How should you proceed if a diver indicates they have decompression sickness but feel they can safely remain in the water?

If a diver indicates they have decompression sickness but believes they can remain in the water, the appropriate action is to dispatch the standby diver to assist. This is crucial because decompression sickness, often referred to as "the bends," can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If the diver is experiencing symptoms, they require professional assistance and monitoring to ensure their safety.

Having a standby diver respond is essential for several reasons. Firstly, the standby diver can assess the condition of the affected diver more thoroughly and provide necessary help, such as guiding them to the surface safely if their condition deteriorates. Secondly, having an additional diver in the water can assist in monitoring for any changes in the diver's condition, ensuring that timely action can be taken if needed. Additionally, if conditions allow, the standby diver can help facilitate a controlled ascent to the surface while minimizing the risk of further injury or complications related to decompression sickness.

Maintaining depth without intervention would not be responsible as it neglects the potentially serious medical condition at hand. Similarly, leaving the diver in the water without assistance is not safe, as it does not provide the necessary support for someone experiencing decompression sickness. Surfacing the diver immediately may be needed in more acute situations, but activating the standby