What must a diver fully understand when making a decompression dive?

A diver making a decompression dive must fully understand the consequences and increased risk associated with this type of diving. Decompression diving involves ascent rates, required stops during ascent, and the potential for decompression sickness (DCS) if these procedures are not followed correctly. This understanding is crucial because as dives become deeper or longer, the nitrogen absorbed by body tissues increases, raising the risk of bubbles forming if the diver ascends too quickly or does not stop appropriately to allow for nitrogen off-gassing.

In light of this, while knowledge of equipment, dive sites, and specific gas mixtures is essential for overall diving safety and effectiveness, they do not encompass the critical understanding of the risks specifically tied to decompression diving. Recognizing and mitigating these risks is fundamental to successful and safe decompression dives, making it the most pivotal aspect that divers must grasp.