What is a safety stop and when should it be performed?

A safety stop is a critical practice in diving that involves pausing at a specific depth, commonly at 5 meters (15 feet), for three minutes after completing a dive. This stop is designed to allow for the gradual off-gassing of nitrogen from the body, which can accumulate due to the increased pressure during the dive. As a diver ascends, the pressure decrease causes nitrogen to come out of solution, and allowing the body to off-gas some of this nitrogen at a shallower depth helps reduce the risk of decompression sickness, often referred to as "the bends."

Performing a safety stop is particularly recommended after dives deeper than 10 meters (33 feet) or following long dives, as it can significantly enhance safety margins and help ensure a safer return to the surface. This practice adds an extra layer of safety to the dive, promoting a slow and controlled ascent.

The other options misrepresent the purpose or timing of the safety stop. Stopping at the surface after every dive may overlook the importance of off-gassing at shallower depths. Equipment checks are an important part of dive preparation and safety but are not related to the safety stop process itself. Additionally, pausing for recovery at depth during a dive does not align with the purpose