Multi Level eRDP to be Released Imminently
According to the PADI Northwest Newswire blog, the multilevel version of the PADI eRDP is set to be released imminently in the US.
This long anticipated device will replace both the eRDP and the RDP Wheel as dive planning devices that can be used in a variety of PADI courses. Essentially an Open Water Diver will learn dive planning using either the traditional RDP table version, or the new eRDPML.
The RDP Wheel, introduced in the mid-80s, is a fantastic device that allows a great deal of precision in diving planning, and allows for multilevel dives to be planned. Unfortunately it is relatively costly as it is a calibrated instrument. It also takes a little getting used to, and can be harder for some to learn than a straight forward table design.
The eRDP and now the eRDPML take advantage of the reduction in costs of production of electronics, and give a tool that is a fantastic aid in dive planning. Although some believe that people should learn on a submersible dive computer from the start, I believe that there is a lot to be said for learning how to plan a dive ahead of a dive. This way, people get to know what good profiles look like, and then will be more ready to deal with the situation that occurs when a computer fails.
I have not heard anything from PADI Asia Pacific to this point about the release of the eRDPML, although I expect it won’t be too much after the US release. I for one am looking forward to candidates in my PADI Instructor Development Courses being able to use this device instead of the Wheel and the standard eRDP.
For more information, visit the PADI Northwest Newswire blog.