What is a decompression stop?

A decompression stop is a necessary pause made during ascent after a scuba dive, primarily to allow nitrogen, absorbed by the body while at depth, to safely off-gas or be eliminated from the body. As divers descend, they breathe compressed air, which increases the nitrogen levels in their tissues due to higher pressures. When ascending, if a diver rises too quickly, the nitrogen can form bubbles in the body, potentially leading to decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends."

By implementing a decompression stop, divers can manage their ascent rate and give their bodies sufficient time to release this nitrogen safely, minimizing the risk of injury. The specific depths and durations of these stops depend on the dive profile and the extent of nitrogen saturation. Overall, this practice is an integral part of safe diving procedures to maintain divers' health and safety after underwater excursions.