What would be the diver's new pressure group after a 45 minute surface interval in pressure group R?

To determine the new pressure group after a 45-minute surface interval for a diver currently in pressure group R, it is essential to understand how the tables for nitrogen absorption and off-gassing work.

When a diver is in pressure group R and takes a surface interval, nitrogen is off-gassed from the body, which decreases the diver's nitrogen loading. The longer the diver stays on the surface, the more nitrogen is eliminated, allowing the diver to potentially move to a lower pressure group.

After spending 45 minutes at the surface following a dive, the diver can effectively move to the next lower pressure group based on typical dive tables. In this case, transitioning from pressure group R with a 45-minute surface interval leads to a reduction in nitrogen saturation, which results in a new pressure group of C according to standard decompression tables.

This knowledge emphasizes the importance of surface intervals in managing nitrogen levels and ensuring a safe return to diving activities by decreasing the diver's overall exposure to nitrogen. The key aspect here is understanding how surface time affects pressure group assignments and how divers can effectively utilize that time to optimize their safety and extend their diving capabilities.