completely filled with water and under hydrostatic pressure.
  • Cone karst
    Karst, usually tropical, dominated by its projecting residual relief rather than by its closed depressions.
  • Confining layer
    Layer of clay or other non permeable non soluble type sediments. Effectively restricting or putting a ceiling on the Karst resource.
  • Coral caves
    Caves formed by coral growth. Hazards include dangerous aquatic life (sharks, eels, stonefish etc..), sharp coral, that becomes more of a concern with waves or surge and tides.
  • CPF
    Chartwork and Position Fixing
  • CPR
    Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
    First aid life-support technique for maintaining pulse and ventilation in a patient who is not breathing and has no pulse. Consists of alternating rescue breathing and chest compressions. Vital skill for divers, taught in basic first aid classes.
  • CPS
    Commission Plongee Souterraine
  • CPTD
    Cummulative Pulmonary Toxic Dose
  • CQR
    Security Patent Anchor
  • CSAC
    Canadian Sub-Aqua Club
  • CTC
    Canadian Transportation Commission
    Canadian government agency that regulates the manufacture, testing and transport of scuba cylinders. The CTC stamp appears on scuba cylinders along with the DOT stamp.
    1. Canadian Transportation Commission, 2. Current Tissue Code [BSAC]
  • CU
    Close-up shot
    In underwater video, explodes the image onto the screen, brings out detail.
  • Curtain
    A speleothem in the form of a wavy or folded sheet hanging from the roof or wall of a cave, often translucent and resonant.
  • CWDI
    Canadian Working Divers Institute
  • Cyanose
    -> Zyanose
  • d
  • DAN
    Divers Alert Network
    Nonprofit organization that provides emergency and informational advice and assistance for diving injuries, promotes diving-related medical research and education, collects injury statistics, and offers dive safety services to its members and the diving community.
  • DC
    1. Decompression Computer, 2. Dive Center
  • DCAP
    Decompression Computation and Analysis Program
  • DCC
    -> DC
  • DCI
    Decompression Illness
    Umbrella term for either decompression sickness (DCS) or arterial gas embolism (AGE). The immediate treatment for both is the same: Check ABCs, administer oxygen, alert EMS, and contact DAN.
  • DCIEM
    Defense and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine
    Canada's "center of expertise for defense research and development in human performance and protection, human-systems integration and operational medicine." Developed procedures for dive tables published by Universal Dive Techtronics (UDT), Inc.
  • DCS

    engl.: Decompression sickness or alveolar rupture, with resulting bubbles in the arterial circulation (arterial gas embolism [AGE]) and all of their manifestations are now normally grouped together under the heading "decompression illness" (DCI).
    Decompression sickness. Also known as "the bends," this pressure-related injury occurs when nitrogen dissolved in the tissues during a dive bubbles out of solution into the body's tissues. Can occur from ascending too fast or staying too long at a given depth. Requires treatment in a recompression chamber. [Dive Medicine]
    1. Decompression sickness, 2. Dive Control Specialist (SSI) [BSAC]

    dt.: -> Dekompressionskrankheit.

  • DDC
    Deck Decompression Chamber
    Deck Decompression Chamber (offshore professional diving) [BSAC]
  • DDEMS
    Defence Diver Extended Medical Skills (British Forces Qualification)
  • DDRC
    Diving Disease Research Center, in Plymouth, England
    The leading hyperbaric treatment & research center in Britain
  • Debris pile
    A heap of blocks in a cave, roughly conical or part-conical in shape.
  • Deco
    -> Decompression
  • Decompression
    Process of controlling body tissue off gassing and bubble growth thru a series of stops performed during final ascent. Decompression Schedule. A listing showing required decompression stop depths and stop times for a particular depth and bottom tome normally indicated as feet/minutes.
  • Decompression Schedule
    A listing showing required decompression stop depths and stop times for a particular depth and bottom tome normally indicated as feet/minutes.
  • Decompression Stop
    Specified depth at which a diver must remain for a specified length of time (the stop time)
  • Decoration
    Cave features due to secondary mineral precipitation, usually of calcite. Syn. speleothem.
  • Dehydratation
    Ein Verlust an Körperflüssigkeit. Bei Tauchern kann sie durch Tauchen unter Alkoholeinfluss, durch den Verzehr von koffeinhaltigen Getränken vor dem Tauchen, Überanstrengung beim Tauchen oder durch Tauchen bei Krankheit zu einer DCS führen. Jeder Taucher dehydriert durch die Reaktion des Körpers auf die Immersion (vermehrte Urinbildung) im Wasser.
  • Dehydration
    -> Dehydratation
  • Dekompression
    Verweilen auf definierten Tiefen zum Abbau der durch das Tauchen im Körper gelösten überschüssigen Inertgase.
  • Dekompressionsbehandlung
    Die anerkannte Behandlung der DEKOMPRESSIONSKRANKHEIT und der LUNGENÜBERDEHNUNGSVERLETZUNG (Lungenbarotrauma) besteht darin, den erkrankten Taucher in eine DEKOMPRESSIONSKAMMER zu bringen und den Druck allmählich nach bestimmten Grundsätzen erst wieder zu steigern und anschliessend in kontrollierten Schritten wieder zu dekomprimieren.
  • Dekompressionskammer
    Eine normalerweise zylindrische Stahlkammer, die für die Behandlung der DEKOMPRES¬SIONSKRANKHEIT und der LUNGENÜBERDEHNUNGS- VERLETZUNG verwendet wird.
  • Dekompressionskrankheit
    Auch als DCS (Decompression Sickness) bezeichnet. Unter Druck nimmt der Körper vermehrt Inertgase (z.B. Stickstoff) auf. Diese können bis zu einem bestimmten Punkt folgenlos über die Atmung beim Aufstieg wieder abgebaut werden. Wird ein Aufstieg zu schnell durchgeführt, kann es im Blutkreislauf zum Zusammenschluss kleinster Gasbläschen (Mikroblasen) kommen, die letztendlich die Symptome der Dekompressionskrankheit hervorrufen (Kribbeln der Haut, Atembeschwerden, Lähmungserscheinungen, Schwindelgefühle u.a.). Die Symptome treten oft erst nach einigen Stunden auf. Eine Behandlung ist abhängig von den Ausmassen und kann in der Regel nur in einer Dekompressionskammer erfolgen.
  • DEMA
    Dive Equipment & Marketing Association. Not-for-profit organization of equipment manufacturers, training agencies, dive media, travel companies and dive retailers that seeks to promote scuba diving and snorkeling to the general public.
  • Depth
    When used to indicate the depth of a dive, means the maximum depth attained by any part of the diver during the dive, measured in meters of seawater.
  • DER
    Depth Experience Record
  • DES
    Divers' Environmental Survey
  • Diaphragma
    1. Zwerchfell; der Atemmuskel, der den Unterleib vom Brustkorb trennt 2. Die flexible Membran in einem Lungenautomaten, die die Kammer des Automaten vom Wasser trennt.1. Zwerchfell; der Atemmuskel, der den Unterleib vom Brustkorb trennt 2. Die flexible Membran in einem Lungenautomaten, die die Kammer des Automaten vom Wasser trennt.1. Zwerchfell; der Atemmuskel, der den Unterleib vom Brustkorb trennt 2. Die flexible Membran in einem Lungenautomaten, die die Kammer des Automaten vom Wasser trennt.1. Zwerchfell; der Atemmuskel, der den Unterleib vom Brustkorb trennt 2. Die flexible Membran in einem Lungenautomaten, die die Kammer des Automaten vom Wasser trennt.1. Zwerchfell; der Atemmuskel, der den Unterleib vom Brustkorb trennt 2. Die flexible Membran in einem Lungenautomaten, die die Kammer des Automaten vom Wasser trennt.1. Zwerchfell; der Atemmuskel, der den Unterleib vom Brustkorb trennt 2. Die flexible Membran in einem Lungenautomaten, die die Kammer des Automaten vom Wasser trennt.1. Zwerchfell; der Atemmuskel, der den Unterleib vom Brustkorb trennt 2. Die flexible Membran in einem Lungenautomaten, die die Kammer des Automaten vom Wasser trennt.1. Zwerchfell; der Atemmuskel, der den Unterleib vom Brustkorb trennt 2. Die flexible Membran in einem Lungenautomaten, die die Kammer des Automaten vom Wasser trennt.
  • Diluent
    Das Gas, das dazu verwendet wird, um den Sauerstoff im Atemkreislauf zu verdünnen. In den meisten Fällen handelt es sich um Luft oder eine Nitroxmischung.
  • DIN

    engl.: Deutsches Institut fuer Normung
    Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. (German Institute for Standardization) [BSAC]
    Deutsches Institut für Normung. Organization that recommends European manufacturing guidelines. Design of tank valve popular in Europe in which the first- stage regulator screws into the valve. [Equipment-Related]

    dt.: Deutsches Institut für Normung
    DIN-Norm für Ventil- und Automatenkonfiguration mit "verstecktem O-Ring", wobei der Automat in das Flaschenventil geschraubt wird. Bei höherem Druck, normalerweise über 200 bar, einsetzbar. Wird allgemein als zuverlässiger als das INT- System angesehen.

  • Disappearing stream
    In a karst region, a river or stream that flows into a sinkhole or crack and from there into an underground or cave river system. also see siphon.
  • Discharge zone
    The area where water emerges. In a cave, the discharge of a spring where ground water emerges as surface water into a stream, lake, or ocean.
  • Dissolve
    To cause to pass into solution, to separate into component parts. Carbonic acid dissolves limestone by separating the calcium and carbonate and creating a liquid.
  • Dive profile
    A table or graph of time/depth coordinates for an entire dive showing all desired stop without regard to decompression obligation.
  • DL
    Dive Leader (BSAC)
  • DM
    Dive Master
    1. Divemaster (PADI), 2. Dive Marshal [BSAC]
  • DMAC
    Diving Medical Advisory Committee
  • DO
    1. Dysbaric Osteonecrosis, 2. Diving Officer
  • DOD
    Department of Defense (US)
  • Doline

    engl.: A closed depression draining underground in karst, of simple but variable form, e.g. cylindrical, conical, bowl or dish-shaped. From a few to many hundreds of meters in dimensions.

    dt.: (Slowenisch: Tal) ist das Fachwort für einen Karsttrichter, entstanden durch Einsturz einer Höhle. Er kann bis zu 1500 Meter Durchmesser haben und mehrere hundert Meter Tiefe. Lösungsdolinen werden durch fliessendes Wasser gebildet.

