bottom time
Plural
bottom times
1
the duration a diver spends underwater during a single dive, typically measured from descent to ascent
Bottom time refers to the total amount of time a diver spends underwater from the beginning of descent until the start of ascent. It is an important factor in scuba diving because it affects how much nitrogen builds up in the body, which determines how long a diver can stay at certain depths safely. Divers use dive tables or computers to track bottom time and avoid staying too long, which can lead to decompression sickness. Properly managing bottom time helps ensure a safe and enjoyable dive while reducing the risk of health complications.
- His bottom time on that dive was 30 minutes.
- We aimed for a maximum bottom time of 45 minutes.
- Longer bottom time allows for more thorough exploration of marine life.
- We limited our bottom time to avoid decompression sickness.
- They extended their bottom time by conserving air.