What is the minimum surface interval time (SIT) recommended between two dives?

The minimum surface interval time (SIT) recommended between two dives is crucial for ensuring the diver's safety and health. A 60-minute surface interval allows sufficient time for the body to off-gas nitrogen that has accumulated in the tissues during the first dive. The deeper and longer the dive, the more nitrogen is absorbed, making this interval important in reducing the risk of decompression sickness, or "the bends."

During this time, the diver can rest, hydrate, and prepare for the next dive without significantly increasing the likelihood of nitrogen buildup. Although longer surface intervals are often advocated for deeper dives or multiple dives over a day, a general recommendation of 60 minutes strikes a balance between safety and practicality for typical recreational dive profiles.

Shorter intervals could lead to increased risks, while longer intervals provide margin for safety but can limit the number of dives in a day. Understanding these dynamics reinforces why a 60-minute surface interval is commonly recommended within scuba diving practices.