Omitted Decompression

Surfacing without completing required decompression stops, a serious situation that calls for oxygen, monitoring for DCS symptoms, and no re-descent.

Omitted decompression means you surfaced without completing decompression stops your dive required, whether because of an out-of-air situation, a rapid uncontrolled ascent, equipment failure, or an emergency. Your tissues still carry more dissolved gas than is safe at surface pressure, so the risk of decompression sickness in the following minutes and hours is significantly elevated even if you feel fine at first.

Standard recreational guidance is clear: do not go back down to make up the stops. In-water recompression without proper equipment, gas supply, and training creates more risk than it removes. Instead, stop diving, breathe the highest concentration of oxygen available, hydrate, rest, and monitor for DCS symptoms such as joint pain, unusual fatigue, numbness, or skin changes. Contact DAN or emergency services early, and be prepared for evaluation at a hyperbaric chamber.

Dive computers typically flag the violation and lock into an error mode for 24 hours or more, which doubles as sensible advice: no further diving that day. Note what happened, including depths, times, and symptoms, since that record helps the dive physician assess you. Symptoms can appear hours later, so stay near help and avoid being alone for the rest of the day.