What is required for any dive profile that exceeds no-decompression limits?

For any dive profile that exceeds no-decompression limits, a decompression stop is necessary to allow the diver to safely off-gas excess nitrogen absorbed during the dive. When divers exceed these limits, nitrogen bubbles can form in the body, which can lead to decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends."

A decompression stop involves ascending to a certain depth and maintaining that depth for a specified period, enabling nitrogen to safely leave the body. This process is essential to mitigate the risks associated with the increase in pressure and the subsequent decrease in pressure when returning to the surface.

A safety stop, while often performed as a precaution, is not the same as a decompression stop and may not meet the rigorous requirements needed for dives that surpass no-decompression limits. Similarly, an emergency review by the DSO (Diving Safety Officer) is not a direct requirement for the dive profile itself but may be part of a broader safety protocol. A 15-minute stop at shallow depth is a standard practice for safety stops but does not address the specific needs of a dive that requires decompression.