What is the rule regarding delays longer than 1 minute at depths deeper than 50 fsw?

The rule concerning delays longer than 1 minute at depths greater than 50 feet of seawater (fsw) emphasizes the importance of adjusting the dive plan to ensure the safety of divers. When a delay occurs at these depths, which are associated with increased risk of decompression sickness due to the longer exposure to increased pressure, it becomes crucial to consider the implications of the delay on the diver's safety.

Rounding the delay time up and adjusting the bottom time is essential because it factors in the extra time the diver has been exposed to the pressure of the water. This adjustment helps recalibrate decompression schedules to mitigate the risk of nitrogen narcosis or decompression sickness as a result of exceeding the planned bottom time. Thus, the individual must recalibrate their decompression dives in a manner that accounts for any extra time spent at depth beyond what was originally intended, ensuring their ascent aligns safely with established decompression tables.

This approach demonstrates a proactive strategy in deep-sea diving, focusing on the safety and health of the divers, which directly aligns with the best practices outlined in diving safety protocols.