Final answer:
The recommended waiting time before flying at cabin altitudes up to 8,000 feet after SCUBA diving is 18-24 hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended waiting time before flight at cabin altitudes up to 8,000 feet for someone who has been SCUBA diving is 18-24 hours.
When you SCUBA dive, your body absorbs nitrogen from the compressed air in the tank. If you ascend too quickly after diving, the reduced atmospheric pressure can cause the nitrogen to form bubbles in your blood and tissues, leading to decompression sickness (DCS). To allow time for the nitrogen to gradually leave your system and reduce the risk of DCS, it is recommended to wait at least 18-24 hours before flying at cabin altitudes up to 8,000 feet.
Waiting longer or flying at higher altitudes may require even more time before flying to ensure the safe elimination of nitrogen from your body.