Which decompression planning step helps reduce risks associated with depth changes?

Calculating ascent time is crucial for minimizing risks associated with depth changes during a dive. Proper ascent time is essential to allow dissolved gases in the body to safely expel from the tissues without forming harmful bubbles. By ascending too quickly, divers can increase their risk of decompression sickness, also known as "the bends." This condition occurs when nitrogen, which has been absorbed by the body under pressure, forms bubbles as a diver ascends and pressure decreases.

Establishing a controlled ascent time based on the dive profile and adhering to no-decompression limits ensures that divers are managing their exposure to pressure changes effectively. By planning for a gradual ascent that includes safety stops, divers can significantly mitigate the potential for decompression sickness.

The other steps mentioned, while important for overall dive safety, do not directly address the specific risk related to changes in depth. For instance, avoiding shallow dives may help in certain situations, but does not inherently create a strategy for managing ascent rates. Similarly, checking gas supplies is critical for ensuring that divers have enough breathing gas for the entire dive, but it does not relate specifically to the management of ascent rates and depth transition risks. Thus, focusing on calculating ascent time stands out as the most relevant action for addressing the risks tied