sukellusaika

Sukellusaika refers to the duration a diver spends underwater. This is a critical factor in scuba diving and other underwater activities, as it directly influences the amount of breathable air a diver has available and the potential for decompression sickness. Dive computers and dive tables are used to calculate and monitor safe sukellusaika. These tools take into account factors such as depth, ascent rate, and repetitive dives to determine the maximum time a diver can safely stay underwater without requiring mandatory decompression stops.

Several physiological factors affect how long a diver can stay submerged, including lung capacity, metabolic rate, and individual physiology. Environmental conditions also play a role; colder water temperatures can reduce sukellusaika due to increased body heat loss and the need for more effort to maintain body temperature. Deeper dives generally have shorter allowable sukellusaika because the increased pressure affects gas absorption in the body more rapidly. Planning and adhering to safe sukellusaika limits are paramount for ensuring diver safety and preventing serious diving-related illnesses. Exceeding recommended sukellusaika can lead to nitrogen narcosis, decompression sickness, and other dangerous conditions.