How long should flight crew members who require decompression stops wait before flying after SCUBA diving?

The recommended waiting period for flight crew members who require decompression stops after SCUBA diving is 24 hours. This guideline is established to minimize the risk of decompression sickness, which can occur when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at depths that require decompression stops.

After SCUBA diving, nitrogen is absorbed into the body tissues at depths and needs time to safely dissipate as the diver returns to the surface. Flying shortly after diving can lead to increased risk of nitrogen bubbles forming in the bloodstream or tissues due to the lower atmospheric pressure at altitude, which could result in serious health issues. The 24-hour period allows for the nitrogen levels in the body to decrease sufficiently, reducing the risk of these complications during flight.

It is important for flight crew members to adhere to this waiting period to ensure their safety and the safety of their passengers.