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Vertical Blue
Dean's Blue Hole during Vertical Blue 2008
GenreSporting event
DateMid-year
VenueDean's Blue Hole
LocationLong Island
Coordinates23°6′23″N 75°0′31″W / 23.10639°N 75.00861°W / 23.10639; -75.00861
CountryThe Bahamas
Inaugurated2008 (2008)
FounderWilliam Trubridge
Organised byWilliam Trubridge and AIDA International
SponsorsSuunto (2012-2017)
Origin ECN (2018)

Vertical Blue is an invite-only elite freediving competition which has been held in the Bahamas at Dean's Blue Hole by freediving world record holder William Trubridge. It was an AIDA International or CMAS in 2021 judged competition and has been the venue for multiple world and national records for athletes coming from countries all over the world.

Description

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Vertical Blue is a depth competition which consists of the freediving depth disciplines of free immersion (FIM), Constant weight without fins (CNF) and Constant weight (CWT).[1]

The event has been held at Dean's Blue Hole on Long Island in the Bahamas and was organized by William Trubridge with AIDA International providing judges.[1][2][3]

History

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Vertical Blue 2008

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Vertical Blue 2008 was announced in February 2008 and was held from 1 to 11 April in the same year. It was attended by competitors from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, New Zealand, the Russian Federation, Switzerland and the United States. A total of 23 national and 3 world records were achieved.[2][3][4]

Vertical Blue 2009

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Vertical Blue 2009 was held from 1 to 9 April 2009 and was attended by competitors from Austria, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Tunisia, the United Kingdom and the United States.[5][6]

Vertical Blue 2013

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On November 17, 2013, American freediver Nicholas Mevoli died after attempting to set an American record during a Vertical Blue competition at Dean's Blue Hole.[7]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Vertical Blue

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Vertical Blue is an annual invitational competition founded in 2008 by New Zealand-born world-record-holding William and held at , one of the world's deepest known blue holes, located in . The event brings together an elite group of approximately 20 top athletes from around the globe to compete in three primary disciplines governed by international rules such as those of or : Constant Weight with Fins (CWT), where divers descend and ascend using a or bifins; Constant Weight without Fins (), relying on swimming with arms and legs; and Free Immersion (FIM), involving pulling along a vertical rope. Renowned as the "Wimbledon of freediving" for its prestige and high-stakes performances, Vertical Blue emphasizes safety through its Professional Safety Freediver program, which sets advanced standards for dive support and monitoring, while also promoting in the pristine Bahamian waters. Since its inception, the competition has served as a for human limits, with numerous world records set across various categories, including multiple absolute records in recent editions like the 2025 event, where three new world records were established among 17 athletes. The competition typically spans 10 to 11 days in early summer or late spring, with dives progressing in depth over "acts" that allow to attempt personal bests and records in a supportive, non-national team format that fosters global unity. Beyond competition, Vertical Blue operates as a academy offering Apnea Academy courses and supports ongoing research into physiology and safety protocols, contributing to the sport's evolution.

Overview

Description

Vertical Blue is an annual, invite-only founded in 2008 by New Zealand William , aimed at pushing the limits of depth among the world's top athletes. The event is held at in , the deepest known on Earth. The competition spans approximately 10 days, typically in mid-year from to , during which invited athletes—a select group of elite competitors, typically 15 to over 40 depending on the edition—perform multiple dives across three primary disciplines: constant weight with fins (CWT), (CNF), and free immersion (FIM). Each athlete selects six of the nine competition days to dive, allowing for progressive attempts that often culminate in personal bests and world records, with numerous national records and over 100 world records set across various categories in its editions. As one of the most prestigious events in , Vertical Blue operates under international judging standards from bodies such as and , emphasizing safety and performance in an environment conducive to record-breaking achievements. Sponsorship has played a key role in its growth, with serving as title sponsor from 2012 to 2017 and Origin ECN taking over in 2018 to support the competition's professional operations.

