dekompressioaika

Dekompressioaika is a Finnish term that translates to "decompression time." It is primarily used in diving, particularly in technical diving, to refer to the mandatory time spent at specific depths during ascent from a dive. This process is crucial to prevent decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends."

When a diver ascends, the surrounding pressure decreases. If the ascent is too rapid, dissolved inert gases, such as nitrogen, within the diver's tissues can form bubbles. These bubbles can cause pain, paralysis, and in severe cases, can be fatal. Dekompressioaika allows these dissolved gases to be safely eliminated from the body through respiration.

The duration and depth of decompression stops are determined by dive computers, dive tables, or specific dive plans based on factors like the depth and duration of the dive, the breathing gas mixture used, and the diver's individual physiology. Different dive profiles necessitate different decompression schedules, and adherence to these schedules is paramount for diver safety. In essence, dekompressioaika is a critical safety measure in diving, ensuring that the body can safely adapt to the changing pressure during ascent.