Tech Time with Dr. Richard Vann: Decompression Risk & the Tech Diver

Decompression Safety Interview: With Dr. Richard Vann Phd of DAN. In this special "Tech Time" episode, Joe sits down with Dr. Richard Vann of Divers Alert Network (DAN) to dig into the hard numbers behind decompression risk in both recreational and technical diving. Dr. Vann breaks down real-world incidence rates of DCS, why cold-water wreck diving may carry up to 15× the risk of warm-water Caribbean profiles, and how factors like workload, temperature, and dive conditions can matter just as much as your depth-time curve. You'll hear how the U.S. Navy, North Sea commercial divers, and Gulf of Mexico operators each define "acceptable risk," and what that means for tech divers doing deep, long, or complex dives. Dr. Vann also explains why DAN needs your depth-time and gas-switch data, and makes a direct appeal to the tech and cave community to start logging and sharing dives so future decompression models can better reflect real technical profiles. We wrap with how DAN supports divers worldwide, plus a quick shout from explorer Jill Heinerth on personalized training in cave, rebreather, and imaging. If you breathe helium, run stages, or plan long deco, this one's for you.