  • Dolomite
    A mineral consisting of the double carbonate of magnesium and calcium, CaMg(CO3) . Caves such as those found at Oregon Caves National Monument in the USA are formed in dolomite. Tends to be more yellow in color.
  • Dome
    A vertical shaft in a cave as viewed from the bottom; formed by water dripping or flowing straight down through vertical cracks. s. pit
  • Doppler-Gerät
    Wird verwendet, um sogenannte "stille Blasen" zu erkennen, die als ein Anzeichen des DCS-Stresses bei Tauchern gesehen werden. Dazu wird Ultraschall eingesetzt und der Dopplereffekt (Phasenverschiebung der reflektierten Wellen) zur Sichtbarmachung der Blasen ausgenützt.
  • DOT
    Department of Transportation
    U.S. government agency that regulates the manufacture, testing and transport of compressed gas containers, including scuba cylinders. DOT stamp appears on scuba tanks, followed by the alphabetic designation for the steel or aluminum alloy the tank is made of and the maximum fill pressure.
  • Downstream
    Swimming or moving with water flow or current.
  • DOWR81
    Diving Operations at Work Regulations 1981 (superceded by DWR97)
  • DPM
    Dive Planning and Marshalling
  • DPV

    engl.: Diver Propulsion Vehicle. Underwater "scooter" that allows a diver to cover an increased distance underwater.

    dt.: Unterwasserfahrzeug. Auch bekannt als Unterwasser-Scooter, "Aqua-Zepp".

  • DRABC
    Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation (casualty assessment)
  • Drapery
    A speleothem which forms when drops of water run down along a slanted ceiling; also known as "bacon" by some dry cavers.
  • DRI
    Dive Rescue International
  • Dripstone
    A deposit formed from drops falling from cave roofs or walls, usually of calcite.
  • Drittelsregel
    Eine Regel in der Höhlentaucherei, bei der ein Drittel der mitgeführten Luft für den Weg in die Höhle hinein (bis zur Umkehr) verbraucht wird, das zweite Drittel für den Aufstieg oder Rückweg und das dritte Drittel als konstante Reserve zurückgehalten wird. Diese Regel ist eine Mindestregel und kann je nach Bedarf in eien Viertel- , Fünftel oder Sechstelregel umgewandelt werden.
  • DS
    -> DCS
  • DSAT
    Diving Science and Technology (PADI)
  • DSC
    Digital Selective Calling
  • DSEA
    Davis Submerged Escape Apparatus
  • DSF
    Dansk Sportsdykker Forbund (Danish Sport Diving Federation)
  • DSMB
    Delayed Surface Marker Buoy
    SMB which is inflated at the end of a dive
  • DT
    Dive Time
  • DTIA
    Dive Travel Industries Association
    Trade association for resorts, dive operators, tourism boards, live-aboards, retailers, and airlines serving the scuba and snorkeling vacation industry.
  • DTR
    Digital Time Recorder
  • DUI
    Diving Unlimited International
    Manufacturer best known for their dry suits.
  • Durchgangshöhle
    Besitzt mindestens zwei voneinander unabhängige Eingänge. Liegen diese in unterschiedlichen Höhen, weht durch sie oft ein starker Höhlenwind.
  • DV
    Demand Valve
    Usually the second stage of a regulator
  • DWR97
    Diving at Work Regulations 1997 (UK legislation)
  • Dye tracing
    The process used by scientists to track the path and speed of water through a cave. Environmentally safe dye is put into streams and sinkholes; then water in the cave and at discharge areas is tested for the presence of dye and noted for the speed at which the dye moved through the cave system or establishing a relation between cave systems.
  • e
  • EAD

    engl.: Equivalent Air Depth
    The depth at which air would cause as much decompression obligation as nitrox with a given fO2 at a given depth.
    Equivalent Air Depth. When diving on Nitrox, less nitrogen is absorbed at a given depth than when using air. For example, the same amount of nitrogen would be absorbed on a Nitrox dive to 63 fsw (feet of sea water/19 m) as an air dive to 50 fsw (15 m) with the same bottom time. [Diving Skills]
    Effective Air Depth [BSAC]

    dt.: Äquivalente Tiefe bei Luftatmung; eine Methode, die es erlaubt, auch bei Atmung von NITROX eine konventionelle Lufttabelle zu verwenden.

  • EAN
    Enriched Air Nitrox
    A N2/O2 (nitrogen/oxygen) breathing gas containing more oxygen (typically 32 or 36 percent) and less nitrogen than plain air. Used by recreational divers to increase either bottom time or safety margin by decreasing the amount of nitrogen absorbed. Requires predive testing of gas mixture and adherence to strict depth restrictions.
  • EANx

    engl.: Enriched Air Nitrox (x is the percentage of oxygen)

    dt.: Eine Atemmischung mit mehr als 21% Sauerstoffanteil.

  • EAR
    Expired Air Resuscitation (preferred term in Britain is now AV)
  • EATD
    European Association of Technical Divers
  • EAV
    Expired Air Ventilation
  • EBS
    Emergency Breathing System
  • ECC
    External Cardiac Compression
  • Echolocation
    The ability of an animal to orient itself by receiving the reflection of sounds it produces, such as with bats and dolphins.
  • ECM
    External Cardiac Massage (term superceded by CC)
  • Ecology
    The study of the interrelationships of organisms and their environments.
  • ECU
    Environmental Control Unit
  • EDT
    Effective dive time
    In DCIEM tables, the ABT multiplied by the RF.
  • EKPP
    European Karts Plains Project
  • EMS
    Emergency Medical Services
    First aid and ambulance services in the United States.
  • EMT
    Emergency Medical Technician
    Minimum medical qualification for most EMS personnel.
  • END
    Equivalent Narcotic Depth
    The depth at which AIR (21% 0xygen/ 79% N2) would cause as much narcosis as a given helium based gas mixture and depth. Any narcotic potential of helium (He) which is small, or perhaps even non existent is discounted and the exact narcotic effects of oxygen still remain somewhat of a mystery. This formula is based on nitrogen content only. END = [(FN2 ÷0.79) x (Depth + 10 msw)] - 10 msw
  • Endangered species
    An animal or plant species whose population has decreased to the point where it is in danger of disappearing forever.
  • Endemic
    A plant or animal native to a specific area and habitat and found no where else. Many fish, shrimp and other organisms are endemic to specific caves in Thailand. Environmental encroachment and development poses grave threat to these resources!
  • ENxxxxx
    European Norm (x = number)
  • EO
    Equipment Officer
  • EPA
    Environmental Protection Agency
    U.S. government agency responsible for environmental concerns. Involved in the permitting processes for placing artificial reefs and determining usage of marine resources.
  • EPIRB
    Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
  • Epsomite
    A magnesium sulfate mineral (MgSO4•7H2O), usually white, colorless or gray. Epsomite is valued for its medicinal properties; commonly sold as "epsom salts."
  • ERC
    European Resuscitation Council
  • ERD
    Extended Range Diver (BSAC)
  • Erode
    To wear away by the action of water, wind, or glacial ice.
  • Erosion

    engl.: The action or process of eroding. While weathering separates materials and breaks them down, erosion transports materials to a new location.

    dt.: Nennt man die abtragende Wirkung fliessenden Wassers.

  • ESDA
    Emergency Services Diving Association
  • European System
    Primarily just a name devised by American cave divers to describe guideline placement systems common in cave system throughout the Caribbean with with no distinct passageway configuration. Typically example: Blue Holes of the Bahamas with "lines going everywhere".
  • Evaporation
    Changing of liquids into a gas.
  • Exsurgence
    Water emitting from a cave supplied almost entirely by seepage waters from karts recourses.
  • Extinction
    The process by which an animal or plant that once existed can no longer survive and then can not be found alive anywhere on earth.
  • Extirpation
    The process by which an animal or plant that once lived in a region can no longer survive in that region and can no longer be found there; usually due to hunting, habitat loss, or pollution.
  • f
  • F
    Fahrenheit. The temperature scale used in the United States. F = (C/.556) + 32.
  • FAA
    Federal Aviation Agency (USA)
  • FAD
    First Aid for Divers
  • FAQ
    Frequently Asked Questions
  • FAUI
    Federation of Australian Underwater Instructors
  • Fauna
    Animal life; esp : the animals characteristic of a region, period, or special environment. In this case the cave environment.
  • FCD
    1. First Class Diver (BSAC), 2. Freeflow Control Device [BSAC]
  • FDA
    Federal Drug Administration (USA)
  • FEDAS
    Federacion Espanola De Actividades Subacuaticas
  • FEV(1)
    Forced Expiratory Volume (in one second)
  • FFA
    Feet First Ascent
    common problem for new dry suit users
  • FFDS
    Federation Francais De Speleologie
  • FFESSM
    Fédération Française d'Études et de Sports Sous-Marins
  • FFM
    Full Face Mask
  • FFW
    Feet of Fresh Water
    Measurement of depth in fresh water.
  • FGV
    Free Gas Volume
  • fHE
    Fraction of helium (He) in a mix. In air, fHe = 0, unless you are near certain natural gas wells, a birthday party, or tech divers.
  • FKNMS
    Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
    Protected marine reserve.
  • Flint
    A hard smooth rock ranging from white to black often found in layers of limestone. This rock often used for tools and as a fire starter
  • Flow
    Current created by cave spring discharge.
  • Flowstone
    A speleothem formed when water flows down walls, over floors, or over older formations.
  • FMH
    Foederatio Medicorum Helveticorum
  • fN2
    Fraction of nitrogen (N2) in a mix. In air, fN2 = 0.791 = 79.1%. Actually this is a lie, counting the approximately 1% of other gasses in air (noble gasses etc.) as though they are nitrogen, but it is close enough.
  • fO2
    Fraction of oxygen (O2) in a mix. In air, fO2 = 0.209 = 20.9%.
  • Food chain
    A series of plants and animals linked by their food relationships; for example: a plant, a plant-eating insect, and an insect-eating bat would form a simple food chain.
  • Fossil
    A remnant, impression, or trace of an animal or plant of past geologic ages that has been preserved in the earth's crust.
  • fpm
    Feet per minute
    Measurement of distance used in diving to define ascent and descent rates. Maximum recommended ascent rate is 60 to 20 fpm (18 to 6 mpm) depending on depth.
  • FPS
    Foot, Pound, Second (Imperial System)
  • FQAS
    Fédération québécoise des activités subaquatiques
  • Frog kick
    Propulsion technique favored by cave divers to avoid silting.
  • FSSS
    Fédération Suisse de Sports Subaquatiques
    -> SUSV
  • FSW
    Feet of Sea/Salt Water
    Measurement of depth in sea water.
  • FV
    Floodable Volume
  • g
  • GAFC
    Great American Fish Count
    Census of fish species diversity, abundance and distribution conducted annually (July 1-14) in Canada, Belize and several U.S. locations by hundreds of trained volunteer divers.
  • Gap Reel

    engl.: Used to join the ends of two permanent lines. Jump reel is used when leaving the middle of one line to physically connect with another line.

    dt.: Eine kleine Leinenrolle die zur Überbrückung von zwei permanenten Führungsleinen dient, oder für eine Flickstelle gebraucht wird.

