As a diving expert with extensive knowledge in underwater exploration, I can tell you that the depth you can dive without needing decompression stops is determined by various factors, including the type of gas mixture you're breathing, your physical condition, and the duration of your dive.
For
recreational divers using
air as a breathing gas, the general rule of thumb is the
"10/3/3 rule", which suggests that for every 10 meters (33 feet) of depth, you should allow 3 minutes of decompression at 3 meters (10 feet) before ascending to the surface. This rule is a simplified approach to managing decompression obligations and is not a substitute for proper training and dive planning.
However, when we talk about
technical diving, divers often use
nitrox (a mix of nitrogen and oxygen) or
trimix (a mix of helium, nitrogen, and oxygen) to extend their bottom time at greater depths. With these gas mixtures, divers can often stay down longer before needing to perform decompression stops.
The reference to a diver being able to dive for many hours at 6 meters (20 feet) without needing decompression stops is accurate for
recreational diving. At depths
greater than 40 meters (130 feet), the time before decompression stops are required is significantly reduced, often to just a few minutes.
It's important to note that these are general guidelines and actual safe diving practices require adherence to specific dive tables, dive computer algorithms, or proper dive planning techniques based on the type of diving being conducted.
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