Action of asymptomatic omitted decompression if the diver did NOT have a decompression stop and any surface interval?

• A. Observe on surface for 1 hour.
• B. Return to depth of stop.
• C. Proceed with original schedule.
• D. No action is required.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that skipping a required decompression stop can still leave a diver at risk for decompression illness, even if no symptoms are present right away. After surfacing, dissolved nitrogen can come out of solution later and cause symptoms, so the prudent move is to monitor on the surface for a period to catch any latent issues early. Observing for about an hour provides time to detect developing symptoms while you’re in a safe environment and able to seek help if needed. Returning to depth, proceeding with the original schedule, or taking no action would expose the diver to ongoing or delayed risk rather than giving a chance to catch and address symptoms early. If symptoms do appear during that surface observation, treat accordingly.