  • Gap Spool

    engl.: Used to join the ends of two permanent lines. Jump spool is used when leaving the middle of one line to physically connect with another line.

    dt.: Eine kleine Leinenrolle die zur Überbrückung von zwei permanenten Führungsleinen dient, oder für eine Flickstelle gebraucht wird.

  • Gas diffusion
    Another physical effect of partial pressures and kinetic activity is that of gas diffusion. Gas diffusion is the process of intermingling or mixing of gas molecules. If two gases are placed Together in a container, they will eventually mix completely even though one gas may be heavier. The mixing occurs as a result of constant molecular motion.
  • Gas laws
    Gases are subject to three closely interrelated factors: temperature, pressure, and volume. As the kinetic theory of gases points out, a change in one of these factors must result in some measurable change in the other factors. Further, the theory indicates that the kinetic behavior of any one gas will be the same for all gases. Consequently, basic laws have been established to help predict the changes that will be reflected in temperature, pressure, or volume as the conditions of the operating environment change. As a scuba diver you need to understand what effect changing pressure will have upon the air in your dive equipment, exposure suit and lungs as you move up and down in the water.
  • Gay-Lussac’s Law
    "For any gas at a constant volume, the pressure of the gas will vary directly." The pressure-temperature law, which explained what would happen if a scuba cylinder of a certain volume were pressurized to a specific pressure and then heated. The pressure inside the tank will increase.
  • Geology
    The study of the history of the earth and its life, especially as recorded in its rocks.
  • Glacier cave
    Glacier caves are formed by the melting of ice near the leading edge of the bottom of a glacier. These caves, while scenic and unusual, are considered to be among the most dangerous and unpredictable for exploration. The dry sections of many of these caves have been explored for miles, testifying to their extensiveness. The underground rivers found in glacier caves feature variable current based on time of year and other environmental factors.
  • GMDSS
    Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
  • GN
    Guide Number
    Supplied by underwater strobe manufacturers, GNs indicate the brightness of a particular strobe under ideal conditions. Used as a starting reference in setting camera aperture (f-stop).
  • Golden Rule
    In cave diving: Anyone can call the dive for any reason at any time!
  • GPS
    Global Positioning System
    A worldwide system of navigation based on a ring of stationary satellites. Small, even handheld, GPS devices can be used to accurately determine speed and direction of travel, and pinpoint dive site locations.
  • Groundwater
    Water that infiltrates the soil and is stored in slowly flowing reservoirs (aquifers); used loosely to refer to any water beneath the land surface.
  • Grundmischung
    -> Bottom Mix
  • Guano
    The rich manure of bat dung.
  • GUE
    Global Underwater Explorers
    Florida-based cave and technical diving certification agency.
  • Gypsum
    A sodium calcium sulfate mineral (CaSO4•2H2O), colorless, white, or yellowish, found in powder or crystal form. Used for plaster, cement, and medicinal purposes; precipitates from the walls in the form of gypsum "flowers."
  • h
  • H
    Hydrogen
  • Habitat

    engl.: The place or type of site where an animal or plant naturally or normally lives and grows; the arrangement of food, water, shelter, and space suitable to an animal's needs..

    dt.: Eine Unterwasserbehausung für den längeren Aufenthalt von Tauchern. Bei verschiedenen Expeditionen wurde das "Deko-Habitat" eingeführt, eine trockene Behausung im flachen Wasser für eine angenehmere Dekompression.

  • Habitat for decompression
    Small room or cubical fixed at a specific in water location and depth used to increase diver safety and comfort while maintaining maximum decompression oxygen window or gradient during longer shallow decompression stops.
  • Halocline
    Separate and distinct layers of water frequently found in coastal caves. The layers are stratified due to density differences. i.e. salt water is denser then fresh so may tend to be found more at depth.
  • Hand signals
    Must be one handed in cave diving, so you can hold a guideline reel in the other.
  • HDS
    Historical Diving Society
  • HE
    Helium
  • Helictites
    Speleothems that grow as small, twisted structures that project at varying angles.
  • Heliox

    engl.: Breathing mix comprised of helium and oxygen.

    dt.: Atemmischung, bestehend aus Helium und Sauerstoff.

  • Hemoglobin
    Molecule in the red blood cells that transports oxygen.
  • Henry’s Law
    Henry’s Law states: “The amount of any given gas that will dissolve in a liquid at a given temperature is a function of the partial pressure of that gas in contact with the liquid and the solubility coefficient of the gas in the particular liquid.”
  • Hibernacula
    Places where bats or other animals hibernate, or sleep, during the winter to conserve energy.
  • HID
    High Intensity Discharge
  • Hitzeerschöpfung
    Ein Umstand, der sich aus einer Überhitzung ergibt; meist begleitet von Erschöpfung, Kopfschmerzen, Schwindelgefühlen, Übelkeit. Erste Hilfe: Opfer in den Schatten legen, Entkleiden, mit einem Handtuch frische Luft zufächern.
  • Hitzschlag
    Ein ernster Zustand, der sich aus einem direktem Aussetzen von hohen Temperaturen oder der Sonne ergibt. Er ist von trockener Haut, Schwäche, Schwindel, Übelkeit, starkem, raschem Puls charakterisiert, der später schwächer werden kann. Unbewusstes Schwitzen folgt normalerweise. Hitzschlag ist schwerwiegender als die ihm vorangehende Hitzeerschöpfung.
  • HLW
    Herz-Lungen-Wiederbelebung
    Erste Hilfe, die durch die Kombination von externer Herzmassage und Mund-zu-Mund Beatmung den Herzschlag und die Atmung eines Opfers künstlich aufrechterhält. Alle Taucher sollten in HLW ausgebildet sein.
  • HMCG
    Her Majesty's Coast Guard
  • Höhlenkataster
    Heisst das Archiv, in dem alle Informationen über eine Höhle gesammelt werden.
  • Höhlenlehm
    Besteht aus Tonmineralen und feinem Quarzsand; er bleibt beim Auflösen des Kalks liegen oder wird von aussen eingeschwemmt.
  • Höhlenmenschen
    Nannte man die Vorzeitmenschen, die Höhlen als Behausung und Kultstätte nutzten.
  • Höhlenperlen
    Sind kugelförmige Sinterklümpchen von einigen Millimetern bis Zentimetern Grösse, die sich mitunter in Höhlenteichen bilden.
  • Hogarthian principles
    Principles behind Hogarthian system originated for cave diving but now adopted more widely.
  • Hogarth(ian) rig
    A method of rigging scuba gear for maximum survivability.
  • HP
    High Pressure
    Stamped into first-stage regulators, HP designates the connection port for the high-pressure hose, which leads to the gauge console.
  • HPNS
    High Pressure Nervous Syndrome
  • HSA
    Handicapped Scuba Association
    Worldwide independent certification agency for persons with disabilities and their able-bodied "dive buddies."
  • HSC
    Health and Safety Commission (UK)
  • HSE
    Health and Safety Executive
  • HSW Act
    Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 (UK legislation)
  • HSWA74
    -> HSW Act
  • HT
    Half-time
    A half-time is the same as a half-life when considering radiation. A half-life is the time for a radioactive sample to decay to half its original value. Half-time tissues are named for the time in minutes it takes to fill (saturate) half the tissue with nitrogen. Then, it takes the same amount of time to absorb enough nitrogen for the other half to become half saturated. Then, it takes the same amount of time for the quarter that’s left to become 50 percent saturated, then, the same time to absorb enough for the eighth that’s left to become half saturated, and so on.
  • Hungerbrunnen
    Sind Karstquellen, die nur in wasserreichen Jahren sprudeln
  • Hydro
    The common name for the hydrostatic test required on scuba cylinders every five years to determine whether the tank walls are still strong enough for safe usage.
  • Hydrogeology
    Science of movement and occurrence of subsurface waters and with related geologic aspects of surface waters.
  • Hyperbarmedizinische Kammer
    -> Dekompressionskammer
  • Hyperkapnie
    Ein ungewöhnlich hohes Mass von CO2 im Blut. Eine Folge vom Tauchen mit unsachgemässen Atemmustern.
  • Hyperventilation
    Der Prozess, rasch ein- und auszuatmen, um den Kohlendioxidgehalt des Blutes zu senken; so kann der Atemreflex hinausgezögert werden. Eine übertriebene Hyperventilation kann zum Flachwasserblackout (auch Schwimmbadblackout), zu Bewusstlosigkeit und Ertrinken führen.
  • Hypoxia
    Lox oxygen at cellular level
  • Hypoxie
    Niedriger Sauerstoffpartialdruck in einer Atemmischung. Führt zur Mangelversorgung mit SAUERSTOFF.
  • i
  • IADRS
    International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists
  • IAHD
    International Association for Handicapped Divers
  • IAND
    International Association of Nitrox Divers
  • IANTD
    International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers
    Recreational, cave and technical certification agency.
  • ICUE
    International Conference on Underwater Education
    Annual educational conference sponsored by NAUI.
  • IDA
    International Divers Association
    Florida agency specializing in training beyond sport diving limits.
  • IDC
    Instructor Development Course
    A class or series of classes designed to advance the knowledge and skill level of divers so they can qualify as scuba instructors.
  • IDEA
    International Diving Educators Association
    Florida-based certification agency.
  • IDEST
    Inspectorate for Diving Equipment Servicing and Testing
  • IDOT
    Israeli Dive Operators and Tourism
  • IE
    Instructor Evaluation or Instructor Evaluator. The multi-day test for scuba instructor, or the person who oversees that test.
  • ILCOR
    International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation
  • Inert gas
    Any gas not metabolized by the body.
  • Inertgas
    Gase in einer Atemmischung, die vom Metabolismus (Stoffwechsel) nicht benötigt werden.
  • Inertgasnarkose
    Toxizitätserscheinung eines Inertgases, wenn der Taucher höheren Partialdrücken ausgesetzt ist. Die berauschende Wirkung befällt selbst erfahrene Taucher, wenn sie in extreme Tiefen absteigen. Die Stickstoffnarkose, eine Form der Inertgasnarkose, kann in Tiefen ab 30 Meter vorkommen.
  • IOC
    Instructor Orientation Course (PADI)
  • IP
    Intermediate Pressure
    the pressure between the first and second stages of a regulator
  • IPDS
    International Police Diver Symposium
  • ISE
    International Scuba Educators
  • ISEA
    International Scuba Educators Association
    Florida-based certification agency.
  • ISO
    International Standards Organisation
  • ITC
    Instructor Training Course
    Class in which divers advance their knowledge and skill, and qualify as scuba instructors.
  • ITS
    Instructor Training Scheme (BSAC)
  • ITW
    Instructor Training Workshop (BSAC)
  • IUC
    Irish Underwater Council
  • IVR
    Interverband für Rettungswesen
  • j
  • JAMA
    The Journal of the American Medical Association
  • Joseph Priestley
    Discovered Oxygen in 1774 .
  • JSSADC
    Joint Services Sub Aqua Diving Clubs
  • JULIA
    Japan Underwater Leaders and Instructors Association
  • Jump Reel
    Line reel attached or “clipped off” on the line to the exit side of the jump or gap in order to indicate “the way out”.
  • Jump Spool
    Line spool attached or “clipped off” on the line to the exit side of the jump or gap in order to indicate “the way out”.
  • k
  • Kalktuff
    Scheidet sich aus fliessendem, stark kalkhaltigem Wasser als poröses Gestein ab.
  • Karst

    engl.: An irregular limestone region with sinkholes, disappearing streams, underground streams, springs and caves.