Significance

Vertical Blue holds a premier position in the community as the longest-running annual competition, established in 2008 and renowned for attracting top from around the world. Its invite-only format ensures participation by only the most accomplished freedivers, fostering an environment where exceptional are routinely achieved. Since its inception, the event has served as a critical benchmark for , directly influencing athlete selection for international rankings and shaping rigorous regimens tailored to its demanding conditions. The competition's significance extends to its pivotal role in advancing the sport's evolution through record-breaking achievements. Over the years, Vertical Blue has hosted numerous world records across various disciplines, more than any other single venue, underscoring its status as the epicenter of depth innovation. In 2025 alone, athletes set three absolute world records, highlighting the event's ongoing impact on pushing physiological and technical boundaries. Culturally, Vertical Blue amplifies freediving's global visibility through extensive media engagement, including live streams of dives and full documentaries that capture the intensity of the competition. This coverage, often broadcast on platforms like Eurosport, draws international attention and inspires a broader audience to engage with the sport, while the event's YouTube channel provides archival footage that educates and motivates aspiring freedivers. By showcasing the mental and physical mastery required, it not only elevates the profile of freediving but also promotes safety protocols and community standards adopted worldwide.

Venue and Organization

Dean's Blue Hole

Dean's Blue Hole is situated in a sheltered bay west of Clarence Town on in , forming a striking geological feature within the region's carbonate platform. This oceanic measures approximately 25 to 35 meters in diameter at the surface and plunges to a depth of 202 meters (663 feet), making it one of the world's deepest known blue holes. After an initial descent of about 20 meters through a narrow shaft, the structure widens dramatically into a vast bell-shaped chamber exceeding 100 meters in diameter, creating a stable and enclosed underwater environment ideal for precision-based activities like deep . The site's environmental conditions are exceptionally favorable for year-round access, with warm tropical waters averaging 26–28°C (79–82°F) and no significant to disrupt dives. Minimal currents prevail due to its protected coastal position, while visibility often reaches up to 35 meters in the clear, saline waters, enhanced by the absence of disturbance from open ocean swells. Stable weather patterns in further support consistent operations, with low wind and wave activity in the bay allowing for reliable surface conditions throughout the seasons. Since 2008, dedicated infrastructure has been developed at the site to facilitate safe diving events, including a fixed entry platform extending over the water, support boats for surface operations, and on-site medical response capabilities equipped for decompression and emergency care. These facilities, maintained in collaboration with local authorities, underscore the site's transition from a natural curiosity to a managed venue. The falls under proposed protections within the Marine Management Area, administered to preserve its ecological integrity as part of broader Bahamian conservation efforts. Freediver selected in 2008 for hosting Vertical Blue due to its unparalleled depth and superior safety profile, which minimizes risks associated with variable open-ocean conditions like currents and swells. This choice has positioned the site as a premier venue for elite , enabling consistent high-performance dives in a controlled natural setting.

Event Logistics

Vertical Blue is organized by Vertical Blue Ltd., a company founded by freediving world record holder , who serves as the event director. The event operates as an annual invitation-only competition, with organizers selecting participants based on recent performances in international rankings and prior competition results across disciplines. The competition typically spans 10 days, held between and each year to align with optimal weather conditions in . The 2025 edition took place from July 1 to 11, incorporating initial warm-up and training days for , followed by structured competition sessions with integrated rest periods to manage recovery and . Operational support includes on-site judging provided by international bodies such as or , ensuring adherence to standardized protocols. A dedicated professional team, including up to multiple safety divers positioned at varying depths for each attempt, forms the core of risk mitigation efforts. Medical support is available through on-site personnel experienced in dive-related emergencies, with access to hyperbaric recompression facilities in the region for decompression illness treatment. Competitors and staff are accommodated in Clarence Town, the nearest settlement to the venue, often at local resorts or rentals to facilitate logistics. Participation is typically limited to around 40 invited athletes from around the world, though smaller fields occur, such as the 17 athletes in 2025, with the 2025 edition featuring a smaller field of 17 due to a significantly higher registration fee. Invitees cover entry fees, though select top performers may receive travel assistance or gear sponsorships from event partners. Media coordination has included live broadcasts via platforms like since the early , enabling global audiences to follow dives in real time.

