Which factor can significantly affect the likelihood of experiencing decompression sickness?

The rate of ascent is a crucial factor that can significantly affect the likelihood of experiencing decompression sickness (DCS). When a diver ascends too quickly, nitrogen that has been absorbed in the body during the dive does not have sufficient time to be safely released. Instead, it can form bubbles in the tissues and bloodstream. These bubbles can cause painful symptoms and potentially life-threatening conditions associated with DCS.

By ascending at a controlled and recommended rate, divers allow the excess nitrogen to be eliminated from their bodies more effectively, reducing the risk of bubbles forming. Recommended ascent rates often range from 10 to 30 feet per minute, and safety stops at specific depths can further aid in mitigating DCS risk.

Other factors like water temperature, duration of dive, and the weight of diving equipment can influence diving safety and comfort, but they do not have the same direct impact on the physiological process leading to decompression sickness as the ascent rate does. For instance, cold water temperature can cause divers to use more energy, potentially increasing their chances of fatigue during ascent, while the duration of dive provides context for nitrogen absorption, but neither has the immediate, critical role that ascent rate does in preventing DCS.