Decompression Stop — What It Is and Why It Matters
A decompression stop is a mandatory pause at a specific depth during ascent where a diver must remain for a calculated period to allow dissolved nitrogen (or other inert gases) to safely exit the body's tissues. Unlike a safety stop, a decompression stop is not optional — skipping it dramatically increases the risk of decompression sickness.
Decompression stops are required when a diver has exceeded the no-decompression limit for their depth and time. They typically begin at deeper depths (6 to 9 meters) and include a final stop at 3 to 6 meters. Technical divers routinely plan dives that require multiple stops at progressively shallower depths, sometimes spending more time decompressing than they spent at maximum depth.
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep are decompression stops?
Decompression stops are typically performed at 3-meter (10-foot) intervals, with the deepest stop determined by the algorithm and the shallowest usually at 3 meters (10 feet) or 6 meters (20 feet). The exact depths depend on the dive profile and the computer's algorithm.
What is the difference between a deco stop and a safety stop?
A safety stop is a voluntary 3-minute pause at 5 meters as a precaution on no-deco dives. A decompression stop is a mandatory pause calculated by your dive computer when you have exceeded your no-decompression limit. Skipping a safety stop adds minimal risk; skipping a deco stop is dangerous.
Affiliate Disclosure: DiveComputers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and eBay Partner Network. Links on this page may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.