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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-scuba-diving-wait-24-hours

How long should you wait before flying up to 8,000 feet after a dive that required a controlled ascent?

At least 24 hours.

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  1. At least 12 hours
  2. At least 24 hours ✔
  3. No wait if you feel fine

Why: Nitrogen stays dissolved in your tissues after a dive, and lower pressure at altitude can let it form bubbles. After a dive with a controlled ascent, wait at least 24 hours before flying up to 8,000 feet.

Huh, didn't know that: After any scuba dive, the wait is at least 24 hours before flights above 8,000 feet.

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Why do scuba divers fall backward off the boat? Because if they fell forward, they'd still be in the boat.
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References

Answer: At least 24 hours. Nitrogen stays dissolved in your tissues after a dive, and lower pressure at altitude can let it form bubbles. After a dive with a controlled ascent, wait at least 24 hours before flying up to 8,000 feet.

  1. AIM chapter 8 section 1, Fitness for Flight www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap8_section_1.html
    at least 24 hours after diving that required a controlled ascent
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. AIM chapter 8 section 1, Fitness for Flight www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap8_section_1.html
    at least 12 hours after diving that did not require a controlled ascent
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  3. AIM chapter 8 section 1, Fitness for Flight www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap8_section_1.html
    The recommended wait time before going to flight altitudes above 8,000 feet is at least 24 hours after any SCUBA dive.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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