Which statement is true regarding a diver's maximum allowable depth for SCUBA?

The maximum allowable depth for SCUBA diving is recognized as 130 feet of sea water (fsw). This depth is significant as it serves as a practical limit for recreational divers, providing a balance between the benefits of accessing deeper environments and the risks associated with increased water pressure, narcosis, and the complexities of gas mixtures at greater depths.

At a depth of 130 fsw, divers are typically still able to effectively manage their dive plans and safety protocols. Beyond this depth, the risks tend to increase notably due to physiological effects like nitrogen narcosis, which can impair a diver's judgment and motor coordination. Additionally, the likelihood of needing decompression stops increases with depth, complicating the safety of the ascent after the dive.

While there are circumstances where divers may be trained and equipped to go deeper, those scenarios often fall outside of recreational diving parameters and require specialized training, equipment, and planning. Therefore, 130 fsw remains the generally accepted limit for recreational SCUBA diving to ensure safety and manage risk effectively.