Dives are often planned around the __________________________ limits for depth and gas use.

When planning a dive, particularly in cavern diving scenarios, the concept of "no deco" limits is crucial. No deco limits refer to the maximum amount of time a diver can spend at a certain depth without needing to perform mandatory decompression stops on ascent. This is important for safety because exceeding these limits can increase the risk of decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends."

In cavern diving, where divers may be in environments with limited access to surface support and potential hazards, adherence to no deco limits ensures that they can ascend directly to the surface without requiring decompression, thus minimizing risks.

While safety stops and decompression plans are important aspects of dive safety, they are not the primary focus when it comes to pre-planning dives within the no decompression limits. The entry strategy pertains more to the divers' approach to entering the water and the site, rather than to the critical limits surrounding depth and gas consumption during the dive itself.

Hence, planning dives around the no deco limits allows divers to manage their exposure to depth and gas use effectively, facilitating a safer diving experience.