After scuba diving, how long should a pilot wait before flying if the flight altitude is up to 8,000 feet?

The recommended waiting period for a pilot after scuba diving, especially for dives that require decompression, is generally considered to be 12 hours before flying at altitudes up to 8,000 feet. This guideline is established to minimize the risk of decompression sickness, as rising to high altitudes quickly can create a pressure difference that may cause nitrogen bubbles to form in the body tissues. Waiting for 12 hours allows any excess nitrogen absorbed during the dive to be safely eliminated from the body before ascending to higher altitudes in an aircraft.

In situations where dives are shallow and no decompression stops are required, some guidelines may suggest a shorter wait. Nevertheless, adhering to the 12-hour rule is a conservative approach that provides an added safety margin. This practice helps ensure that pilots are not at risk of experiencing adverse effects related to decompression when flying after scuba diving.