Which combination of actions is recommended to mitigate bends risk in deep dives?

• A. Rely only on depth limits.
• B. Plan decompression stops; use appropriate breathing gas; maintain controlled ascents.
• C. Ignore gas planning; ascend rapidly.
• D. Increase ascent speed; skip decompression stops.

Answer: (B)

Managing decompression risk comes from planning how you offgas, choosing the right gas mix, and controlling your ascent. Planning decompression stops puts your ascent on a schedule that allows inert gas to safely leave your tissues. Using appropriate breathing gas ensures you have the necessary gas supplies for offgassing and keeps you within safe partial pressures during the ascent. Maintaining a controlled ascent minimizes rapid pressure changes that create or enlarge bubbles. Together, these steps reduce the likelihood of decompression sickness on deep dives. Relying only on depth limits, or skipping decompression stops and gas planning, leads to insufficient offgassing and a higher risk of bends.