What should a diver do to effectively manage the risk of decompression sickness?

To effectively manage the risk of decompression sickness, planning for adequate ascent times is crucial. During a dive, as a diver descends and then ascends, the body must adjust to changes in pressure and the dissolved gases in the blood and tissues must equilibrate properly.

By allowing for a gradual ascent, typically incorporating safety stops, divers give their bodies time to safely eliminate absorbed nitrogen and other inert gases. This reduces the likelihood that these gases will form bubbles in the tissues and bloodstream, which can lead to decompression sickness.

Adequate ascent times are part of a comprehensive dive plan that includes considering depth, dive duration, and the specific profile of the dive. This careful planning is essential for enhancing safety during diving activities.