PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

What does the RDP recommend for flying after diving?

1. Fly immediately

2. Wait 12 hours

3. Wait 24 hours

4. Minimum 18 hours

The correct answer is: Wait 24 hours

The Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) provides guidance on safety measures for divers, including recommendations on the appropriate waiting time between diving and flying. The RDP suggests waiting a minimum of 24 hours before flying after multiple dives or after a single dive that exceeds a certain depth, particularly when no decompression limits are exceeded. This recommendation is based on the principle of allowing sufficient time for nitrogen, which the body absorbs during dives, to be eliminated safely to avoid decompression sickness, also known as "the bends." When a diver ascends to the surface, nitrogen is off-gassed slowly, but flying shortly after diving may cause a rapid reduction in pressure that can exacerbate the risk of nitrogen bubbles forming in the body. Choosing to wait 24 hours provides an added margin of safety, ensuring that divers can ascend to altitude without the increased risk of using compressed air and the nitrogen absorbed during the dive. This protocol supports the health and well-being of divers and underscores the importance of following safety guidelines for diving and subsequent activities like flying.