ALLOWING FOR A SAFETY STOP ON ALL DIVES GREATLY REDUCES A DIVER'S RISK OF MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS RESULTING FROM DISSOLVED GASES IN THE BLOODSTREAM DURING THE EVENT AND THE LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF BUILD UP THESE GASES DURING A LIFETIME OF DIVING.

New Zealand Underwater advises planning for a least one three-metre safety stop on all dives, and as many more as are required by the technical details of a dive.

A three-metre safety stop also allows the opportunity to look up and listen for any approaching boats.  

Note: Breath-hold divers do not have the luxury of a three-metre safety stop so always ensure an observer can wave a dive flag at any approaching vessel.