When using dive tables, you need to keep track of each dive's depth and bottom time, as well as the surface time between dives. This information is used to make several calculations, which will then be used to plan your next dive. As you can see, organizing this information is an important step to ensure that your figures remain accurate.

A dive profile, such as the one pictured to the left, is a simple yet effective tool for organizing all of the information required to plan your dives. Dive profile worksheets and slates can be purchased at your local dive shop, or you can draw your own on a sheet of scratch paper.

You'll learn how to complete each section of a dive profile as you progress through this chapter.