Competition Format

Disciplines

Vertical Blue features three core depth freediving disciplines: Constant Weight with Fins (CWT), Constant Weight without Fins (CNF), and Free Immersion (FIM). These disciplines emphasize breath-hold diving to maximum depths along a vertical rope in Dean's Blue Hole, with athletes aiming to touch a tag at the announced depth before ascending without assistance. Athletes select up to six competition days out of the event's nine diving days (with two rest days) to attempt a dive, choosing the discipline for each attempt and typically progressing by 3-5 meters per successful dive to build toward personal bests or records. Variable Weight (VWT) is occasionally included as a non-competitive warmup, where athletes use a weighted sled for rapid descent before ascending via rope or fins, aiding acclimation without counting toward official rankings. In Constant Weight with Fins (CWT), the athlete descends and ascends using a or bifins for propulsion, while maintaining constant weight configuration throughout the dive. Arms may be used for streamlining but not for primary propulsion, and the objective is to reach the maximum depth possible without changing weights or using aids beyond the fins. This discipline tests overall efficiency, finning technique, and management, making it the most commonly practiced depth event in competitions like Vertical Blue. Constant Weight without Fins (CNF) follows a similar structure to CWT but prohibits the use of fins or any swimming aids, relying solely on arm and leg movements—often a —for during both descent and ascent. The constant weight rule remains, forbidding weight changes or propulsion devices, which heightens the demand on the athlete's body efficiency and strength. CNF is considered one of the most physically challenging disciplines due to the lack of mechanical assistance, focusing on pure physiological adaptation to depth. Free Immersion (FIM) requires the athlete to descend and ascend by pulling hand-over-hand along the dive rope, without fins or other propulsion tools, while keeping constant weight. This method relies on upper-body strength, relaxation, and precise technique to minimize energy expenditure, with the goal of tagging the depth plate and surfacing successfully. FIM highlights the importance of mental focus and rope-handling skills, often allowing for smoother equalization compared to fin-based disciplines.

Rules and Judging

Vertical Blue competitions are governed primarily by the rules of international freediving federations to ensure standardization and record validity. From its inception in 2008 through 2020, the event adhered to regulations, which emphasize athlete autonomy and minimal equipment use. In 2021, organizers switched to () rules to align with global standards and facilitate broader participation, particularly in and . Subsequent editions have employed hybrid approaches, such as protocols in 2022 and a return to in 2025, allowing flexibility while maintaining core safety and fairness principles. Key rules focus on procedural integrity and risk mitigation during dives. Athletes must their target depth in advance during a designated technical meeting or briefing period, enabling organizers to prepare safety teams and verify . Disqualifications occur for violations like failure to touch plate (DQTOUCH), loss of or blackout upon surfacing (DQBO), or incomplete surface protocols, ensuring only valid performances count toward rankings or . The judging process involves a panel of three to five certified judges per discipline, positioned at the surface to observe the dive in real-time via underwater cameras and direct oversight. Each judge independently assesses the athlete's performance against federation criteria, issuing a white card for a valid dive or a yellow/red card for infractions, with majority consensus determining the outcome. Video footage from multiple angles, including the bottom plate and ascent, is routinely recorded and available for post-dive review in case of disputes, promoting transparency and accuracy. The deepest valid dive in each discipline determines the ranking for that discipline. Overall performance is assessed based on achievements across disciplines. Safety protocols are integral to the ruleset, tailored to the challenges of deep-hole in . Athletes must complete a mandatory surface protocol upon resurfacing, including mask removal, a clear "I'm " signal, head shake, and a short breath-hold or recovery demonstration (varying by federation, 15-20 seconds) to demonstrate full recovery before assistance. A surface marshal, often the lead judge or designated official, monitors these signals and coordinates with safety divers positioned at intervals (e.g., 10m, 20m, and 30m) for rapid intervention. response includes pre-event drills for blackout retrieval and oxygen administration, with on-site medical teams trained in hyperbaric protocols unique to the venue's 202-meter depth, ensuring swift escalation to hyperbaric chambers if needed. These measures, developed through Vertical Blue's specialized programs, set benchmarks for the .

