How should divers manage air consumption during their dive?

Managing air consumption during a dive is crucial for ensuring safety and prolonging the dive duration without risking running out of air. The best practice involves regularly checking gauges and computing remaining bottom time. This proactive approach allows divers to monitor their air supply continuously and make informed decisions about their dive, such as when to ascend or adjust their planned route.

By regularly assessing the remaining air supply, divers can also account for varying depths and the effects of buoyancy, which impact air consumption rates. Additionally, monitoring air consumption patterns can help predict the duration of remaining bottom time based on current usage. This is especially important in cavern diving scenarios, where visibility may be limited, and the environment poses unique risks.

Planning and preparing for air consumption before the dive is also important, but it is not sufficient on its own. Continuous monitoring ensures that divers remain aware of their status throughout the dive, which enhances safety and allows for better management of the dive plan.

Waiting until feeling low on air before checking is not advisable, as it can lead to stressful situations and poor decision-making. Similarly, checking gauges only at the beginning of the dive does not promote the awareness necessary for safe diving practices. Regular checks combined with ongoing calculations empower divers to maintain control throughout the dive experience.