PADI Open Water Diver Practice Exam

Descending too quickly during a dive can lead to decompression sickness, which is a serious condition that occurs when a diver ascends too rapidly after spending time at depth. As a diver goes deeper, the body absorbs more nitrogen from the breathing gas due to the higher pressure. If a diver ascends too quickly, the nitrogen does not have enough time to safely leave the body, and it can form bubbles in the tissues and bloodstream. These bubbles can cause a range of symptoms, from joint pain to more severe neurological issues, and in extreme cases, it can be life-threatening. Proper ascent rates, combined with safety stops, help allow gases to be released from the body in a controlled manner, minimizing the risk of decompression sickness.