Plain English Meaning

Diving that stays shallow enough or short enough that the diver can come straight back up without having to pause underwater to let absorbed gas work its way out safely.

Full Definition

Scuba diving conducted within depth and time limits that allow the diver to ascend directly to the surface without being required to make scheduled in-water decompression stops. Even after such diving, dissolved nitrogen remains in the body tissues and can come out of solution as bubbles if the diver is exposed to reduced atmospheric pressure too soon, such as by flying shortly after the dive.

Context Anchor

Seen in FAA guidance on how long a pilot or passenger should wait before flying after scuba diving.

Derivation

‘Decompression’ comes from Latin de- (reverse) and compressus (pressed together) — literally ‘un-pressing.’ Underwater, the diver’s body is pressed by water and absorbs extra nitrogen. ‘Nondecompression stop’ means the diver does not need to pause during the ascent to let that pressure in a way.