    dt.: Ist nicht nur ein Gebirge in Nordjugoslawien, sondern in der Höhlenkunde der Name für einen bestimmten Landschaftstyp. Karstgebiete bestehen aus aktiv wasserlöslichen Gesteinen wie Kalk, Gips oder Dolomit.

  • Karst window
    A cave opening into a cave system or with water flowing across the opening making both upstream and down stream accessible from a single opening.
  • Karsterscheinung
    Nennt man die für eine Karstlandschaft typischen Formen. Dazu gehören oberirdisch Poljen und Dolinen, Wasserschlinger (Ponore) und Karstquellen, unterirdisch vor allem Höhlen.
  • Karstquelle
    Sind die Austrittsstellen unterirdischer Flüsse. Sie besitzen meist sehr starke Schüttungen von mehreren tausend Litern pro Sekunde.
  • KF
    Kammerflimmern
  • kg
    Kilogram. Metric measure of weight. 1 kg = 2.21 pounds.
  • KISS
    Keep It Simple, Stupid!
  • Klaustrophobie
    Nennt man die übertriebene Ängstlichkeit in geschlossenen Räumen. In engen Höhlenteilen kann sie zu panikartigen Anfällen führen.
  • Km
    Kilometer. Metric measurement of distance. 1 km = .62 miles.
  • Kohlendioxid
    ist das Gas des Selterswassers. In kleinen Mengen ist es in der Luft enthalten. In Wasser löst es sich zur Kohlensäure; diese an sich schwache Säure vermag Kalk etwa 25-mal so gut zu lösen wie reines Wasser. Auf dieser chemischen Reaktion beruhen die gesamten Karsterscheinungen in Kalkgebieten.
  • Kohlendioxydaufbau
    -> Hyperkapnie
  • KT
    Kammertachykardie
  • KVG
    Krankenversicherungsgesetz
  • l
  • L.A. County
    Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Underwater Unit. County-based scuba certification organization.
  • LAT
    Lowest Astronomical Tide
  • Lava tubes
    Caves formed (on the surface) by lava flow. Submerged lave tubes like those found in Hawaii where formed when sea levels were much lower.
  • Lavahöhle
    Entsteht in einem glutflüssigen Lavastrom, wenn die Hülle sich verfestigt und die flüssige Lava darunter abläuft.
  • LIDS
    London International Dive Show
  • Light doubling
    System of light communications used in cave diving where dive team follows lead light.
  • Limestone
    A rock that is formed chiefly by accumulation of organic remains (shells or coral), consists mainly of calcium carbonate; frequently contains fossils. The primary rock in most caves
  • Line marker
    Fall into two classifications: a. Permanent — Line markers permanetly afixed to the line indecating direction and distance to nearest exit. b.Temperary — Personal markers should be removed after every dive! typically contain information like divers name or initials and sometimes even notches for unmistakable identification.
  • Line reel
    Mechanical devices carried by a cave diver or team of divers to safety retrieve and control the primary guideline while assuring continuous guideline to surface for the entire length of the dive.
  • Line trap
    An area where a guideline falls or slips where the diving team loses access to it.
  • LP
    Low pressure
    Stamped into first-stage regulators, LP designates connection ports for hoses leading to second-stage regulators, BC inflate/deflate mechanisms and dry suit inflator mechanisms.
  • LS
    Long shot
    In underwater video, a wide-angle view that establishes the setting of a scene.
  • Luftembolie
    -> Arterielle Luftembolie
  • Luftverbrauchsrate
    -> OLV
  • Lungen-O2-Toxizität
    Kurzzeit- oder Langzeitschäden an der Lunge, die durch Atmen von O2 über 0.5 bar über einen längeren Zeitraum (Stunden bis Tage!) auftreten können.
  • Lungenüberdehnungsverletzung
    Eine Verletzung des Lungengewebes; tritt beim Anhalten der Luft während eines Aufstiegs durch die Ausdehnung der Luft auf; Anzeichen sind Atemnot, Kopfschmerzen, Sehstörungen; im Gegensatz zur Dekompressionskrankheit treten die Symptome bei einer Lungenüberdehnung sofort auf.
  • m
  • m
    meter. Metric measurement of distance. 1 m = 3.28 feet.
  • M-Value
    M stands for maximum. M-Values are maximum allowable tissue tensions. In the early development of decompression theory, it was thought that gas wouldn’t separate appreciably from solution to form bubbles if a specific maximum amount of supersaturation wasn’t exceeded.
  • Marble
    Limestone that has been recrytalized by heat and pressure-are composed of the mineral calcite (CaC03)
  • MCA
    Maritime and Coastguard Agency
  • MCQ
    Multiple Choice Questionnaire (also known as Multiple Choice Paper)
  • MCS
    Marine Conservation Society
  • MDEA
    Multinational Diving Educators Association. Tennessee-based certification agency.
  • MDT
    Maximum Dive Time
  • Mediastinal Emphysem
    Eine Lungenüberdehnungsverletzung, bei der Luftblasen von der Lunge in den Brustbereich nahe des Herzens (Mediastinum) entweichen. Zum Beispiel bei zu raschem Aufsteigen und / oder beim Atemanhalten während eines Aufstiegs.
  • MFA
    Medic First Aid (PADI)
  • MFS
    Mask Fin Snorkel
  • MFW
    Metres of Fresh Water
  • MGR
    Mixed Gas Rebreather
  • MI
    Master Instructor (PADI)
  • Mineral
    An inorganic (non-living) substance occurring naturally in the earth and having definite physical and chemical properties.
  • Mini-Ox
    Tragbares Sauerstoffanalysegerät.
  • Mirabilite
    Hydrous sodium sulfate
  • Mischgas
    Jede Atemmischung zum Tauchen mit einer anderen Zusammensetzung als atmosphärische Luft.
  • Mischungskorrosion
    treffen in Klüften zwei an sich kalkgesättigte Wässer zusammen, die aber unterschiedlichen Gehalt an Kohlensäure haben, so können sie in der Tiefe erneut Kalk lösen. Auf diese Art entstanden die meisten unterirdischen Hohlräume.
  • Mixed gas
    Generally an expression or term used to describe helium gas based breathing mixtures.
  • MKS
    Metre, Kilogram, Second (Metric System)
  • MMPA
    Marine Mammal Protection Act
    U.S. Government legislation that protects marine mammals.
  • MMSI
    Maritime Mobile Service Identity
  • MOD

    engl.: Maximum Operating Depth for a breathing mixture, according conventional oxygen toxicity threshold limits - The ACDF adheres to standard 1.6 PO2 at rest / 1.4 P02 for work. MOD = (max PO2 / FO2 - 1) * 10 msw

    dt.: Maximale Einsatztiefe einer Gasmischung, bestimmt durch den Partialdruckwert der Sauerstoffeinwirkung.

  • MRCC
    Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
  • MRSC
    Maritime Rescue Sub Centre
  • MS
    Medium shot. In underwater video, view that highlights the activity in a scene.
  • MSD
    Master Scuba Diver (PADI)
  • MSDT
    Master Scuba Diver Trainer (PADI)
  • MSW
    Metres of Sea/Salt Water
  • Mummified
    Natural version: a human or animal that has been naturally dehydrated and thereby preserved for a long period of time; humans, bats, and other animals are thought to have been well preserved by the constant humidity and temperature and the presence of salts in the cave soil.
  • n
  • N2
    Nitrogen
  • NABS
    National Association of Black Scuba Divers
    International, multi-chapter dive club for African-American divers.
  • NACD
    National Association for Cave Diving
    Trains and certifies cavern and cave divers.
  • NACDS
    National Association of Commercial Diving Specialists
  • NAS
    Nautical Archaeological Society
  • NASDS
    National Association of Scuba Diving Schools
    International certification agency that merged with SSI in 1999
  • NASE
    National Association of Scuba Educators
  • Nasennebenhöhlenbarotrauma
    Schmerz und/oder Zellschaden, Folge unkorrekten Druckausgleiches oder Tauchens mit Schnupfen.
  • NAUI
    National Association of Underwater Instructors
    Not-for-profit recreational and technical certification agency based in Florida.
  • NBDHMT
    National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology
  • NDC
    National Diving Council
  • NDF
    Norwegian Diving Federation
  • NDL
    No-decompression limit
    On dive tables, maximum bottom time that allows a diver to return directly to the surface without a mandatory decompression stop. Continually remaining at depth close to these limits is considered dangerous.
  • NDO
    National Diving Officer (BSAC, SAA, CFT)
  • NDS
    No Decompression Stop
    The no decompression limit according to table or compute
  • NDSTC
    Naval Dive and Salvage Training Center
  • NDT
    ->NDL
  • NE
    Neon
  • NEC
    National Exhibition Centre
  • NED
    Network of Egghead Divers
  • NEDU
    Naval Experimental Diving Unit (US Navy)
  • NELOS
    Nederlandstalige liga voor onderwateronderzoek en -sport (Belgium)
  • NERC
    National Environment Research Council (UK)
  • NHC
    National Hyperbaric Centre (Aberdeen)
  • NI
    National Instructor (BSAC)
  • NIADD
    National Instructors' Assn for Divers with Disabilities
  • Nitrogen Tension
    Nitrogen tension is a calculation of how much nitrogen you take up during a scuba dive. Nitrogen tension is measured by pressure, not volume.
  • Nitrox

    engl.: Any mixture of Oxygen and Nitrogen. for diving purposes we limit our consideration to those mixtures that have a greater percentage of Oxygen than the air we breathe. These mixtures are referred to as oxygen Enriched Air (OEA) Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN) or, sometimes you see the abbreviation, EANx the “x’ being the value or percentage of oxygen in the air mixture. “Example EAN35” would indicate 35% oxygen. Primary reason for using NITROX: 1. More bottom time (less deco time) 2. Greater safety (within MOD)

    dt.: Im Sprachgebrauch eine Stickstoff I Sauerstoff Atemmischung. Wenn der Sauerstoffanteil in der Mischung über 21% beträgt, wird dieses NITROX auch als Enriched Air bezeichnet.