History

Inception and Early Years (2008–2012)

Vertical Blue was inaugurated in 2008 by world record holder as an invitational elite competition at in [Long Island, Bahamas](/page/Long Island,_Bahamas), aiming to push the boundaries of depth disciplines under rules. The first edition ran from April 1 to 11, drawing competitors from nine countries who collectively set 23 national records and three s over the course of the event. A highlight was Trubridge's achievement of a Constant Weight No Fins (CNF) at 86 meters, marking a significant milestone in the competition's nascent phase. The 2009 edition, held from April 1 to 9, saw expanded international participation with athletes from 13 countries, further solidifying Vertical Blue's reputation as a premier venue. Notable performances included Herbert Nitsch's CWT dive to 120 meters and Natalia Molchanova's women's CWT of 100 meters, alongside five world records overall in disciplines such as Free Immersion (FIM). These achievements underscored the event's role in fostering record-breaking dives in a controlled, natural environment. From 2010 to 2012, Vertical Blue evolved into an annual fixture with steadily increasing athlete numbers and competitive intensity, hosting editions that emphasized multiple disciplines including CWT, FIM, and Constant Weight No Fins (CNF). The 2010 event featured a dedicated "Suunto Dive-Off" finale, while 2011 saw strong showings from international competitors like those from and setting national records. By 2012, became the title sponsor, enhancing visibility and support; that year alone produced numerous national records, contributing to a cumulative total exceeding 50 records across the early editions. The remote setting of posed initial logistical hurdles, such as constructing stable dive platforms and implementing consistent AIDA judging protocols for safety and fairness in deep-water conditions.

Expansion and Key Milestones (2013–2019)

The 2013 edition of Vertical Blue, held in November at , , represented a pivotal moment in the competition's growth, attracting 36 athletes from 16 countries despite its invite-only status. The event, sponsored by , featured intense competition across Constant Weight (CWT), Constant Weight No Fins (CNF), and Free Immersion (FIM) disciplines, resulting in multiple national records, including Italian freediver Michele Tomasi's 71-meter CNF dive. However, the competition was overshadowed by the tragic death of American athlete on November 17 during a 72-meter FIM attempt; Mevoli surfaced conscious but suffered a blackout leading to , prompting immediate reviews of safety protocols by and broader discussions on risk mitigation in depth . From 2015 to 2017, Vertical Blue solidified its status as a premier event under continued sponsorship, with enhanced live streaming via platforms like and Diveye technology, drawing global audiences and boosting participation to around 20-30 elite athletes annually. These years saw remarkable performances, including William Trubridge's overall victory in 2015 after a series of deep dives exceeding 100 meters in CWT, and women's s in 2017 by athletes like Alenka Artnik in CNF. Russian freediver , a dominant figure, contributed multiple national and s during this period, such as his 124-meter FIM in 2015, underscoring the event's role in pushing physiological limits. The competitions averaged over 50 national records per edition, with live coverage emphasizing technical innovations in safety and broadcasting. In and 2019, sponsorship transitioned to Origin ECN, coinciding with peak participation of 26 athletes in from diverse nations, and a shift toward multimedia coverage including daily live streams on and dedicated channels. The event alone produced 10 and 42 national records across 252 dives, highlighted by Molchanov's groundbreaking 130-meter CWT on July 18, achieved in 3 minutes and 46 seconds with a . This edition exemplified Vertical Blue's integration into the calendar as a event, fostering international collaboration and setting the stage for cumulative achievements, with over 80 ratified at the venue by 2019. These milestones not only expanded the competition's scope but also influenced safety enhancements, such as refined blackout protocols, in response to earlier incidents.

