How can you safely ascend from a dive after you’re finished?

Ascending safely from a dive is crucial to avoid decompression sickness and other related injuries. The correct method involves following a predetermined ascent rate and performing a safety stop during your ascent.

Monitoring your ascent rate is important because ascending too quickly can lead to the formation of nitrogen bubbles in your body, which can cause serious health issues. A commonly recommended ascent rate is no more than 30 feet per minute, but many divers aim for an ascent rate of 18 feet per minute to ensure safety and to allow your body to off-gas the nitrogen absorbed during the dive gradually.

Incorporating a safety stop—typically around 15 to 20 feet for 3 minutes—provides an additional layer of safety. This pause allows for further off-gassing, reducing the risk of decompression sickness as it gives the body time to release nitrogen that has been accumulated during the dive.

While using a buoyancy control device is important for managing buoyancy throughout the dive, relying solely on it without following a controlled ascent can still pose risks. Ascending quickly or in a straight line without proper technique overlooks these critical safety practices, increasing the likelihood of experiencing complications.