What is the minimum surface interval before a Nitrox dive following a Nitrox dive?

The minimum surface interval before a Nitrox dive following another Nitrox dive is determined primarily by the need to allow for adequate off-gassing of inert gases, especially nitrogen, from the body after the first dive. Following repeated dives using Nitrox, it’s essential to give the body sufficient time to eliminate nitrogen that has accumulated during the first dive.

In standard diving practices, particularly with Nitrox, the guideline of a 24-hour surface interval provides a margin of safety for recreational diving, ensuring that divers are minimizing their risk of decompression sickness and allowing their bodies to recover fully. This length of time also accounts for variations in dive conditions or profiles that could affect nitrogen loading.

While shorter intervals are allowable depending on specific dive conditions, dive tables, or computer algorithms, the conservative approach of waiting 24 hours helps ensure that divers are less likely to encounter any complications during their subsequent dives. This is especially relevant for divers who may be planning a series of dives that could compound the effect of nitrogen loading. Overall, following this guideline is meant to promote safety in diving practices.