How can divers reduce the risk of decompression sickness?

Adhering to dive tables or using dive computer algorithms, along with performing safety stops, significantly reduces the risk of decompression sickness by allowing the body to off-gas nitrogen absorbed during the dive in a controlled manner. As divers descend deeper and stay underwater for longer periods, nitrogen is absorbed more in the body’s tissues.

Using dive tables or computers provides guidelines for how long a diver can spend at a given depth before they need to ascend, as well as how to ascend safely. Performing safety stops—typically around 3 to 5 meters during ascent—gives the body extra time to eliminate excess nitrogen from the tissues, which reduces the likelihood of bubble formation that can lead to decompression sickness.

In contrast, maximizing dive depth, increasing dive time, or breathing faster during ascents all increase the risks associated with nitrogen absorption and do not assist with safe ascent strategies. These actions can lead to a higher likelihood of developing decompression illness due to inadequate off-gassing time. Thus, following established safety protocols is essential for safe diving practices.