Diving deeper than approximately 6 meters (20 feet) and then ascending can lead to nitrogen bubble formation.

Diving deeper than approximately 6 meters (20 feet) and then ascending can lead to nitrogen bubble formation.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not necessarily
• D. Only if deeper than 30 meters

Answer: (B)

Dissolved nitrogen in your tissues and blood comes out of solution as you ascend because the surrounding pressure is falling. The deeper you go, the more nitrogen dissolves under pressure. When you start to rise, the pressure drop causes that dissolved nitrogen to come out of solution, and if ascent is too fast or the dive was long or deep enough, bubbles can form. This is the mechanism behind decompression sickness. So, diving deeper than about 6 meters and then ascending can indeed lead to nitrogen bubble formation. The risk increases with depth, bottom time, how quickly you ascend, and how your dive profile is managed. That’s why slow ascents, safety stops, and proper dive planning with a computer or tables are essential.

Dissolved nitrogen in your tissues and blood comes out of solution as you ascend because the surrounding pressure is falling. The deeper you go, the more nitrogen dissolves under pressure. When you start to rise, the pressure drop causes that dissolved nitrogen to come out of solution, and if ascent is too fast or the dive was long or deep enough, bubbles can form. This is the mechanism behind decompression sickness.

So, diving deeper than about 6 meters and then ascending can indeed lead to nitrogen bubble formation. The risk increases with depth, bottom time, how quickly you ascend, and how your dive profile is managed. That’s why slow ascents, safety stops, and proper dive planning with a computer or tables are essential.