How to Avoid Decompression Sickness

Decompression sickness, also known as the bends, is a very serious and very real risk to consider when scuba diving. Caused by nitrogen build-up in the body, decompression sickness can cause intense pain and end in death. Here are some steps that will reduce your risk of decompression sickness when diving.

Things You'll Need

  • Dive tables or dive computer
  • Depth gauge
  • Dive plan
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plan your dive. Planning your dive is the most important part of the day. Use your dive tables to plan your depth and time underwater. Staying within the recreational limits will significantly reduce your risk of decompression sickness.

    • 2

      Use the proper equipment. Using a dive computer is the simplest way to calculate your time and nitrogen exposure. Using your dive tables on the boat and then a good timer will also let you know how much time you've spent down below. A depth gauge is crucial.

    • 3

      Check your gauges frequently. It's important to constantly keep an eye on your depth, air supply and time. The number one cause of accidents while diving is people not checking their gauges.

    • 4

      Stay within the limits. The recreational diving limits are there for a reason. Be sure not to exceed the maximum depth of 135 feet.

    • 5

      Ascend slowly. When ascending, do so slowly. Keep an eye on your computer for your rate, or if you do not have a computer, ascend no faster than 10 feet per 10 seconds.

    • 6

      Always perform a safety stop. Your three-minute safety stop is crucial to allowing nitrogen to leave your body safely. Always perform your safety stop at 15 feet for three minutes. If you have been deep diving, be sure to follow the safety stops planned during your dive planning. You may need to do a multi-level stop for extra safety.