SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scuba-deeper-shorter-no-deco-time

Why do deeper dives have shorter no-decompression limits?

You absorb nitrogen faster at greater depth.

Start playing free

  1. The water is colder deeper down
  2. You absorb nitrogen faster at greater depth ✔
  3. Dive computers run slower at depth

Why: The no-decompression limit is how long you can stay at a depth and still go straight up with no required stops. Deeper water means higher pressure, so nitrogen builds up faster and the limit shrinks.

Huh, didn't know that: Most divers track their remaining no-stop time on a dive computer instead of paper dive tables.

The dad joke
The deeper I go, the shorter my visit. Even the reef has a time limit.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: You absorb nitrogen faster at greater depth. The no-decompression limit is how long you can stay at a depth and still go straight up with no required stops. Deeper water means higher pressure, so nitrogen builds up faster and the limit shrinks.

  1. PADI: How Deep Can Open Water vs Advanced Divers Go? blog.padi.com/how-deep-can-open-water-vs-advanced-divers-go
    There are two main limitations: nitrogen absorption (resulting in shorter no-decompression limits) and air consumption.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessWhen dive buddies make their plan, whose ability should it be based on?Sports & FitnessWhere and how long is the standard safety stop at the end of a recreational dive?Sports & FitnessUsing the rule of thirds, when do you turn back toward your exit point?

That's stuff everyone should know.