How long is a typical safety stop during ascension from depth?

A typical safety stop during ascent is usually around 3 to 5 minutes. This duration is crucial because it allows divers to off-gas excess nitrogen that has accumulated in their tissues during the dive, reducing the risk of decompression sickness. The practice generally involves pausing at a depth of 5 meters (15 feet) after completing the ascent from deeper depths.

This timeframe is widely accepted in the diving community because it strikes a balance between efficiency and safety, providing ample time for the body to adjust as nitrogen is released from the tissues into the bloodstream and eliminated through respiration. While shorter stops may not provide the same level of protection, longer stops, while potentially more conservative, may not yield significant additional safety benefits for most dives. Nonetheless, adhering to the recommended 3 to 5-minute range effectively facilitates safe ascension practices while minimizing risks.