After surfacing, how long must a candidate stay at the immediate chamber site?

A candidate must stay at the immediate chamber site for 15 minutes after surfacing to ensure their safety and health, particularly in relation to decompression procedures. This time is critical for allowing any residual inert gas absorbed by the body's tissues during underwater activities to safely dissipate.

The 15-minute duration is based on established decompression protocols, which help minimize the risk of decompression sickness. During this time, the candidate is monitored for any symptoms, such as joint pain or other signs of distress, which might indicate that additional medical intervention is necessary.

This stay duration ensures that the candidate transitions safely from the pressure of the underwater environment back to normal atmospheric pressure, allowing for proper physiological adjustment.