What is required for a safe ascent from a dive?

For a safe ascent from a dive, continuous breathing and monitoring of ascent rate are essential. This practice ensures that the diver avoids decompression sickness, also known as "the bends," which can occur when nitrogen bubbles form in the body due to rapid changes in pressure. Maintaining a steady ascension rate allows the body to off-gas nitrogen safely, reducing the risk of bubble formation in the bloodstream and tissues.

Monitoring the ascent rate is typically recommended to be no faster than 10-30 feet per minute, depending on the dive profile and depth. Continuous breathing during the ascent helps maintain consistent airflow and ensures that the diver does not hold their breath, which could lead to lung barotrauma as the expanding air in the lungs could cause injury if the volume is not managed properly.

The other choices, while they may appear to contribute to the ascent process, do not prioritize the fundamental safety practices critical for preventing diving-related injuries. Rapid ascent can increase the risk of decompression sickness, direct ascent without any stops neglects the necessity of safety stops for off-gassing, and relying solely on a dive computer without personal vigilance could overlook essential aspects of safe diving practices.