  • NMFS
    National Marine Fisheries Service
    The arm of NOAA (see below) that administers programs to conserve and manage living marine resources. Involved in the process of designation and management of marine protected areas.
  • NN
    Nitrogen Narcosis
  • NO
    -> Nitrox
  • No Decompression Time
    ->NDL
  • NOAA
    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    U.S. government agency whose mission is to predict environmental changes, and manage and conserve the nation's coastal and marine resources.
  • NOB
    Nederlandse Onderwatersport Bond
  • Normoxie
    Atemmischung, die einen normalen (21 %) Sauerstoffprozentsatz oder Partialdruck hat
  • NQI
    Nationally Qualified Instructor
  • NRMI
    Naval Medical Research Unit
  • NSB
    Natal Shark Board (South Africa)
  • NSS
    National Speleological Society
    Organization that believes: that caves have unique scientific, recreational, and scenic values; that these values, once gone, cannot be recovered; and that the responsibility for protecting caves must be assumed by those who study and enjoy them.
  • NSS/CDS
    National Speleological Society/Cave Diving Section
    Division of the cavers' society that trains and certifies cavern and cave divers.
  • NUADC
    National Underwater Accident Data Center
    Accident and injury data collection project active at the University of Rhode Island from the early '70s to the early '90s, when it joined with DAN. Discontinued as separate entity in 1994.
  • o
  • O2
    Oxygen
  • O2A
    Oxygen Administration
  • OA
    ->O2A
  • OAC
    Oxygen Administration Course
  • Oberflächendekompression
    Dekompression, die in einer Dekompressionskammer an der Oberfläche (engl. DDC: deck decompression chamber) durchgeführt wird, um dem Taucher zu ermöglichen, das Wasser zu verlassen.
  • OD
    Ocean Diver (BSAC)
  • ODL
    Oxygen depth limit. The deepest that a diver can safely go using a particular gas mixture. For example, the MOD for EAN32 (32 per- cent oxygen) is 132 fsw (40 m).
  • Off gassing
    The elimination of nitrogen (and/or other inert gases) is referred to as "off-gassing" or "de-saturation". Off gassing begins during final ascent as tension between body’s tissues and the lung’s alveoli equalize.
  • OLV
    Oberflächenluftverbrauch. Die während eines Tauchganges verbrauchte Luft umgerechnet in ein Oberflächenäquivalent; in der Einheit Liter/Minute bei 1 bar.
  • OMS
    1. Ocean Management Systems; manufacturer known for their low pressure steel tanks. 2. Open Muppet Season [BSAC]
  • ONM
    Oxygen-Nitrogen Mixture
  • OOA
    Out of Air
  • OPV
    Over Pressure Valve
  • OS
    O.S. Systems, Inc.
    Manufacturer of shell dry suits
  • OSHA
    Occupational Safety and Health Administration
    U.S. government organization responsible for establishing and enforcing workplace safety standards. May exert jurisdiction over work procedures and conditions of scuba professionals if it determines that safety is at issue.
  • OT
    Oxygen Toxicity
  • OTT
    Oxygen Tolerance Test
  • OTU

    engl.: Oxygen Toxicity/Tolerance Unit

    dt.: Eine berechenbare Masseinheit für die aufgenommene Sauerstoffdosis, wobei diese gewisse, empirisch ermittelte Grenzwerte nicht überschreiten sollte.

  • Overhead-Environment
    Eine Tauchumgebung, wie Höhlen oder Wracks, die keinen direkten Aufstieg zur Oberfläche zulässt.
  • OW
    Open Water
    The most common designation for the initial scuba certification that results in qualification to dive without supervision.
  • OWD
    Open Water Diver
  • OWI
    Open Water Instructor (BSAC)
  • OWIC
    Open Water Instructor Course (BSAC)
  • OWSI
    Open Water Scuba Instructor
    Scuba instructor certified to teach snorkeling and scuba from introductory levels up through differing leadership levels depending on agency.
  • Oxtox
    Sauerstofftoxizität
  • Oxyhemoglobin
    Hemoglobin that has bonded with inhaled oxygen.
  • p
  • p
    Pressure
  • PAD
    Public Access Defibrillator (American term for AED)
  • PADI
    Professional Association of Diving Instructors
    Recreational certification agency based in California.
  • PADUA
    Pennsylvania Analysis of Decompression for Undersea and Aerospace
  • Paläontologie
    Ist die Lehre von den vorzeitlichen Lebewesen.
  • Paleofeces
    Fossilized human or animal feces. By studying paleofeces we can learn what humans were eating when exploring a cave thousands of years before.
  • Paleontology
    The study of life from past geologic periods by examining plant and animal fossils.
  • PALS
    Pediatric Advanced Life Support
  • Passage
    In a cave, the corridor created by water and rock falls.
  • Paul Bert-Effekt
    Wirkungen am Nervensystem, die eintreten können, wenn Sauerstoff über einem Partialdruck von 1.6 bar geatmet wird, auch Paul Bert Effekt genannt. Eine äusserst gefährliche Erscheinung, die zu Krämpfen oder einem Kollaps führen kann.
  • PBA
    Professional Boatmans Association
  • PDC
    Personal Dive Computer
  • PDIC
    Professional Diving Instructors Corporation International
    Pennsylvania-based certification agency.
  • Percolation
    Silt dislodged by a divers exhaust bubbles from the cave ceiling.
  • Permanent line
    Line left in an underwater cave to assist cave divers with underwater navigation. NOTE: A line set for surveying purposes only, is not classified as a permanent line.
  • PFD
    Personal flotation device
    Life jacket, life preserver. A piece of individual emergency equipment that is required on boats to provide each passenger with positive buoyancy on the surface.
  • PFO
    Patent Foramen Ovale
    Openable flap between atria. See ASD. A shunt between the right and left side of the heart that allows some blood to circulate back through the body without going to the lungs first. This means that micro-bubbles don't get removed from the blood stream by the lungs efficiently, making DCS more likely. 1in 4 people have a PFO.
  • PG
    Pressure group
    The letter on a dive table that denotes the theoretical amount of gas still in solution in the diver's body. Used in repetitive dive calculations.
  • pH
    A scientific measure of hydrogen ion activity to determine the acid or base level of a substance frequently more intense at the water line.
  • Phreatic zone
    The portion of the aquifer below the water table.
  • Phreatite
    Reddish/ brown/ black crust that forms on the bedrock of a submerged cave composed of mostly iron oxide. bacteria with rough, bubbly-looking (botryoidal) appearance.
  • Pit
    In a cave, a vertical shaft as viewed from above, formed by dripping or falling water through a vertical crack. s. dome.
  • Placement
    Positioning of line around an object to control line yet allow for easy removal.
  • Pneumothorax

    engl.: Injury where air or another gas enters the pleural cavity. This prevents expansion, and may even cause lung collapse.

    dt.: Eine Lungenverletzung, die einen Lungenzusammenfall oder das Entweichen der Lungenluft in den Brustbereich einschliesst. Zum Beispiel als Folge eines Atemanhaltens beim Aufstieg und/oder eines zu raschen Aufstieges.

