How many hours must a tender wait to fly again after treatment?

The correct answer indicates that a tender must wait 72 hours after treatment before flying again. This timeframe is rooted in ensuring that any residual nitrogen absorbed during their dive is sufficiently eliminated from the body, minimizing the risk of decompression sickness related to atmospheric pressure changes experienced during flying.

Following treatment, particularly following hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the body needs adequate time to return to its normal physiological state. The 72-hour wait is especially critical if the diver has experienced significant exposures or symptoms of decompression illness, as the residual nitrogen can create complications when subjected to the lower pressures of an aircraft environment.

This guideline is aligned with safety protocols established in hyperbaric medicine, emphasizing the importance of careful monitoring of divers post-treatment. This ensures that they are not only physically recovered but are also at a reduced risk of any complications that can arise from flying too soon after diving and potentially experiencing pressure changes.