What is the form of decompression that is performed on every dive regardless of depth?

Controlled ascent is the form of decompression that is performed on every dive regardless of depth. This practice is essential for ensuring a diver's safety as it allows for a gradual reduction in pressure, which helps prevent decompression sickness, commonly referred to as "the bends."

During a controlled ascent, divers carefully manage their ascent rate, often recommended at no more than 18 meters (60 feet) per minute, and may include safety stops at particular depths. By ascending slowly, divers give their bodies time to safely eliminate nitrogen that has been absorbed under pressure. This process is particularly crucial because rapid ascents can lead to gas bubbles forming in the body, which can result in serious injury or even death.

While mandatory safety stops, surface intervals, and proper descent rates are all important practices in diving, they do not occur on every dive in the same essential way as controlled ascent. For instance, mandatory safety stops are typically prescribed only at certain depths, surface intervals are influenced by previous dives, and descent rates are a consideration during the initial phase of the dive rather than during ascent. Therefore, controlled ascent is the fundamental and universal decompression practice that all divers must adhere to on every dive.