  • PNR
    Passenger Name Record
  • Poljen
    (Serbokroatisch: Feld) sind Kesseltäler in Karstgebieten. Ihr Wasser fliesst durch Felsspalten ab; können sie etwa bei Schneeschmelze das Wasser nicht schnell genug schlucken, wird die Polje vorübergehend zum See. Eine der berühmtesten Poljen ist der Zirknitzer See im jugoslawischen Karstgebirge.
  • Pollution
    The fouling of water or air with sewage, industrial waste, or other contaminants, making them unfit to support many forms of life. Submerged caves are extremely susceptible to surface leaching of pollutions sources such as nearby dairy farms and petrol filling stations.
  • Ponor
    (Serbokroatisch: Abgrund) oder Schwinde nennt man die Schlucklöcher im Karst. Mitunter verschwindet durch sie ein ganzer Fluss im Untergrund.
  • Pony-Flasche
    -> Bailout-Flasche
  • Popcorn
    A calcite speleothem with the appearance of popcorn.
  • pp
    Partial Pressure
    Total pressure of a gass mixture is the sum of the partial pressures of the component gases
  • ppHe
    Partial Pressure of Helium in a gas mixture
  • ppN2
    Partial Pressure of Nitrogen in a gas mixture
  • ppO2
    Partial pressure of Oxygen
    The proportion of the total gas pressure attributable to the oxygen content of the mixture; for example, air at sea level 1.0 ata = .21 PO2 + .79 PN2. (Air is approximately 21 percent oxygen and 79 percent nitrogen.)
  • PPP
    Planning Preparation Presentation
  • PPPPPP
    Perfect Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance
  • Pre-Mix
    Eine spezielle Gasmischung, die von einem kommerziellen Gaslieferanten in grossen Mengen bezogen werden kann.
  • Primärhöhle
    Entstehet schon bei Bildung des umgebenden Gesteins. Beispiel: Lavahöhlen.
  • Primary reel
    Used to get from the open water to the primary line located in the cave. This reel consists of a spool to hold the guideline, a winding knob to retrieve the line, a bolt-snap to secure the reel to the diver when not in use, a lockdown screw to secure the spool from unwinding when line is no longer required, a handle to hold the reel, hub to hold the spool, and a guide to direct the guideline on and off the spool. Normally 100-150 meters of line maximum.
  • PRM
    Practical Rescue Management (BSAC)
  • PSA
    Professional Scuba Association. Extended-range scuba training.
  • PSDA
    Public Safety Diving Association
  • PSI
    1. Pounds per square inch. Measure of pressure indicating the force exerted on a surface of one square inch. 14.7 psi = 1 atm = 1 kg/cm2, 2. Professional Scuba Inspectors, Inc [BSAC]
  • PSIA
    Pounds per square inch absolute. Measure of total pressure, gauge plus atmospheric, used in pressure calculations; for example, the pressure at a depth of 33 fsw is 29.4 psia (14.7 psi for 1 atm water and 14.7 psi for the weight of the atmosphere at sea level).
  • PSIG
    Pounds per square inch gauge. The pressure reading that appears on SPGs.
  • PTC
    Personal Transfer Capsule
  • Pulmonary oxygen toxicity
    Damage to the lung and the air passages caused by long exposure to oxygen partial pressures above 0.5 bar.
  • Pulmonary toxicity
    Lorrain Smith (1899) demonstrated, for the first time, that animals breathing oxygen at moderately high tensions over prolonged periods suffered pulmonary damage.
  • q
  • QA
    Quality Assurance
  • QRB
    Qualification Record Book
  • Quelltopf
    Ist ein anderer Name für eine Karstquelle
  • r
  • RA
    Rescue Assessment
  • RAC
    Rebreather Awareness Course
  • Radon
    A heavy radioactive gaseous element formed by the disintegration of uranium and thorium. It is colorless, tasteless, and odorless and found commonly in bedrock and sediments. All rocks and soil, including the limestone found in Mammoth Cave, contain varying amounts of radon.
  • Rapture Of Depth
    Tiefenrausch; ist eine Bezeichnung der Stickstoffnarkose.
  • RBGM
    Reduced Bubble Grade Model (for decompression)
  • RDG
    Repetitive dive group. In DCIEM and ACUC dive tables, a letter designation assigned according to time and depth of dive. Used in repetitive dive calculations.
  • RDP
    PADI's recreational dive planner, a specialized dive table.
  • REAP
    Review Encourage Assess Plan
  • Recharge zone
    The area from which a body of water is recharged. The cave and groundwater recharge zone may be many miles from the cave itself and may include disappearing springs or "siphons" and sinkholes.
  • Redundanz
    Das Konzept, funktionsfähige Backup Systeme mitzuführen, um die Hauptsysteme beim Ausfall ersetzen zu können.
  • REEF
    Reef Environmental Education Foundation
    Nonprofit organization that trains and coordinates activities of volunteer divers who gather census data on fish populations. Compiles data, which is stored in an international database for use by marine scientists.
  • REG
    Regulator
  • REGA
    Schweizerische Rettungsflugwacht
  • Reisegas
    -> Travel mix
  • Repetitive dive
    Any dive conducted with no Residual Nitrogen Time (RNT) left
  • Repetitive Group
    -> RG
  • RES
    Rescue Diver (PADI
  • Residual Nitrogen
    -> RN
  • Residual Nitrogen Time
    -> RNT
  • Resurgence
    Water emitting from a cave supplied almost entirely by the sinking of surface streams as opposed to "exsurgences".
  • RF
    Repetitive factor
    Term used in DCIEM tables to denote amount of nitrogen loading in tissues.
  • RFA
    Rescue First Aid
  • RG
    Repetitive group
    In DCIEM and ACUC dive tables, a letter designation assigned according to time and depth of dive. Used in repetitive dive calculations.
  • RhIB
    Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat
    Solid keel and large inflatable tubes
  • RIB
    -> RhIB
  • Rimbach system
    Also known as "touch contact" is a technique first developed by Don Rinbach allowing limited communications between team members during low or zero visibility conditions.
  • Rimstone dam
    Thin mineral crusts formed at the edge of some cavern pools as calcite-rich water flows over the edge
  • RLSS
    Royal Life Saving Society
  • RMV
    Respiratory Minute Volume
  • RN
    Residual Nitrogen
    Nitrogen gas that is still dissolved in a diver’s tissues after he has surfaced.
  • RNLI
    Royal National Lifeboat Institution
  • RNPL
    Royal Naval Physiological Laboratory (produced RN decompression tables)
  • RNT
    Residual nitrogen time
    1. Bottom time reduction on repetitive dives due to nitrogen left in tissues from previous dives, expressed in minutes. 2. An amount of time, in minutes, which must be added to the bottom time of repetitive dive to compensate for the nitrogen still in solution in a diver’s tissues from a previous dive.
  • ROV
    Remotely Operated Vehicle
  • RSTC
    Recreational Scuba Training Council
    Association of scuba training agencies that provides a vehicle for development of voluntary industry-wide training standards. Secretariat for the ANSI committee on diving instructional standards and safety (Z375). Members: IDEA, NASDS/SSI, PADI, PDIC, YMCA.
  • Rule number one
    Never dive with people who compromise safety.
  • Rule of thirds
    Gas management regime: The diver must reserve minimum 2/3's of the beginning gas supply for the exit trip from the cave.
  • RYA
    Royal Yachting Association
  • s
  • SAA
    Sub Aqua Association
  • SAC
    Surface Air Consumption
  • Sacrifice cave
    -> Show cave
  • SADS
    Sub Aqua Diving Supervisor (Joint Services Sub-Aqua Diving Clubs)
  • SAELO
    Supply Activated Exhaust Cut-Off Valve
  • SAFE
    PADI training acronym; "Slowly Ascend From Every Dive"
  • Safety reel
    Line reel that holds approximately 15 to 30 meters of guideline, hat provides the diver with a ready source of guideline to use in the event of lose of guideline
  • Safety spool
    Line spool that holds approximately 15 to 30 meters of guideline, hat provides the diver with a ready source of guideline to use in the event of lose of guideline
  • Safety stop
    A stop made at six meters depth just before surfacing from a dive. Safety stops greatly lower tensions in the very fast tissues because they off gas quickly. Best when performed on pure 100% oxygen.
  • SALT
    Statement of Alternative Level Training
  • Saltpeter
    A potassium nitrate compound converted from calcium nitrates often found in dry caves and used in making gunpowder.
  • Sandstone
    A sedimentary rock made up of small pieces of rock, usually silicates such as quartz, that have been cemented together over time. Sandstone serves as the caprock on top of the limestone layer Mammoth Cave was formed in.
  • SAR
    Search and Rescue
  • SAR team
    Search and Rescue Team
  • SASA
    Supplied Air Snorkeling for Adults
    BC-like PFD mounted with small compressed air cylinder and regulator that allows snorkeler to breathe comfortably on the surface but prohibits him from descending.
  • SASY
    Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth
    BC-like PFD mounted with small compressed air cylinder and regulator that allows snorkeler to breathe comfortably on the surface but prohibits him from descending.
  • Saturation
    When a tissue has absorbed all the nitrogen it can at any particular depth, it is called saturated of that depth.
  • Sauerstoff
    Ein farbloses, geschmackloses und geruchloses Gas, das etwa 21% der Luft ausmacht, die wir atmen. Wenn der Körper des Sauerstoffs beraubt wird (bekannt als ANOXIE), hört er auf zu funktionieren. Zu viel Sauerstoff (Hyperoxie) führt zur Sauerstoffvergiftung.
  • Sauerstoff Toxizität
    Kürzere oder längere physiologische Effekte bei der Einwirkung eines höheren Sauerstoffpartialdrucks.
  • SAUU
    South African Underwater Union
  • SBK
    Schweizerischer Berufsverband für Krankenpflege
  • SBS
    Special Boat Service (Royal Navy special forces)
  • SC
    Surfacing Code
  • Scallops
    Spoon-shaped hollows dissolved in the cave walls, floors, and ceilings by flowing water; the shape and size of the scallop is inversely proportional to water velocity and direction.
  • SCBA
    Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
    Such as Firefighter use
  • SCCR
    Semi-Closed Circuit Rebreather
  • Schacht
    Schlot ist ein vertikaler Höhlengang, führt vom Entdecker aus gesehen nach unten.
  • Schachthöhlen
    führen meist steil in die Tiefe.
  • Schluf
    heisst eine Engstelle in Höhlen.
  • Schwinde
    ist ein anderes Wort für Schluckloch oder Ponor.
  • Scooter
    -> DPV
  • SCOR
    Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (of International Council of Scientific Unions)
  • SCR
    Surface consumption rate. Measure used in calculations for determining air consumption rate at various depths (liters per minute at surface).
  • SCUBA
    Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
  • SD
    Sports Diver (BSAC), Scuba Diver (PADI)
  • SDC
    Submersible Decompression Chamber
    Skill Development Course [BSAC]
  • SDCC
    Skill Development Course Certificate (BSAC)
  • SDI
    Scuba Diving International
    The recreational scuba training and certification arm of TDI.
  • Sea caves
    Caves formed by wave and weather erosion as opposed to being formed by dissolution.
  • SEAL
    Sea-Air-Land Teams (US Navy special forces)
  • SEBA
    Submarine Escape Breathing Apparatus
  • Sediment
    Rocks or fragments transported by wind, water, gravity, or ice; precipitated by chemical reactions; or secreted by organisms.
  • Sedimentary rocks
    A rock formed of fragments transported from their source, usually by water. The sediments are usually laid down in layers. Sandstone and limestone, are both sedimentary.
  • SEEDS
    Safety Equipment Exercise Discipline Signals
  • Sekundärhöhlen
    Entstehen erst nach Bildung des umgebenden Gesteins. Beispiele: Karsthöhlen, Brandungshöhlen, Windhöhlen.
  • Selenite
    Clear gypsum, often found as needle-like crystals in the dirt of undisturbed parts of the cave.
  • SGA
    Siebe Gorman Amphibian
  • SGAM
    Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Allgemeine Medizin
  • SGAR
    Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Anästhesie und Reanimation
  • SGI
    Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Intensivmedizin
  • SGIM
    Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin
  • SGK
    Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Kardiologie
  • SGNOR
    Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Notfall- und Rettungsmedizin
  • Shaft
    A vertical passage in a cave formed by water dripping or flowing through vertical cracks in the bedrock.
  • Shale
    A sedimentary rock formed by the consolidation of fine particles of clay, mud, or silt. Sometimes known as mudstone or siltstone. This rock along with sandstone forms the confining layer in northern Floridian south Georgian aquifer.
  • Show cave
    A cave developed for public use, usually with permanent lines installed, could also have novice pull lines, signs, permanent line markers, steal gates installed to keep open water divers out of the cave, , etc. . Also known as commercial caves of sacrifice caves.
  • SI
    1. Surface Interval (between or after a dive), 2. Système International (Metric System)
  • Side Mount
    -> Sidemount
  • Side-Mounts
    -> Sidemounts
  • Sidemount
    Specialized equipment configuration whereby tanks are mounted on the divers side just under each arm thereby allowing exploration of areas not normally accessible with back mounted tanks.
  • Sidemounts
    Atemgasflaschen, die der Taucher seitlich am Körper befestigt hat, etwa auf Hüfthöhe.
  • Silt
    One potential hazard in cave diving. Falls into three classifications 1. sand - anything bigger the 1/16 mm. 2. Mud - anything between 1/256 mm and 1/16 mm and 3. Clay, decreasing in size and increasing in concern, clay is anything smaller then 1/256 mm and can be measured by settling factor. However some sediments hold electromagnetic charge and will bounce off each other for infinity. Normally caves with "high" flow or current have the least amount of silt.
  • Siltation
    Same as silting but after the fact.
  • Silting
    Disturbing silt can cause total of the visual sense and orientation. Generally the result of careless or improper technique. Stress created from such an event can become manageable through intensive training.
  • Single Dive
    Any dive conducted after 12 hours of a previous dive.
  • Single Repetitive Dive
    A dive for which the bottom time used to select the decompression schedule is the sum of the residual nitrogen time and the actual bottom time of the dive.
  • Sinkhole
    Sinks involve areas where the collapsing ground reveals an opening into a submerged cave. in a limestone region, often called Karst "windows." In cave diving can denoted by the debris cone or break down of sediment from ceiling collapse. A sinkhole generally allows access to both the upstream and downstream portions of the cave so extreme judgment must be exercised when calculating gas requirements during initial exploration.
  • Sinter
    Heisst Kalk, der sich aus wässriger Lösung ausgeschieden hat. In Höhlen bildet er zum Beispiel Tropfsteine, Excentriques, Sinterbecken, Höhlenperlen und Sintervorhänge.
  • Sinusdruck
    -> Nasennebenhöhlenbarotrauma
  • Siphon