Recent Developments (2020–2025)

The forced the cancellation of the 2020 Vertical Blue event, while the 2021 edition was significantly scaled back to just nine athletes amid ongoing travel restrictions and health protocols. This year marked the debut of judging standards, incorporating hybrid rules that blended elements of both and prior protocols to accommodate international participation. Four world records were set during the competition, highlighting resilience in the sport despite the challenges. Following the pandemic disruptions, Vertical Blue returned to full scale in 2022 under traditional rules, welcoming a larger field of elite competitors and reestablishing its status as the premier event. The 2023 edition featured 17 athletes representing 16 countries, yielding 21 national records, two continental records, and one absolute world record, underscoring the event's role in advancing performance benchmarks. Organizers emphasized during this period, forging partnerships with initiatives to promote environmental protection around . The 2024 edition continued this momentum with similar elite participation and record attempts under rules. The 17th edition, held from July 1 to 11, 2025, adopted CMAS rules and was reduced to 17 athletes due to persistent logistical issues, including limited flights and baggage handling to Long Island, compounded by weather variability. Despite the smaller scale, three absolute world records were achieved, including Slovenian freediver Alenka Artnik's 123-meter dive in constant weight (CWT), equaling the previous mark. French athlete Arnaud Jerald also set a new men's world record of 126 meters in constant weight bifins (CWT-BF). In total, the event produced 21 national records and six masters world records. From 2020 to , Vertical Blue demonstrated post-pandemic recovery through consistent annual hosting and growing female participation, with women like Artnik and American Beatrix Paris setting multiple records in alone. Technological integrations advanced, including Garmin's 2023 title sponsorship for enhanced dive tracking and analytics, alongside tools like Diveye for real-time performance monitoring in earlier editions—though absent in 2025 to prioritize intimacy. These developments reinforced the event's evolution toward safer, more data-informed competitions while maintaining its core focus on depth disciplines.

Notable Achievements

World Records

Vertical Blue has been a premier venue for establishing freediving world records since 2008, hosting depths that push the limits of human breath-hold diving in . The competition has seen over 100 world records set across its editions, including absolute, national, and masters categories, with a notable concentration in depth disciplines. In 2025, three absolute world records were achieved, including a Constant No Fins (CNF) dive of 85m, highlighting the event's continued role in advancing the sport. Records are ratified by organizations such as AIDA and CMAS, with contributions from athletes of diverse nationalities, including prominent representation from (e.g., , , ) and balanced achievements between male and female competitors. In Constant Weight (CWT), where divers descend and ascend using a monofin or bifins without changing weight, Vertical Blue has hosted several landmark depths. William Trubridge set a national record of 121m during the 2012 edition, demonstrating early prowess in the discipline at the site. Alexey Molchanov elevated the men's absolute to 130m in 2018, a record ratified by AIDA during the competition. More recently, Alenka Artnik equaled the women's world record with a 123m dive on day 7 of Vertical Blue 2025, also under CMAS rules. The Constant No Fins (CNF) discipline, relying solely on arm and body undulations for propulsion, has seen progressive at Vertical Blue, emphasizing efficiency and strength. established early benchmarks in CNF during the competition's formative years, including national that contributed to France's dominance in the discipline around 2010. In the 2020s, athletes have continued to iterate, with ongoing advancements including a women's absolute CNF record of 85m in 2025. Although specific 2025 CNF absolutes were not set beyond this, the discipline's reflect ongoing advancements, with men's global marks approaching 103m elsewhere but built on Vertical Blue foundations. Free Immersion (FIM), involving vertical pulls on a rope without fins, has produced some of the deepest dives at Vertical Blue, often exceeding 100m in the . set influential early women's records in FIM around 2009, laying groundwork for depths over 70m that influenced subsequent generations. Multiple iterations have followed, with men's absolutes surpassing 130m; for instance, reached 133m in 2023, and women's marks hitting 101m by in 2021, both ratified during Vertical Blue competitions. These achievements underscore the site's role in scaling FIM beyond 100m for both genders.
DisciplineKey Record ExamplesDepthYearAthleteCitation
CWTMen's absolute130m2018
CWTWomen's absolute (equaled)123m2025Alenka Artnik (SVN)
FIMMen's absolute133m2023
FIMWomen's absolute101m2021

