What is one of the key safety principles for dive equipment configurations?

Minimizing drag is a crucial safety principle for dive equipment configurations because it directly impacts a diver's mobility and efficiency underwater. Equipment that creates significant drag can hinder movement, making it more challenging to navigate through narrow or confined spaces typically encountered in cavern diving. Reducing drag allows divers to conserve energy, maintain control, and enhance their overall safety by enabling better maneuverability.

In cavern diving, where visibility may be limited and swift escapes might be necessary, having a streamlined setup is vital. A configuration that minimizes drag helps divers to react quickly to emergencies, navigate tricky passages, and maintain buoyancy control effectively, which are all critical elements of safety in a dive environment.