What is a "safety stop" during a dive ascent?

A safety stop is a crucial part of the ascent phase in diving, specifically designed to promote diver safety by reducing the risk of decompression sickness. During this stop, divers typically pause at a depth of about 5 meters (15 feet) for 3 to 5 minutes. This time allows nitrogen that has been absorbed into the body during the dive to be released safely into the environment as the diver ascends to the surface.

This practice is especially important after longer or deeper dives, where the accumulation of nitrogen in the bloodstream can be significant. By giving the body this extra time at a shallower depth, divers can help mitigate the chances of developing decompression illness caused by quick ascend rates that do not allow for safe off-gassing of nitrogen.

This distinct focus on safety by having a designated stop at a specified depth to allow for controlled decompression highlights the importance of systematic ascent procedures in dive training and practice.