What is the significance of the dive table?

The significance of the dive table primarily revolves around its function in assisting divers with dive planning, especially concerning decompression limits and no-decompression limits. The dive table allows divers to systematically assess the amount of time they can spend at various depths while avoiding the risks associated with decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends."

Divers utilize the table to calculate their allowable bottom time based on the depth of the dive and the previous dive profiles they might have followed, ensuring that they ascend safely without exceeding the recommended limits. This tool is critical for minimizing the risk of nitrogen narcosis and ensuring a safe ascent, which are vital for maintaining diver safety. Knowing the parameters set by the dive table allows divers to make informed decisions during their dives, emphasizing safety and reducing potential hazards.