STEP 1:
Stop at 15 feet; or 20 ft. or 12 ft. Though 15 feet is recommended, it's not sacared. If there's a crowd there, go above it to 12 or 10 feet. If a swell makes holding your depth difficult, go below it to 18 or 20 feet.

Step 2:
Look for a hanging bar; or some other convenient handhold or a visual reference like a sponge on a wall next to you so you don't have to stare at your depth gauge. Using a stable object is more accurate than using your gauge anyway. A handhold is pretty much idiot-proof! But if there's surge, be cautious about using the boats anchor line, ascent line or hang bar. Surge can jerk it - and you - up and down a few feet, and at this shallow depth a few feet matters.

Step 3
Check the time; or start your stopwatch. Three minutes is the minimum saftey stop, but 4 to 5 minutes is always better if gas supply permits, particularly if you've been pushing your no-decompression limits. On the other hand, if you;re shivering badly or there's some other risk, cut it short.

Step 4
Concentrate on taking slow, deep breaths for maximum gas exchange. Exhale completely: That's nitrogen you're expelling.

Step 5
Make the time go faster by reviewing the dive, rehearsing how you're going to describe it to others and picking out points for exaggeration. Think about what could have been inproved and how, either in technique or equipment. Visualize the upcoming ascent to the surface and think about how you would handle a dive ladder jumping in a swell.

Step 6
Make sure you're NEUTRALLY BUOYANT before your ascent. Look around for boat traffic and start up by kicking, not by adding air to your BCD. Bleed air from your BCD constantly to keep your buoyancy under control. Pressure changes fastest in the last 15 feet, so keep your ascent rate under 30 feet per minute all the way to the surface!