What should divers avoid doing immediately after surfacing from a deep dive?

After surfacing from a deep dive, divers should avoid engaging in physical activity. This is crucial because after spending time at depths, the body needs a period to equalize pressure and off-gas nitrogen, which can accumulate in the tissues while diving. Engaging in physical activity can lead to an increased metabolic rate, causing the body to use up nitrogen more quickly, which can potentially increase the risk of decompression sickness.

On the other hand, talking with fellow divers, floating calmly on the surface, and conducting a safety check are generally recommended practices after surfacing. Keeping calm allows the body to stabilize and prevent any unnecessary burdens on the cardiovascular system. Communicating with fellow divers can also ensure that everyone is accounted for and safe, while conducting a safety check is essential to confirm that all gear is functioning properly and to identify any potential issues before ascending further or preparing for the next dive.