"Dive conservatively" has become advice recreational divers commonly receive. It is frequently followed by generic instructions such as don't push the no-decompression limits, use nitrox, limit your depth, do not exert yourself underwater, be hydrated or stay warm. The apparent intent of this advice is to reduce the risk of decompression sickness (DCS). To dive conservatively seems like common-sense advice with regard to decompression safety, but the efficacies of the suggested strategies are generally not known, and methods for their evaluation are not available. To better understand how divers can be more conservative in their choices, let's consider how the current decompression rules were constructed and how effective they are.
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