What should a diver do if they encounter a loss of visibility?

When a diver encounters a loss of visibility, the best course of action is to stay close to their buddy and navigate back. This approach maximizes safety by ensuring that both divers can maintain communication and support each other in navigating their surroundings. Staying in close proximity to a buddy can also help prevent disorientation and enable the pair to determine the best route back to a familiar area or exit point.

This option emphasizes the importance of teamwork and maintaining awareness of the dive environment, which are crucial in low visibility situations. Additionally, divers are trained to rely on their buddies for assistance and guidance, allowing for better decision-making in potentially stressful situations.

Other options may lead to risky behaviors. For instance, descending further could lead to deeper complications or increased disorientation without improving visibility. Panicking and ascending quickly can result in a variety of hazards, including decompression sickness or injury. Turning off the light may also worsen the situation, as illumination is often vital for navigation and understanding the surrounding environment.