While planning dives, what is generally considered a critical factor in determining no-decompression limits?

Depth of the dive is indeed a critical factor in determining no-decompression limits (NDLs). NDLs are the maximum time a diver can spend at a specific depth without needing to perform mandatory decompression stops during ascent. These limits are primarily influenced by the partial pressure of nitrogen that a diver absorbs at different depths.

As a diver descends, the pressure increases, leading to a greater absorption of nitrogen into the body's tissues. The deeper the dive, the shorter the time a diver can safely remain at that depth without incurring the risk of decompression sickness upon surfacing. Therefore, knowing the depth of the planned dive is essential for accurately assessing the no-decompression limits specific to that depth.

Although dive duration, surface interval, and a diver's experience are also important considerations in dive planning, they do not play as central a role in setting NDLs as the depth of the dive does. Dive duration contributes to nitrogen absorption but is contingent upon the depth at which the dive occurs. Likewise, surface intervals allow for the elimination of absorbed nitrogen but are not as crucial in establishing NDLs as depth itself. Beginners may have less experience, but their skill level does not inherently dictate the no-decompression limits, which are based primarily on