What does the term "line following" refer to in dive planning?

The term "line following" in dive planning specifically refers to maintaining contact with the guideline. This practice is crucial for navigating safely in underwater environments, particularly in caves or cavern diving scenarios where visibility can be limited and the potential for disorientation is high.

By following the guideline, divers have a reliable reference point to guide them back to the entrance or exit of the dive site. It is an essential technique that enhances safety, allowing divers to minimize the risk of becoming lost. The guideline serves as both a physical path and an important safety measure, providing assurance that divers can retrace their steps in case of an emergency or any unexpected situation underwater.

While the other concepts mentioned may play a role in overall dive planning, such as teamwork alignment or surface marker navigation, they do not encapsulate the specific procedure of "line following," which emphasizes the critical aspect of staying in contact with the safety guideline during the dive.