Safe Scuba Diving Ascents, Ascend Properly in Scuba Diving, There are many common practices amongst scuba divers that help to ensure the safety of yourself and your fellow divers when you are out on a trip, from making sure that you clean your snorkeling equipment to learning how to signal to your fellow divers using hand movements, every diver will tell you that there are certain unofficial procedures that are in place to help divers work hard together to ensure their safety. One of the most important parts of scuba diving would be to make sure that you ascend properly and safely when you reach the surface.
It is sometimes overlooked in diving that you must take your time to ascend safely. Group divers should check on their teammates to make sure they can ascend to the surface and enjoy the day without incident. When it’s time to surface, I’ll discuss how to protect yourself and your teammates. Safe ascension requires numerous steps, not as simple as you might believe.
How to be Safe When Ascending
Safe Scuba Diving Ascents, Ascend Properly in Scuba Diving, Starting your ascent early is crucial because it will take time to reach the surface. To ensure you have enough breathing time to exit the water, monitor your oxygen levels throughout your scuba dive. Due to many variables, you should always leave earlier than necessary. Be aware of anything impeding your way or threatening your safe ascension.
Using a depth gauge or dive computer to check your ascend rate is another way to stay safe. Before relocating, make sure you can observe your rising rate. When ascending from a lower depth, you should not exceed theory feet per minute. Rushing puts you and your dive mates at peril, so take your time and watch your ascension rate.
Divers should be extremely vigilant in the last twenty feet of the ascent since pressure changes faster near the surface. Any rise should be done slowly and with safety in mind, not speed. Many divers rush and make mistakes as they near the surface due to the relief of finally coming out of the water, but the increased pressure levels increase the risk of injury, so take your time until you reach the surface to stay safe.
Ascending With Other Divers
Safe Scuba Diving Ascents, When you are on a group dive, you should be taking time to make sure your group follows your lead and is mindful of all of the safety risks involved when you are ascending. With any aspect of group diving, you should be using hand signals to communicate with the other divers who are with you so that everyone is on the same page with the diving plan. Ascending is no different, and even those who are beginners in scuba diving should be able to use the hand signals required to communicate an ascent plan. Many courses for scuba diving in Florida for beginners cover the basic hand signals to convey a message for other people on the dive, so you should be proficient with this no matter your skill level.
When ascending from a dive with another diver or group, never start an ascent without their approval. Use a clear thumbs up hand signal and wait for your buddy to affirm that they know your ascent course and follow you. Buddies are wonderful for diving since you can both watch out for each other, but they only work if you can communicate.
Take Your Time
Safe Scuba Diving Ascents, If you followed my advise and given yourself plenty of time and air, you should slowly climb to the surface. Before moving, check the area above you for hazards or debris that could block your ascent. When the way is clear and other divers in your group are aware of what you are doing, you can start your climb. Many divers rush and waste energy. perform safety stops to preserve energy to get to the boat or beach; utilizing small fin kicks, you may perform a controlled ascent that is safe and doesn’t create any injuries that could affect your scuba diving career.
