| This is an interesting conversation for down the pub. Before I start though I would like to say that it's something you should think about BEFORE the situation arrives. It's not a decision I would like to make underwater while the incident is going on.
As soon as you start deco diving in earnest then I think you need to have thought about the answer to this question. Also there's no right and wrong answer (ie no-one should disapprove if you aren't happy missing any deco), and you don't have to tell anyone what you would do beforehand.
The answer also depends on what deco algorithms you are using. BSAC tables allow a longer NDL than my Suunto computer for example.
So crunch time? I like to think I would miss around 10 minutes of stops (not counting the extra 3 minutes the Suunto gives me for safety) for someone. If diving with t'missus then it would be much more difficult. There's no guarantee that you'll get a hit and DCI can generally be treated
Another similar question is if diving in warm clear water on a single 12 with no bottom, and your buddy passes out and starts to sink. You chase after them, but at what depth would you abort the attempt if you can't catch them? 30m / 40m/ 50m / 60m etc etc.
Sobering stuff, but as I say worth thinking about before you get in the water. Not a decision I would like to make underwater...
Janos
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