Prominent Competitors

William Trubridge, a pioneer and the founder of Vertical Blue in 2008, has shaped the event through his role as organizer and repeated participation, securing multiple overall men's victories including in 2015 and 2016. As an 18-time holder, Trubridge has dominated disciplines like (CWT) and Free Immersion (FIM) at the competition, with standout performances such as a 120m CWT dive in 2015 that contributed to his top ranking across categories. Alexey Molchanov, the Russian star and son of legendary athlete , emerged as a consistent top performer in Vertical Blue throughout the , amassing over 30 s including several set at the event. Molchanov claimed the overall men's gold in 2018 and has pushed boundaries with feats like his 133m FIM in 2023 and 131m CWT in 2021, both achieved during Vertical Blue competitions, solidifying his status as one of the deepest divers in history. Alenka Artnik of has established herself as a leading figure in women's at Vertical Blue, particularly highlighted by her performance in 2025 in CWT at 123m during the event at . Artnik's consistent excellence includes prior national records and deep dives that have advanced women's benchmarks, such as her 76m achievement in 2023. Natalia Molchanova, the Russian icon and multiple holder, dominated early editions of Vertical Blue, notably setting a women's CWT at 100m in 2011 after persistent attempts to reach the 100m milestone. Her participation in the helped elevate the event's prestige through her unparalleled depth achievements and coaching influence on subsequent generations. Arnaud Jerald, the French freediver known for his rapid ascent in the sport, stood out at Vertical Blue 2025 by setting a men's CWTB world record at 125m on the opening day, later improving it to 126m on day 5. Jerald's prior records at the event, including multiple updates in CWTB during 2021 and 2022, underscore his role in advancing competitive standards. Herbert Nitsch, the Austrian no-limits legend, made notable guest appearances at Vertical Blue in the late 2000s, setting world records such as 120m CWT in 2009 and 124m CWT in 2010 that expanded the event's record tally. His dives highlighted the competition's appeal to elite athletes pushing human limits in self-propelled disciplines. Vertical Blue has seen increasing international diversity and balance over the years, with prominent female athletes like Artnik and historical figures like Molchanova contributing to a more equitable field; by 2025, women comprised a significant portion of top performers, reflecting broader trends in where female records approach 70-80% of male equivalents in key disciplines.

Impact and Legacy

Influence on Freediving

Vertical Blue has profoundly shaped the technical evolution of , particularly in depth disciplines, by serving as a platform for breaking performance barriers. Since its founding in , the competition has driven a steady increase in achievable depths, with early events featuring constant weight dives around 100 meters evolving to exceed 130 meters by the 2020s, exemplified by Alexey Molchanov's 133-meter constant weight in 2023. This progression has popularized advanced designs optimized for efficiency and propulsion, allowing athletes to maintain streamlined form under extreme pressure, while breath-hold training methodologies—drawn from structured programs like those at the Vertical Blue School—have emphasized diaphragmatic relaxation and CO2 tolerance to extend safe dive times. These innovations, honed through the event's rigorous format of multiple dives over 10 days, have become foundational techniques adopted worldwide, elevating the sport's physiological limits without reliance on scuba support. The competition has also catalyzed community building within , inspiring a network of training initiatives and formal integrations with governing bodies. Vertical Blue's annual courses and camps at have drawn aspiring divers for immersive sessions blending mental preparation, equalization drills, and peer support, fostering a collaborative environment that extends to online discussions and global meetups. By partnering with AIDA to develop the Professional Safety Freediver program in 2023, the event standardized competition protocols and introduced youth-oriented modules focused on basic breath-hold skills and water confidence, while its recognition as a CMAS-sanctioned event since 2021 has aligned it with international standards, encouraging cross-organizational participation and youth programs that introduce the sport to younger demographics. Through strategic media outreach and industry collaborations, Vertical Blue has enhanced the sport's accessibility and innovation. Live broadcasts, initiated around 2010 via the VB Freediving channel, have reached millions by showcasing real-time dives and athlete insights, demystifying techniques like the "duck dive" entry and inspiring a new generation of practitioners. Long-standing partnerships with , dating back to at least 2013, have spurred advancements in freediving-specific gear, including dive computers with customizable alarms for depth and no-decompression limits, directly tested and refined during competition. On a global scale, Vertical Blue has expanded 's footprint by attracting elite athletes from more than 20 countries across editions, such as the 35 competitors from 19 nations in 2014, promoting cultural exchange and competitive diversity. This international draw has solidified as a central hub for the sport, with emerging as an iconic training and competition venue due to its 202-meter depth and calm conditions, spurring local investments in facilities and elevating the region's profile in the freediving calendar.

