How long should one wait before a dive is no longer considered a Repet dive?

To understand why a waiting period of 12 hours is considered appropriate before a dive is no longer classified as a Repet dive, it is important to recognize the physiological factors that influence nitrogen absorption in divers. After completing a dive, divers absorb nitrogen into their tissues, and this process can lead to a condition known as decompression sickness if they ascend too quickly or undertake another dive without allowing sufficient time for nitrogen to be expelled from their bodies.

The 12-hour surface interval serves as a guideline based on research and diving physics, allowing the body enough time to off-gas nitrogen, thereby reducing the risk associated with subsequent dives. While different organizations might have slightly different recommendations, 12 hours is widely accepted within the diving community as a safe timeframe that balances the need to maximize dive time with the safety of avoiding decompression sickness.

Understanding this safety protocol is crucial for divers and dive supervisors to ensure safe diving practices, particularly while planning multiple dives over a short period.