What is the primary advantage of surface decompression for divers?

The primary advantage of surface decompression for divers is that it reduces the time spent underwater. This approach allows divers to ascend to the surface and perform their decompression stops at or near the surface rather than during the ascent, which can result in a quicker return to the surface and open the possibility of getting out of the water faster. The method is particularly useful in minimizing exposure to potentially harmful underwater environments, such as cold water, nitrogen narcosis, or other hazards that divers might face during longer dives.

While longer bottom times might be a consideration for some dive plans, surface decompression primarily benefits the timeline of the dive as it can cut down on overall dive duration, accommodating divers with non-preventable emergencies or surface conditions. The other options, such as working unsupervised or diving in rough seas, do not directly pertain to the explicit benefits of the surface decompression method.