Should you perform a safety stop at 15 feet for 3 to 5 minutes on every dive?

Performing a safety stop at 15 feet for 3 to 5 minutes on every dive is considered a best practice in recreational diving. This procedure helps to significantly reduce the risk of decompression sickness, as it allows nitrogen absorbed in the tissues during the dive to be released gradually.

During ascent, divers experience a decrease in pressure, which can cause nitrogen bubbles to form if they ascend too quickly. A safety stop provides an opportunity for excess nitrogen to safely come out of solution in a controlled manner.

While it may be more emphasized on deeper dives due to the increased risk associated with greater depths and longer bottom times, making it a routine part of all dives is a proactive measure in maintaining diver safety and enhancing overall dive experience.