How should surface intervals be treated according to dive planning rules?

Surface intervals play a critical role in dive planning, as they allow divers to safely off-gas the nitrogen that has accumulated in their bodies during previous dives. When a diver descends underwater, the increased pressure causes more nitrogen to be absorbed into the tissues. If divers proceed to another dive too quickly after returning to the surface, they risk exceeding their body's ability to eliminate this nitrogen, which can lead to decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends."

Incorporating proper surface intervals into dive planning ensures that divers have adequate time to off-gas and reduce nitrogen levels in their bodies before undertaking subsequent dives. This is fundamentally important for maintaining safety in multiple dive situations and optimizing dive profiles. Therefore, recognizing that surface intervals are essential for allowing the body to off-gas reinforces their critical role in dive planning practices.