What should divers do if they encounter a strong current at night?

What should divers do if they encounter a strong current at night?

• A. Ignore it and continue diving
• B. Assess and, if necessary, change the planned route
• C. Surface immediately
• D. Signal for help

Answer: (B)

When encountering a strong current at night, divers should assess the situation and, if necessary, change their planned route. This approach is crucial because strong currents can significantly affect divers' safety and navigation. Understanding how to handle currents is fundamental to safe diving practices. By assessing the current, divers can evaluate its direction and strength, which allows them to make informed decisions about whether to continue on their intended path or adjust their course to ensure safety. Adapting the planned route may involve moving to a safer area or aligning with the current to conserve energy. Ignoring the current could lead to disorientation or even potential hazards if it pulls a diver into more dangerous areas. Surfacing immediately might not be wise either; it could expose divers to risks from the surface, particularly at night when visibility is low. Signaling for help might be necessary in extreme situations, but it's not the immediate first step diverse should take when they encounter a current. Therefore, modifying the dive plan based on the current is the most prudent action to ensure safety and enjoyment during the dive.

When encountering a strong current at night, divers should assess the situation and, if necessary, change their planned route. This approach is crucial because strong currents can significantly affect divers' safety and navigation.

Understanding how to handle currents is fundamental to safe diving practices. By assessing the current, divers can evaluate its direction and strength, which allows them to make informed decisions about whether to continue on their intended path or adjust their course to ensure safety. Adapting the planned route may involve moving to a safer area or aligning with the current to conserve energy.

Ignoring the current could lead to disorientation or even potential hazards if it pulls a diver into more dangerous areas. Surfacing immediately might not be wise either; it could expose divers to risks from the surface, particularly at night when visibility is low. Signaling for help might be necessary in extreme situations, but it's not the immediate first step diverse should take when they encounter a current. Therefore, modifying the dive plan based on the current is the most prudent action to ensure safety and enjoyment during the dive.