    engl.: Inflowing cave, water flowing into the cave, danger in miscalculating gas requirements.

    dt.: Ist der Ausdruck für eine unter Wasser liegende Höhlenstrecke. Ein Siphon hat immer mindestens 2 Wasseroberflächen. Deshalb kann man sicher von einem Siphon nur sprechen, wenn ein Taucher auf der anderen Seite aufgetaucht ist. Solange sollte man deshalb besser von UW-Strecke sprechen.

  • SIT
    Surface Interval Time
    Time that must be spent on the surface between dives to off-gas residual nitrogen.
  • SITA
    Scuba Industries Trade Association
  • Skip-Breathing
    Eine für den Tauchsport gefährliche Atemtechnik, bei der man den Atem möglichst lange anhält bis man den nächsten Atemzug nimmt. (Nicht zu empfehlen)
  • SLAM
    Scuba Lifesaving and Accident Management
    YMCA diver rescue course.
  • SLJ
    Surface Life Jacket
  • SLR
    Single lens reflex
    Type of still camera with a viewfinder arrangement that shows the photographer virtually the same image that is projected through the lens to the film.
  • SMB
    Surface Marker Buoy
    Buoy with a flag on a line to a diver
  • SMEDREC

    engl.: Swiss Medical Rescue and Emergency Conference

    dt.: Schweizerische Medizinische Rettungskommission

  • SNK
    Snorkel
  • SOB
    Same Ocean Buddy
  • Soda straws
    Speleothems that grow on cave ceilings as thin-walled hollow tubes. They are formed by water flowing inside the tube and depositing rings of calcite around their tips. In the air pocket at Hin Doke cave Krabi these fragile soda straws reach 5 meters!
  • Soft mount
    No metal to metal connections. Can be cut away with knife.
  • Soil zone
    The more aerated layers of earth near the surface. Note: The carbon dioxide content in the soil zone can be in excess of 300 times the level found in the outside atmosphere.
  • SOLAS
    Safety of Life at Sea (int. maritim norm/convention)
  • Solubility
    Some gases are more soluble (capable o being dissolved) than others, and some liquids and substances are better solvents (capable of dissolving another substance) than others. For example, nitrogen is five times more soluble in fat than it is in water.
  • Solution caves
    Those dissolved out of solid rock by acidic waters. Most solution caves are found in carbonate rocks (limestone, dolomite, or marble) or gypsum.
  • Sparatmung
    -> Skip-Breathing
  • Speläologie
    ist das (aus dem griechischen abgeleitete) Fachwort für Höhlenkunde. Die Forscher selbst heissen Speläologen.
  • Speleology
    The scientific study of the cave environment, including the physical, chemical, and biological aspects.
  • Speleothem
    Cave formations: secondary mineral deposits formed in caves, caused by the dissolution of minerals (such as calcite) and their subsequent deposition in crystalline form in growing layers in a variety of shapes.
  • Spelunker
    -> Caver
  • SPG
    Submersible Pressure Gauge
  • Spring
    A natural flow of water from the ground, often the source of an above-ground stream.
  • Spring run
    The surface stream or river created by water discharged by a spring.
  • SPUMS
    South Pacific Underwater Medical Society
  • Squeeze
    1. Eine durch den fehlenden Druckausgleich beim Abstieg verursachte Verletzung. Luftgefüllte Hohlräume wie in den Nebenhöhlen, dem Ohr, der Maske oder dem Trockentauchanzug sind am häufigsten betroffen. 2. Engstelle in einer Höhle
  • SR
    Search & Recovery
  • SRC
    Swiss Resuscitation Council
  • SRK
    Schweizerisches Rotes Kreuz
  • SRT
    Single Rope Technique
  • SSAC
    Scottish Sub Aqua Club
  • SSI
    Scuba Schools International
    Certification agency based in Colorado. Merged with NASDS in 1999
  • STA
    Scuba Trade Association
  • Stage-Flasche
    Zusätzlich zur Hauptgasversorgung mitgeführte Tauchflasche. Normalerweise vorn oder seitlich montiert. Diese Flaschen enthalten zusätzliche Grundmischungen oder Alternativ¬mischungen, um eine Dekompression effizienter zu gestalten.
  • Stalactite
    A common speleothem which hangs down from the ceiling.
  • Stalagmite
    A common speleothem which rises up from the caved floor from calcite dripped from the ceiling.
  • Stalagmiten
    sind auf dem Boden aufsitzende Tropfsteine.
  • Stalaktiten
    sind von der Decke hängende Tropfsteine. Im Laufe vieler Jahrtausende können sie sich mit Stalagmiten zu einer Säule vereinigen.
  • Station
    A survey point in a chain of such points in a survey.
  • Stewardship
    Related to the environment, the concept of responsible care-taking; based on the premise that we do not own the resource, but are managers of the resources and are responsible to future generations for their condition.
  • Stickstoff
    Ein Inertgas, das etwa 78% der Luft ausmacht, die wir atmen; für die Dekompressionskrankheit und die Stickstoffnarkose verantwortlich.
  • Stickstoffnarkose
    Verlust an Urteils- und motorischen Fertigkeiten, verursacht durch den narkotischen Effekt des Stickstoffbestandteils der Luft, die wir unter höherem Druck (u.a. in der Tiefe) atmen. Beim Aufstieg klingen die Symptome ab. Auch bekannt als "rapture of the deep" oder Tiefenrausch.
  • SUF
    Swedish Underwater Federation
  • Sump
    A point in a cave passage when the water meets the roof.
  • Supersaturation
    As pressure drops during ascent after a scuba dive body tissues will temporarily increase to a higher tension than they can contain in equilibrium at the surface or become supersaturated.
  • Surface Decompression
    -> Oberflächendekompression
  • Survey
    In caving, the measurement of directions and distances between survey points and of cave details from them and the plotting of cave plans and sections from these measurements either graphically or after computation of coordinates.
  • SUSL
    Finnish Sportdivers Association
  • SUSV
    Schweizer Unterwasser Sport Verband (Swiss Diving Federation)
  • SWA
    Sheltered Water Assessment
  • SWE
    Sheltered Water Evaluation
  • SWP
    Safe Working Pressure
  • t
  • Tanic acid
    Residue from bio-decomposition
  • Taucherflöhe
    Leichte Dekompressionskrankheit. Symptome der Haut, die als "Taucherflöhe" mit starkem Juckreiz bezeichnet werden. Man sieht eine blaurote Verfärbung einzelner Hautpartien, die auch leicht geschwollen sind. Die Schwellung (Ödem) ist dadurch bedingt, dass die Kapillaren und Lymphgefässe der Haut durch Verstopfung mit Mikrogasblasen eine erhöhte Durchlässigkeit für Wasser aufweisen. In der Muskulatur zeigen sich die Symptome in ziehenden Schmerzen mit Druckempfindlichkeit der betroffenen Muskulatur. Die Symptome können einige Stunden anhalten und ähneln später dem bekannten Muskelkater.Leichte Dekompressionskrankheit. Symptome der Haut, die als "Taucherflöhe" mit starkem Juckreiz bezeichnet werden. Man sieht eine blaurote Verfärbung einzelner Hautpartien, die auch leicht geschwollen sind. Die Schwellung (Ödem) ist dadurch bedingt, dass die Kapillaren und Lymphgefässe der Haut durch Verstopfung mit Mikrogasblasen eine erhöhte Durchlässigkeit für Wasser aufweisen. In der Muskulatur zeigen sich die Symptome in ziehenden Schmerzen mit Druckempfindlichkeit der betroffenen Muskulatur. Die Symptome können einige Stunden anhalten und ähneln später dem bekannten Muskelkater.Leichte Dekompressionskrankheit. Symptome der Haut, die als "Taucherflöhe" mit starkem Juckreiz bezeichnet werden. Man sieht eine blaurote Verfärbung einzelner Hautpartien, die auch leicht geschwollen sind. Die Schwellung (Ödem) ist dadurch bedingt, dass die Kapillaren und Lymphgefässe der Haut durch Verstopfung mit Mikrogasblasen eine erhöhte Durchlässigkeit für Wasser aufweisen. In der Muskulatur zeigen sich die Symptome in ziehenden Schmerzen mit Druckempfindlichkeit der betroffenen Muskulatur. Die Symptome können einige Stunden anhalten und ähneln später dem bekannten Muskelkater.Leichte Dekompressionskrankheit. Symptome der Haut, die als "Taucherflöhe" mit starkem Juckreiz bezeichnet werden. Man sieht eine blaurote Verfärbung einzelner Hautpartien, die auch leicht geschwollen sind. Die Schwellung (Ödem) ist dadurch bedingt, dass die Kapillaren und Lymphgefässe der Haut durch Verstopfung mit Mikrogasblasen eine erhöhte Durchlässigkeit für Wasser aufweisen. In der Muskulatur zeigen sich die Symptome in ziehenden Schmerzen mit Druckempfindlichkeit der betroffenen Muskulatur. Die Symptome können einige Stunden anhalten und ähneln später dem bekannten Muskelkater.Leichte Dekompressionskrankheit. Symptome der Haut, die als "Taucherflöhe" mit starkem Juckreiz bezeichnet werden. Man sieht eine blaurote Verfärbung einzelner Hautpartien, die auch leicht geschwollen sind. Die Schwellung (Ödem) ist dadurch bedingt, dass die Kapillaren und Lymphgefässe der Haut durch Verstopfung mit Mikrogasblasen eine erhöhte Durchlässigkeit für Wasser aufweisen. In der Muskulatur zeigen sich die Symptome in ziehenden Schmerzen mit Druckempfindlichkeit der betroffenen Muskulatur. Die Symptome können einige Stunden anhalten und ähneln später dem bekannten Muskelkater.Leichte Dekompressionskrankheit. Symptome der Haut, die als "Taucherflöhe" mit starkem Juckreiz bezeichnet werden. Man sieht eine blaurote Verfärbung einzelner Hautpartien, die auch leicht geschwollen sind. Die Schwellung (Ödem) ist dadurch bedingt, dass die Kapillaren und Lymphgefässe der Haut durch Verstopfung mit Mikrogasblasen eine erhöhte Durchlässigkeit für Wasser aufweisen. In der Muskulatur zeigen sich die Symptome in ziehenden Schmerzen mit Druckempfindlichkeit der betroffenen Muskulatur. Die Symptome können einige Stunden anhalten und ähneln später dem bekannten Muskelkater.
  • TBT
    Total Bottom Time
    RNT plus ABT. Used in calculating ANDL.
  • TD
    Technical Diver
  • TDI
    Technical Diving International
    Maine-based certification agency for technical aspects of recreational scuba.
  • TDT
    Total Dive Time
  • Temple cave
    Sometimes used for meditation or as show caves often lighted with cemented walkway.
  • TIDF
    The Israeli Diving Federation
  • Tie-off
    A physical wrapping of line around object twice to prevent line movement.
  • TLA
    Three Letter Acronym
  • TLS
    Trilaminate suit
    Trilaminate (bonded triple layer) material used in dry suit construction.
  • TNT
    Total Nitrogen Time
    RNT plus ADT.
  • TO
    Training Officer
  • TOD
    1. Target Operational Depth, 2. Theoretical Ocean Depth
  • Tower karst
    Cone karst in which the residual hills have very steep to overhanging lower slopes. There may be alluvial plains between the towers and flat-floored depressions within them.
  • TOX
    Slang for central nervous system oxygen toxicity that can happen when diving too deep on air or diving deeper than you should on an enriched air (nitrox) mixture. Also called the Paul Bert Effect, but tox is easier to remember and lots easier to type.
  • TP
    Test Pressure
  • TPR
    Transportable Pressure Receptacle
  • Travel gas
    -> Travel mix
  • Travel mix

