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“The mastery and
maintenance of
buoyancy control
is a journey that
never ends.”
By reducing the effort divers must
expend, excellent buoyancy skills
make diving much more comfortable
as well as safer.
also increases the risk of a potentially fatal arterial gas embolism
(AGE). The easiest way to avoid both these injuries is to learn
the best method of prevention: good buoyancy control.
Research
When reviewing dive accident reports, DAN
®
researchers look
for triggers and contributing factors. In cases where buoyancy
problems are reported, the most frequent trigger was running
out of air, and a rapid ascent the most frequent cause of
injury. Running out of air and rapid ascents may be obvious
causes of fatalities, but our analysis reveals that buoyancy
problems, a less-obvious factor, precede them in many cases.
Exceeding planned depths increases decompression
stress and creates a situation where divers consume gas
supply more quickly than planned. Being low on or out of
air is the most often reported trigger; this in turn prompts
a rapid ascent. Adequate buoyancy is an essential element
in proper gas management, and controlling depth is only
one part of this. Fewer adjustments to buoyancy reduces air
consumption, as does the reduced effort that comes from the
ability to maintain a streamlined, hydrodynamic attitude. Any
reduction in effort at depth can reduce decompression stress;
good buoyancy goes a long way to helping achieve that goal.
Another danger in reaching an unexpected deeper depth
is nitrogen narcosis. Its intoxicating effect can impair
judgment, performance and reasoning. It can also create a
sense of euphoria and, in some cases, fear. The potential for
danger when encountering nitrogen narcosis unexpectedly is
clear, as are the steps that can be taken to avoid it.
Keep it going
The mastery and maintenance of buoyancy control is a
journey that never ends. It will become second nature
after a while, but it’s important to remember how any
changes to your gear configuration can affect buoyancy
and create struggles that are easily avoided with a little
time and attention. Work through buoyancy issues before
they become problems, emergencies or fatalities. Take
advantage of workshops and buoyancy clinics offered by
dive professionals, and seek refresher training if you have
been away from diving for extended periods. These are
investments well worth the time and money.
AD
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