What is the effect of buoyancy on decompression stops?

Buoyancy plays a crucial role in maintaining the correct depth during decompression stops. When divers ascend, they must make stops at specific depths to allow nitrogen absorbed in their bodies to safely off-gas before reaching the surface. If a diver becomes excessively buoyant, they may inadvertently ascend too quickly, skipping important decompression stops which can lead to the formation of nitrogen bubbles in their tissues, increasing the risk of decompression sickness.

Maintaining neutral buoyancy at the designated stop depth helps ensure that divers are able to stay at that specific level long enough for their bodies to eliminate excess nitrogen, thus promoting safety during the ascent. Proper buoyancy control is essential in allowing divers to adhere to their planned decompression schedule effectively.