What is crucial to maintain during a safety stop?

Maintaining buoyancy control during a safety stop is crucial for several reasons. A safety stop is typically performed at around 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters) for three to five minutes at the end of a dive to allow for the off-gassing of nitrogen absorbed during deeper portions of the dive. Good buoyancy control ensures that you remain at a consistent depth during this critical period.

If buoyancy is not well controlled, a diver may inadvertently ascend or descend, which can disrupt the off-gassing process and lead to potential complications such as decompression sickness. Moreover, maintaining the correct buoyancy keeps the diver stable and in control, which is vital for their safety and comfort during this pause.

While factors like maximum depth, dive time, and tank pressure are also important for overall safety and dive planning, the ability to maintain proper buoyancy control directly impacts your immediate safety at the safety stop and is essential for preventing unintentional changes in depth.