What does the Required Surface Interval Before Ascent to Altitude After Diving Table indicate?

The Required Surface Interval Before Ascent to Altitude After Diving Table provides crucial information about the safe timeframes needed after diving before a diver ascends to a higher altitude or flies. This is based on the physiological principles of decompression and the absorption of nitrogen by body tissues during a dive.

When divers are exposed to increased pressures underwater, their bodies absorb more nitrogen. If a diver ascends to a higher altitude too soon after a dive, this could lead to decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends," as the nitrogen comes out of solution too quickly in the lower pressure environment. The table helps divers determine a safe surface interval based on their dive profile, ensuring they allow enough time for the nitrogen levels to decrease to a safe range before experiencing altitude changes.

Choosing to refer to this information is essential for ensuring the safety of divers transitioning from underwater to higher altitudes, making option C the appropriate answer.