Safety Considerations

Vertical Blue, as an elite freediving competition, involves significant physiological risks due to the extreme depths and breath-holding demands of disciplines like Free Immersion (FIM). Primary hazards include blackouts from hypoxia, shallow water blackout during ascent, and decompression-related issues such as lung squeeze or in deep dives, all of which can be intensified by the competitive pressure to push personal limits. A pivotal incident occurred during the Vertical Blue event when American freediver died following a 72-meter CNF attempt, succumbing to caused by , often referred to as lung squeeze. surfaced conscious, signaled success, but rapidly lost due to accumulation in his lungs, leading to unsuccessful efforts. This tragedy, the first fatality in AIDA International's history, prompted immediate rule revisions, including stricter pre-dive medical evaluations, enhanced authority for on-site physicians to disqualify athletes, and standardized requirements for medical equipment and personnel. In response to the 2013 event, Vertical Blue and governing bodies implemented key safety enhancements, such as the introduction of real-time oxygen saturation monitoring using pulse oximeters during competitions starting in 2015 to detect hypoxia early. Mandatory rest days were incorporated into event schedules to allow athlete recovery and reduce cumulative fatigue, as seen in protocols following incidents in subsequent years. Additionally, mental health support through collaboration with psychologists has been integrated to address competitive stress. By 2025, CMAS protocols for events like Vertical Blue emphasized regular emergency drills to improve response times for blackouts and barotrauma. Current safety protocols at Vertical Blue feature a robust team of over 10 divers per competition day, with at least four assigned per dive attempt to cover staged recoveries from depth to surface. Access to hyperbaric treatment has been prioritized since 2015, with on-site or nearby chambers available for potential decompression incidents. These measures have contributed to zero athlete fatalities at Vertical Blue since 2013, a record maintained through the 2025 event where three new world records were set without incident.

References

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  50. https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/new-york-man-dies-during-freedive-competition-in-bahamas-idUSBRE9AH10W/
  51. https://www.suunto.com/en-id/sports/News-Articles-container-page/20150508_VerticalBlue_Wrapup/
  52. https://www.deeperblue.com/vb2017-vertical-blue-2017-day-nine-results/
  53. https://www.aidainternational.org/WorldRecords/History/FreeImmersion
  54. https://www.deeperblue.com/originecn-vertical-blue-2018-day-1-results-photos/
  55. https://www.deeperblue.com/video-watch-alexey-molchanovs-130m-world-record-dive-at-vb2018/
  56. https://www.sportalsub.net/en/vertical-blue-2021/
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  58. https://www.garmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/outdoor/garmin-announces-its-title-sponsorship-of-the-world-renowned-freediving-event-vertical-blue-2023-by-garmin/
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  70. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B2H9Fz5xyY
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  78. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C10_P0b5dE
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  84. https://blog.padi.com/is-freediving-dangerous/
  85. https://aidafrance.fr/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Conclusions-of-Death-of-Nicholas-Mevoli.pdf
  86. https://www.deeperblue.com/new-freediving-rules-coming-january-2015/
  87. https://www.aidainternational.org/PostDetails/78
  88. https://www.si.com/edge/2015/05/26/masimo-stig-severinsen-vertical-blue-free-diving-technology
  89. https://apneaboom.com/how-to-prevent-decompression-related-injury.html
  90. https://www.aidainternational.org/PostDetails/470
  91. https://www.dansa.org/blog/2022/07/06/ensuring-safety-in-freediving-competitions
  92. https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/new-york-man-dies-during-freedive-competition-in-bahamas-idUSBRE9AH0P7/
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