How should a delay greater than 1 minute be handled when the first stop is deeper than the diver's current depth?

Handling a delay greater than 1 minute when the first stop is deeper than the diver's current depth is crucial for ensuring diver safety and minimizing the risk of decompression sickness, also known as "the bends." Performing missed deeper stops at the current depth is the correct approach because it allows the diver to safely gather aspects required to ascend effectively without rushing through critical decompression stops.

Decompression stops allow dissolved gases from the body to be released safely as a diver ascends. If the diver has missed these deeper stops, executing them at the current depth, even if it is shallower, is essential to allow for proper off-gassing. This adjustment helps maintain the body’s equilibrium and reduces the likelihood of injury associated with rapid ascent and missed decompression requirements.

In this context, the other strategies present risks or neglect safety protocols. Proceeding to the next decompression stop regardless would compromise safe ascent procedures and could increase the risk of illness. Skipping missed stops entirely would pose a significant danger to the diver's health and safety. Only performing shallower stops before ascending does not address the missed deeper stops adequately and overlooks the essential gas exchange process that must occur at the deeper depths.

Thus, missed deeper stops should always be revisited to ensure a safe return