Should you accidentally exceed your dive computer's no-decompression limit?

Should you accidentally exceed your dive computer's no-decompression limit?

• A. Stop for two minutes at 6 m/20 ft and five minutes at 3 m/10 ft.
• B. Ascend immediately, begin breathing pure oxygen and contact the Divers Alert Network (DAN).
• C. Air permitting, make the decompression stop indicated by your dive computer. Afterward, monitor for signs and symptoms of decompression sickness.
• D. None of the above.

Answer: (C)

Exceeding the no-decompression limit means inert gas has to be released from your tissues under controlled conditions. The safest course is to follow precisely the decompression stops indicated by your dive computer, then monitor for signs and symptoms of decompression sickness after you finish the stops. This staged ascent limits bubble formation and off-gassing stress on your body. Ascending immediately or improvising shallow stops isn’t a reliable way to manage nitrogen loading, and breathing pure oxygen is only appropriate as a treatment for suspected DCS or when your computer’s plan specifically calls for it and you’re trained to use it. If symptoms develop, seek medical evaluation promptly (DAN can be contacted for guidance).

Exceeding the no-decompression limit means inert gas has to be released from your tissues under controlled conditions. The safest course is to follow precisely the decompression stops indicated by your dive computer, then monitor for signs and symptoms of decompression sickness after you finish the stops. This staged ascent limits bubble formation and off-gassing stress on your body.

Ascending immediately or improvising shallow stops isn’t a reliable way to manage nitrogen loading, and breathing pure oxygen is only appropriate as a treatment for suspected DCS or when your computer’s plan specifically calls for it and you’re trained to use it. If symptoms develop, seek medical evaluation promptly (DAN can be contacted for guidance).