What is a “decompression stop” in Nitrox diving?

A decompression stop in Nitrox diving refers to a planned pause during ascent that allows nitrogen to leave the body gradually. When divers breathe Nitrox or any gas mixture while underwater, nitrogen absorbed by the body tissues during the dive needs to be released safely to avoid decompression sickness, also known as "the bends."

As a diver ascends, the pressure surrounding them decreases, which can cause nitrogen to come out of solution and form bubbles in the body if the ascent is too rapid. By including decompression stops at specified depths for a predetermined duration, divers facilitate the safe release of nitrogen, thus minimizing the risk of developing decompression sickness.

This practice is essential for managing nitrogen levels and is a fundamental part of dive planning, especially for extended bottom times or deeper dives. It ensures that the safe ascent protocols are followed, prioritizing the diver's health and safety.

Other options, while related to diving activities, do not accurately describe what a decompression stop entails. Adjusting buoyancy or checking oxygen levels are important aspects of diving but do not constitute the specific purpose of a decompression stop. Similarly, a pause before initiating a deep dive is not a recognized safety or procedural practice in the context of decompression stops.