What is the purpose of gradient factors in diving?

The purpose of gradient factors in diving is primarily to enhance safety during ascent and decompression. Gradient factors are used in dive computers to dictate how conservatively a diver should ascend based on their specific dive profile. By adjusting these factors, divers can determine the decompression stops required to safely eliminate nitrogen from their bodies, thereby reducing the risk of decompression sickness.

While there may be other aspects of diving, such as air management and depth limits, gradient factors specifically relate to the ascent and decompression phase. They provide a nuanced approach to managing nitrogen loading and off-gassing, ensuring that divemasters and divers alike can tailor their ascent profiles to suit their experience level and the specifics of their dive, thus prioritizing safety.