What is the maximum dive time for a dive to 60 ft?

To understand the maximum dive time for a dive to 60 feet, it's essential to consider the effects of depth on no-decompression limits, which are critical for preventing decompression sickness. The maximum time allowed at a specific depth is derived from tables or dive computers that account for factors such as nitrogen absorption and the corresponding need for safety stops.

For recreational scuba diving, the no-decompression limit for a dive at 60 feet (18 meters) is approximately 50 minutes. This duration ensures that divers can ascend directly to the surface without the need for staged decompression stops, reducing the risk of nitrogen bubbles forming in the body during ascent. Surpassing this limit can result in an increased risk of decompression illness, which is why adherence to established guidelines is paramount.

The specific context of 60 feet makes it important for divers to be familiar with the dive tables or dive computer readouts they are using, which are designed to provide accurate time limits based on depth to ensure safe diving practices. The maximum dive time of 50 minutes at this depth reflects established safety recommendations for recreational diving.