What action is recommended during ascent after diving to 40 feet?

Performing a safety decompression stop at 15 feet for 3-5 minutes is highly recommended as part of a safe ascent procedure after a dive, particularly at depths like 40 feet. This practice allows nitrogen, which the body absorbs during the dive, to safely off-gas, thereby reducing the risk of decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends."

During a dive, the body absorbs nitrogen due to the increased pressure from the surrounding water. As the diver ascends, pressure decreases and nitrogen needs to be released back into the atmosphere so it does not form bubbles in the tissue, which can lead to serious injuries. The safety stop, typically made at about 15 feet, acts as a precautionary measure to help ensure that any remaining nitrogen is safely released from the bloodstream.

This stop is important even for dives that may not require mandatory decompression stops according to dive tables or computers. It serves as an added safety measure, particularly for divers who may have residual nitrogen from previous dives.

In contrast, ascending directly without stops or continuing straight to the surface can increase the risk of decompression sickness. Taking a rest at the surface is not a substitute for proper ascent procedures and does not address the necessary decompression management that should take