SAFETY continued
compression limit as indicated on their dive computer, indi- cating a significant accumulation of nitrogen absorption in the tissues requiring staged decompression stops to allow time for sufficient offgassing of nitrogen to reduce the like- lihood of DCS. Skipping mandatory decompression stops can significantly increase the likelihood of the potentially devastating effects of DCS. In summary, safety stops are a simple yet important com- ponent of safe, responsible scuba diving. By consistently in- corporating them into your dives, you significantly reduce the risk of decompression sickness and contribute to a safer and more enjoyable underwater experience. We must also keep in mind that there are situations where it is prudent to skip the safety stop. There have been anec- dotal reports of situations where the concept of a safety stop is so ingrained in the diver’s practices that they have actually delayed an emergency ascent to the surface to make a safety stop. This would put the diver and possibly someone else at serious risk if surface assistance was critical and potentially lifesaving. Situations where it would be prudent and possibly neces- sary to skip a safety stop would include conditions that may put you or your diving companion’s safety at risk. An exam- ple would be in a potentially life-threatening, emergency sit-
uation, such as a diver running low on breathing gas or ex- periencing a medical emergency where it is critical to skip the safety stop in order to reach the surface for immediate assistance. However, while a safety stop can be modified or skipped in some critical situations, it's essential to emphasize that these are exceptions and not a justification for routinely ig- noring or skipping safety stops. Safety stops are a fundamen- tal part of safe diving practices and contribute significantly to overall diver safety. As it is considered standard post-dive practice, divers, whether they made or skipped a safety stop in a real or perceived emergency, should continue to monitor their physical condition for any signs or symptoms of DCS. As I have stated, safety stops can be a valuable tool in min- imizing the risk of DCS and should be a part of every dive plan. Understanding when and why they might be modified or omitted allows divers to make informed decisions in chal- lenging situations, prioritizing the safest course of action. Now, let’s take this discussion one step further. So, what else can we do to increase/improve safety on a dive? How about a “Safety Stop” on the DESCENT? Making a short stop during the descent at a depth of 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6.1 meters) may be worth considering. The purpose of this stop is to be sure all your diving companions are comfortable and having no difficulty with issues such as ear clearing, buoyancy, equipment, or physical or emotional comfort. This type of stop during a descent does not need to be timed. After everyone gives and receives the appropriate “OK” sign, the descent can continue. If someone is not “OK,” a prob- lem can be addressed, or the dive can quickly be ended with an easy return to the surface, if that is necessary. From the beginning to the end of a diving experience, sit- uational awareness is critical in managing all the dynamic things that are occurring during any scuba dive. A planned brief stop during your descent of a dive can increase the pos- sibility that you and your diving companion(s) are fully pre- pared for the dive to proceed, and the safety stop at the end of the dive will help mitigate the risk of DCS. The result is what we all want from our diving experiences, a dive with in- creased safety and enjoyment. References: Orr. D., Orr, B. 101 Tips for Recreational Scuba Divers. Tips #35 & 36. Best Publishing
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