Ascend from a dive in stages or slowly according to a decompression plan in order to give the body time to adapt to the lowered pressure. Prevent the buildup of dissolved gases in living tissue, as well as other symptoms linked to rapid ascent, collectively known as decompression sickness or "the bends".
DATA SOURCED FROM ESCO (EUROPEAN COMMISSION) & O*NET (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR)