What is an essential aspect of every dive?

An essential aspect of every dive is dive planning. Effective dive planning involves assessing a variety of factors, such as the dive site, environmental conditions, the objectives of the dive, potential hazards, and the experience levels of all divers involved. It sets the framework for the dive and ensures that all participants are aware of the intended course of action, including entry and exit points, maximum depth, and the duration of the dive. By having a detailed and well-communicated dive plan, divers can reduce risks and enhance safety, making it a foundational part of any dive.

While diving technique, equipment checks, and post-dive analysis are indeed crucial components of the diving process, they typically serve as aspects that support the overall framework established during the planning phase. Without a solid dive plan, these other components may not be effectively implemented or may lack cohesion, leading to potential safety issues during the dive. Therefore, dive planning is viewed as the cornerstone of safe and enjoyable diving.