What is the maximum allowable ascent rate recommended by PADI?

PADI recommends a maximum allowable ascent rate of 9 meters (30 feet) per minute for divers. This ascent rate is important for minimizing the risk of decompression sickness, which can occur if a diver ascends too quickly from depth. During ascent, the body needs time to adjust to changes in pressure, allowing dissolved gases, particularly nitrogen, to be safely eliminated from the body.

Maintaining the ascent rate at or below this limit helps to ensure that divers do not experience rapid pressure changes that could lead to bubbles forming in the bloodstream or tissues. It’s also important to note that even at the recommended rate, divers should always make safety stops, particularly on deeper dives, to further mitigate the risk of decompression illness.

Understanding and adhering to these guidelines is essential for safe diving practices and helps promote diver health and safety.