When planning a dive, a numerical setting of +5 for the level of conservatism indicates:

A numerical setting of +5 for the level of conservatism indicates a cautious approach to dive planning, which aligns with the most conservative dive profile. This means that the dive plan includes added safety measures, such as shorter bottom times, more gradual ascent rates, and longer surface intervals.

The rationale behind a higher conservatism setting is to mitigate the risks of decompression sickness and to allow for a margin of safety in the dive profile. This is particularly important in situations where divers may not be as acclimated to certain depths or when conditions are variable. A +5 setting signifies that the dive profile is designed to err on the side of safety, reducing the risk of decompression-related issues.

In contrast, other settings like a relaxed dive profile or average conservatism would indicate a less cautious approach, potentially increasing the risk of decompression sickness. An exploratory dive would also typically involve more relaxed guidelines to observe or investigate unknown conditions, which would not fit the parameters of a +5 conservatism setting. Thus, planning a dive with a +5 setting reflects a commitment to safety through a highly conservative dive profile.