Diving Safety Stop: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Do It Right
Why you should never skip a diving safety stop before surfacing?
Picture this: You’ve just finished an incredible dive, floating weightlessly alongside a school of fish that look like they have their lives perfectly together. Unlike us, they don’t have to worry about decompression sickness, safety stops, or checking their air supply because, well… they’re fish.
But you? You’re a diver, and that means you have to play by the rules—one of the most important being the safety stop. It’s just three minutes of your life, but skipping it could turn your post-dive relaxation into an unexpected medical drama.
So, let’s break it all down: what a diving safety stop is, why you should always do it, and how to make sure you don’t mess it up.
Types of Ascent Stops in Scuba Diving: Safety Stop, Deep Stop, or Decompression Stop?
Not all stops in diving serve the same purpose, and knowing when to do a safety stop, deep stop, or decompression stop is crucial for a safe ascent. Here’s how to identify which one applies to your dive:
🟢 Safety Stop (Precautionary Stop)
Always recommended for any dive below 10 meters (30 feet). This is a 3-minute stop at 5 meters (15 feet) to allow nitrogen to off-gas before surfacing.
It’s not mandatory, but if you like the idea of avoiding decompression sickness, it’s a solid life choice.
🟡 Deep Stop (For Deeper Dives)
f you’re diving deeper than 25–30 meters (80–100 feet), a deep stop is a good idea. This is a short pause (30–60 seconds) at half your maximum depth to slow down nitrogen release and minimize bubble formation.
Think of it as a “buffer zone” for your body. However, a deep stop is NOT a substitute for a safety stop—you should always do both if needed.
🔴 Decompression Stop (Mandatory for Exceeding No-Decompression Limits)
If you exceed recreational no-decompression limits, decompression stops are required. These are pre-planned stops at specific depths for longer durations, calculated using dive tables or a dive computer.
Skipping them is a terrible idea, unless you enjoy hospital visits and expensive medical bills.
How to Know Which Stop to Do?
- Recreational divers (within limits) → Always do a safety stop.
- Diving deeper than 25–30m? → Consider adding a deep stop for extra safety.
- Exceeded no-decompression limits? → Follow a strict decompression stop schedule based on your dive plan.
Moral of the story? When in doubt, stop. It’s three minutes of your life. You’ve spent longer waiting for your coffee to cool down.
What Is a Diving Safety Stop?
A diving safety stop is a brief pause at 5 meters (15 feet) for at least 3 minutes before surfacing. It allows your body to slowly release excess nitrogen that has built up during the dive.
Why 5 meters? Because at this depth, your body is still under enough pressure to help with the off-gassing process, reducing the risk of decompression sickness.
Why 3 minutes? Studies have shown that this duration significantly helps reduce nitrogen bubble formation in the bloodstream.
Think of it like opening a soda bottle:
- If you open it too fast, bubbles form quickly, and the soda explodes everywhere (not great).
- If you open it slowly, the gas escapes in a controlled way, and everything stays under control.
The safety stop is your chance to “open the bottle slowly” and ensure a smooth, safe ascent.
Why Is a Safety Stop So Important?
Skipping a safety stop might not always result in an emergency, but it does increase your risk of decompression sickness (DCS)—also known as “the bends”.
🛑 What Happens If You Skip Your Safety Stop?
When you ascend too quickly, nitrogen in your body can create bubbles in your tissues and bloodstream. These bubbles can cause:
❌ Joint pain (like tiny air bubbles stuck in your bones—lovely, right?).
❌ Skin rashes and itching.
❌ Headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
❌ Severe cases: paralysis, loss of consciousness, or a fun ambulance ride.
While DCS is rare in recreational diving, why take the risk? A safety stop is an easy, preventive measure to keep your dive experience safe and enjoyable.
How to Do a Perfect Safety Stop
1️⃣ Control Your Buoyancy
- Start venting air from your BCD as you ascend.
- Keep your breathing slow and steady.
2️⃣ Stay at 5 Meters (15 Feet)
- Use your dive computer or depth gauge to monitor your depth.
- Use a mooring line or DSMB for stability if needed.
3️⃣ Time It Right
⌚ Three minutes can feel longer than you think! Keep an eye on your dive computer.
4️⃣ Avoid Moving Too Much
- Observe marine life.
- Check your buddy’s gear.
- Contemplate your life choices.
5️⃣ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
❌ Shooting to the Surface Too Fast: Keep your ascent speed under 9 meters (30 feet) per minute.
❌ Drifting Up or Down Unintentionally: Use a mooring line or DSMB for stability.
❌ Running Low on Air Before the Safety Stop: Monitor your air at 70 bar (1000 psi) and plan ahead.
What If You Miss a Safety Stop?
Forgot your safety stop? Don’t panic! Here’s what to do:
1- Stay out of the water for at least 24 hours.
2- Monitor yourself for symptoms of decompression sickness.
3- Learn from the mistake. Manage your air better next time.
FAQs About Diving Safety Stops
Final Thoughts – Never Skip Your Safety Stop!
The safety stop is one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to protect yourself while diving. It takes three minutes, and you’ve spent more time deciding what to watch on Netflix.
Next time you’re underwater, treat your safety stop as a moment to relax, enjoy the ocean, and keep yourself safe. Happy diving! 🌊🐠
