Avoiding an Emergency Ascent
Step1
The most common cause of an emergency while diving is panic due to an =nfamiliar environment and the complexities of unfamiliar equipment. Novi=e divers should dive repeatedly to shallow depths (30ft) under all sorts=of conditions. Dive instruction is available from licensed dive professi=nals worldwide. You should never dive without an experienced dive buddy,=with unfamiliar equipment, or at a site you have not evaluated and resea=ched carefully.
Step2
Emergency ascents are most often the result of running out of air in y=ur tank. Modern tank and regulator systems usually have a reserve, but t=e urge to push the limits, or stay just a little bit longer has tricked =ven experienced divers into running out of air. Play it safe, watch your=pressure gauge, and adhere to the planned dive schedule.
Step3
The second most common cause of an emergency ascent is a real or perce=ved equipment failure. Always be thoroughly familiar with all your dive =quipment prior to entering the water. Always stay with your buddy during=a dive, and if an equipment failure does occur, switch to buddy breathin= (or use an octopus rig if available). Take a few moments to confirm tha= you really do have an equipment failure. If the failure is real, make a=normal ascent while buddy breathing.
Emergency Swimming Ascent
Step1
An emergency swimming ascent can be very safe. It is essentially a nor=al ascent, except presumably you are not getting any air from your tank.=You can change your rate of ascent and your buoyancy as you swim to the =urface.
Step2
Start moving towards the surface by pushing off the bottom or kicking =trongly a few times with your fins.
Step3
Continue towards the surface while swimming as calmly as possible and =aintaining a normal rate.
Step4
Look up at all times while ascending. This not only allows you to look=for obstructions or boats on the surface, it also extends your neck and =elps you keep your airway open.
Step5
Try to breath from your regulator normally as you move towards the sur=ace. The pressure drop as you rise towards the surface can give you a fe= more breaths from an empty tank.
Step6
Be ready to release your weight belt if you are not ascending at a nor=al rate.
Step7
Once on the surface, inflate your buoyancy compensator completely. Rem=ve your regulator, and signal for assistance if needed.
Emergency Buoyant Ascent
Step1
An emergency buoyant ascent is typically very rapid. You will have far=less control over your rate of ascent then with the swimming ascent desc=ibed above. This rapid ascent can expose you to the dangers of decompres=ion sickness and air embolism. The emergency buoyant ascent should be yo=r last ditch option, but it will get you to the surface and keep you the=e.
Step2
To start a buoyant ascent, inflate your buoyancy compensator and drop =our weight belt. Use your emergency inflation system if needed.
Step3
Look towards the surface to open your airway and breath out constantly= The more rapidly you are ascending, the more rapidly the air in your lu=gs will expand.
Step4
As you rise towards the surface, release air from your buoyancy compen=ator to provide some control of your ascent. With your weight belt gone =ou will rise rapidly regardless.
Step5
About 20 feet from the surface, spread your arms and arch your back un=il your body is almost parallel to the surface. This will create more dr=g and slow you down before you reach the surface.
Step6
Once on the surface, inflate your buoyancy compensator completely. Rem=ve your regulator, and signal for assistance immediately. You may feel f=ne initially, but decompression sickness symptoms may begin to affect yo= without warning.
