What does DCS refer to in diving terminology?

In diving terminology, DCS stands for Decompression Sickness. It occurs when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at depth, causing dissolved gases, primarily nitrogen, to form bubbles in the blood and tissues. This situation is specifically related to option C, which discusses the process of decompression during a dive. Proper decompression is essential to allow gas dissolved in the body to be released safely, preventing DCS.

The correct understanding emphasizes that as divers go deeper, their bodies absorb more nitrogen (or helium depending on the gas mix) due to increased ambient pressure. If they ascend too rapidly without allowing sufficient time for the gases to be released back out of the body through normal breathing, those gases can form bubbles, leading to the symptoms of decompression sickness. Thus, understanding the concept behind DCS is crucial for safe diving practices.