Scuba divers on a safety stop in Beqa Lagoon, Fiji.

A safety stop is a 3 to 5 minute stop made between 15 and 20 feet (5-6 meters) during the final ascent of a dive. Safety stops are considered mandatory by the majority of scuba training organization for dives deeper than 100 feet or those approaching a no-decompression limit.
There have been a few dives where we had to hang onto the ropes during the ascent because the waves were so strong. It is a good thing the ropes were there too. We were bouncing all over the place.
On this dive, divers were encouraged to hold on to the rope after the shark dive. I was trying to get close ups of the remaining curious sharks. So, I was away from the rope.
Sometimes that’s when you get the best pictures. 🙂