Why is it essential to monitor air consumption during a dive?

Monitoring air consumption during a dive is crucial primarily to ensure that divers have enough air for a safe ascent. Each dive has a planned depth and duration, and as divers descend, their air consumption generally increases due to higher pressures and potential physical exertion. By keeping track of how much air they are using, divers can calculate remaining air supply and determine if adjustments to their dive plan are necessary.

This monitoring allows divers to make informed decisions about their ascent, including establishing a sufficient safety margin. In scenarios where unexpected complications arise or if the dive exceeds planned limits, having accurate awareness of air supply ensures divers can make safe and timely ascents to avoid potential accidents like running out of air or decompression sickness. Thus, air consumption monitoring is a critical safety practice in diving.