    engl.: Mix such as 40/60 or 50/50 used to travel to or from the bottom. Travel gas is used to get down to the point where depth indicates that you must change to your bottom mix, and then to get up from that point to where you can switch to your deco mix(es).

    dt.: Ein Zwischenatemgemisch, um eine korrekte pO2 Einwirkung, oder um eine effizientere Dekompression zu haben. Im Allgemeinen wird es für die "Reise" zur Arbeitstiefe, oder Tauchstelle und zurück zur Oberfläche benutzt.

  • Traverse
    In cave diving: to enter a cave system from one opening point and exit from another.
  • Travertine
    General term for calcite speleothems.
  • Trimix

    engl.: Breathing mix of three gases, typically oxygen, helium, and nitrogen. Composition is quoted as percentage of oxygen / percentage of helium, e.g. 17/60 is a trimix with 17% oxygen, 60% helium, balance (23%) nitrogen. Primary advantage over heliox is cost.

    dt.: Eine Atemmischung aus drei Gasen, üblicherweise Sauerstoff, Stickstoff und Helium.

  • Troglobionten
    Sind echte Höhlentiere. Sie verbringen ihr ganzes Leben in der Finsternis und sind meist blind. Beispiel: der Grottenolm.
  • Troglobite
    An animal that lives its entire life within a cave and is specifically adapted to life in total darkness (some by losing their eyes or lacking pigmentation (color)). Examples include the eyeless fish, shrimp, and crayfish.
  • Troglophile

    engl.: Animals that can live all their lives either inside or outside a cave. Examples include, salamanders, springtails, and spiders.

    dt.: hingegen halten sich gerne in Höhlen auf, verlassen sie aber auch regelmässig. Beispiel: Fledermäuse.

  • Trogloxene

    engl.: An animal that spends part of its life in caves, but must venture out for food. These animals bring organic materials important to troglophile and troglobite survival into the cave. Examples include crickets, wood-rats, and bats.

    dt.: sind Zufallsgäste in Höhlen, z.B. Höhlenforscher bzw. -taucher.

  • TSM
    Technical Support Manager
  • TSVÖ
    Tauchsportverband Österreichs (Austrian Diving Federation)
  • TTL
    Through the lens. A system of light metering that adjusts strobe output for cam- era shutter and aperture settings.
  • Tube
    A cave passage of smooth surface and elliptical or nearly circular in cross-section (often seen in lave caves).
  • Turbidity
    Turbidity is caused by stirring up debris on the cave floor or ceiling. It can reduce visibility to zero. Turbidity may be produced by several factors. Sand is heavy and will usually settle to the floor of the cave faster than lighter materials. The general rule is, the lighter the weight of the material producing the turbidity, the slower it is to settle and the longer duration of restricted visibility.
  • Twilight zone
    The part of a cave near the entrance where light penetrates but does not receive direct sunlight, extending to the zone of absolute dark. An important habitat for many trogloxenes. Also called the "visible light zone".
  • u
  • UASR
    Underwater Association for Scientific Research (UK)
  • UBA
    1. Universal Breathing Apparatus, 2. Underwater Breathing Apparatus [BSAC]
  • UBMS
    Undersea Biomedical Society (USA)
  • UDT
    Underwater Demolition Team (US Navy)
  • UHMS
    Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society
    International organization of physicians and scientists; the leading source of information on diving and hyperbaric (pressure-related) medicine physiology worldwide.
  • UIS
    Union Internationale de Spéléologie (International Speleological Union)
  • UK
    United Kingdom
  • UNCLOS
    United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
  • UNESCO
    United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
  • UPTD
    Unit Pulmonary Toxic Dose
  • URP
    Universal Referral Program
    A process by which students of several training agencies can complete open-water 1 certification dives with instructors from other member agencies. Members: IDEA, NASDS/SSI, NAUI, PDIC, YMCA.
  • US
    United States (of America)
  • USCG
    United States Coast Guard
    Among other duties, enforces safe boat operation and inspection regulations in coastal and navigable inland waterways.
  • USFWS
    United States Fish and Wildlife Service
    Government agency that designates threatened and endangered species.
  • USN
    United States Navy
  • USOA
    Underwater Society of America
    Umbrella organization which, as a member of CMAS, serves as the U.S. sanctioning body for organized underwater sports com- petitions among its member clubs and councils. Disseminates information on issues affecting divers, from right-to-dive controversies to safety and conservation concerns.
  • UW-Scooter
    -> DPV
  • v
  • V
    Visual (Inspection of air cylinder for test purposes)
  • Vadose zone
    The zone where voids in the rock are partly filled with air and through which water descends under gravity. The zone where voids in the rock are partly filled with air and through which water descends under gravity. The portion of the aquifer above the water table.
  • Vandalism
    The willful or malicious destruction or damage of any public or private property. Includes carving ones initials into the cave wall or ceilings like seen in some popular cave systems in Florida and Mexico.
  • Vasoconstriction
    A decrease in the diameter of blood vessels.
  • Vauclusian spring
    A spring rising up a deep, steeply-inclined, water-filled passage into a small surface pool.
  • VDST
    Verband deutscher Sporttaucher e.V. (German Sport Diving Club)
  • VDTL
    Verband deutscher Tauchlehrer e.V. (German Dive Instructor Agency)
  • VENTID
    Vision Ears Nausea Twitching Irritation Dizziness
  • Versturz
    Nennt man eine Ansammlung von schweren Felsblöcken in der Höhle. Meist sind sie von der Höhlendecke herabgefallen.
  • Vertigo
    Ein Verlust des Gleichgewichtssinns begleitet von Schwindel und Verwirrung.
  • VGE
    Venous Gas Embolism
  • VIIS
    Video Home System
    A standard format for video cameras and tapes. Also S-VHS, super VHS and VHS-C, compact VHS.
  • VIP
    Visual Inspection Program
    Standardized visual tank inspection program widely used to denote any internal visual scuba tank inspection performed by a trained equipment technician; should be performed annually.
  • VRS
    Verein Rettungssanitäter Schweiz
  • VVDS
    Variable Volume Drysuit
  • w
  • WASAC
    Welsh Association of Sub Aqua Clubs
  • WASI
    World Association of Scuba Instructors
  • Water table
    The upper level of the underground reservoir of water; the level below which the ground is saturated.
  • Watershed
    An area of land where all water collects and drains into a common body of water (such as a river or lake).
  • WB
    Weightbelt
  • WC
    Water Capacity
  • Weathering
    The action of the elements in altering the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects, removing material physically or chemically. Water, wind, trees, and chemicals can cause weathering.
  • Wild cave
    A cave in its natural state, not developed for public use, in contrast with show caves.
  • Windhöhlen
    bilden sich, wenn der mit Sandkörnern geladene Wind weiches Gestein bearbeitet und im Laufe der Zeit aushöhlt. Spezialform der Erosionshöhlen.
  • Wings
    Auf dem Rücken montierte Auftriebskörper (ähnlich einem Jacket).
  • WKPP
    Woodsville-Karst Plains Project
    Cave diving group
  • WP
    1. Water Pressure, 2. Working Pressure
  • WPB
    West Palm Beach
  • WSA
    Women's Scuba Association
    Trade association that seeks to represent the needs and interests of women divers to the industry and the media, including maintenance of Women's Equipment Test Teams (WETT) for evaluation of scuba gear designed for women.
  • y
  • YBOD
    Yellow Box Of Death (a rather cruel and unfair reference to the Inspiration CCR)
  • YMCA
    Young Men's Christian Association
    Maintains an international scuba training and certification program, along with many other family-oriented activities.
  • z
  • Zepp
    Slang-Ausdruck für Aqua-Zepp, ein deutscher DPV oder Scooter
  • Zyanose
    Eine bläuliche Färbung der Haut, die sich aus einem Sauerstoffmangel im Blut ergibt.