What is the minimum surface interval required to avoid decompression after specific dives to 88 feet and 78 feet?

The minimum surface interval required to avoid decompression after specific dives is determined by the depth and duration of the dives, as well as the guidelines provided by dive tables or dive computers. After diving to a depth of 88 feet and 78 feet, it is essential to allow a sufficient surface interval for your body to off-gas the nitrogen absorbed during the dives.

For the dives mentioned, the calculated surface interval typically reflects the need for the body to eliminate excess nitrogen that could cause decompression sickness if you were to engage in subsequent dives without allowing enough time for this off-gassing.

The correct answer indicates a surface interval of 4 hours, 49 minutes, which provides a safe timeframe based on the depths explored. This interval aligns with standard procedures for multiple dives to depths that approach or exceed recreational limits. By adhering to this recommended time, divers effectively reduce their risk of developing complications or requiring decompression stops on subsequent dives.

In practice, divers always refer to approved diving tables or dive computers to determine accurate surface intervals based on their specific dive profiles, ensuring they stay within safe limits. The correct answer here reflects this essential practice in maintaining diver safety.