After surfacing, when do signs and symptoms of DCS usually appear?

The signs and symptoms of Decompression Sickness (DCS) typically appear within a range of time after surfacing, usually between 15 minutes to 12 hours. This timeframe reflects the physiological processes occurring within the body as dissolved inert gases, primarily nitrogen, come out of solution as a diver ascends.

Factors such as the depth and duration of the dive, as well as individual susceptibility, can influence the onset of symptoms. Some divers may exhibit symptoms shortly after surfacing, while for others, it may take several hours. Therefore, the broad time window of 15 minutes to 12 hours is consistent with the understanding that DCS can manifest at various times post-dive, making it a critical consideration for divers in understanding the need for monitoring and seeking treatment should symptoms arise.

Other timeframes provided in the options do not account for the variability in individual reactions and the specifics of diving profiles, which is why they would not be considered accurate in this context.