Which of the following practices could enhance safety in repetitive diving scenarios?

Monitoring and adhering to recommended surface intervals is crucial in repetitive diving scenarios because it helps prevent decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends." When divers surface after a dive, nitrogen absorbed in their bodies during the dive must be released safely. Adequate surface intervals allow this nitrogen to off-gas at a controlled rate, minimizing the risk of bubbles forming in the tissues or bloodstream.

This practice is essential to ensure that divers do not exceed their bodies' capacity to eliminate nitrogen, especially when multiple dives are conducted in succession. By following these guidelines, divers enhance their safety profile significantly, reducing the likelihood of injury associated with nitrogen narcosis or decompression illness.

While shortening dive duration and reducing the number of dives can contribute to safety, they do not address the critical aspect of gas management related to surface intervals. Diving without a buddy increases risks, as having a partner can significantly enhance safety through mutual monitoring and assistance. Therefore, maintaining recommended surface intervals is the most direct and effective method for enhancing safety in repetitive diving scenarios.