Which factor is NOT a consideration when calculating residual nitrogen time?

Which factor is NOT a consideration when calculating residual nitrogen time?

• A. Depth
• B. Dive duration of prior dives
• C. Surface interval
• D. Wetsuit color

Answer: (D)

Residual nitrogen time depends on how much nitrogen was absorbed during the previous dive and how long you’ve had to off-gas before the next dive. The depth of the prior dive and its bottom duration determine how much nitrogen is taken into the tissues, while the surface interval provides the off-gassing period that reduces that residual amount. Wetsuit color has no effect on gas uptake or off-gassing, so it doesn’t enter the calculation. In practical terms, you plan residual nitrogen time by considering depth, how long you were submerged, and the time spent on the surface, not the color of your wetsuit.

Residual nitrogen time depends on how much nitrogen was absorbed during the previous dive and how long you’ve had to off-gas before the next dive. The depth of the prior dive and its bottom duration determine how much nitrogen is taken into the tissues, while the surface interval provides the off-gassing period that reduces that residual amount. Wetsuit color has no effect on gas uptake or off-gassing, so it doesn’t enter the calculation. In practical terms, you plan residual nitrogen time by considering depth, how long you were submerged, and the time spent on the surface, not the color of your wetsuit.