What action should divers take after surfacing from a dive?

After surfacing from a dive, performing a safety stop if required and monitoring for any symptoms of Decompression Sickness (DCS) is essential for diver safety. A safety stop, typically done at a shallow depth for a few minutes, helps allow nitrogen absorbed by the body to safely off-gas, thereby reducing the risk of DCS. This precaution is particularly important after deeper or longer dives, where nitrogen loading is greater.

Monitoring for symptoms of DCS, such as pain in the joints, fatigue, or difficulty breathing, is crucial. Early recognition of symptoms can lead to timely treatment, which can be critical for diver health.

While it may be tempting to remove gear immediately, signal for help, or start planning the next dive, these actions do not prioritize monitoring diver safety following a dive. Ensuring the diver is stable and healthy before proceeding with any additional plans is the most responsible and safe approach.