What helps divers manage decompression during their dives?

Following the dive tables is crucial for managing decompression because it provides divers with predetermined guidelines on how long they can stay at various depths and how quickly they should ascend to the surface. These tables are based on research and calculations that account for nitrogen absorption in the body. During a dive, as divers descend, their bodies absorb nitrogen due to increased pressure, and if they ascend too quickly without allowing for adequate decompression, nitrogen can form bubbles in the bloodstream, leading to decompression sickness, also known as "the bends."

By adhering to the dive tables, divers are able to plan their ascent in a manner that allows excess nitrogen to be safely expelled from their bodies, reducing the risk of injury. This structured approach is essential for ensuring the health and safety of divers during and after their dives.