Diving Buoyancy

Excerpt

Buoyancy management during scuba diving, snorkeling, or swimming represents a critical safety skill with direct implications for diver health and the surrounding environment. Ineffective buoyancy control contributes to increased air consumption, fatigue, and a higher incidence of dive-related injuries. Improper ascent or descent in the water column increases the risk of barotrauma, pulmonary hyperinflation, and air embolism, especially within the first 33 ft, where pressure changes are most pronounced due to Boyle's law. If a diver can master pressure changes in the first 66 ft (20 m) of depth, the incidence of dive-related injuries is significantly reduced. Most recreational diving takes place in this range due to light penetration from the surface and visibility. Beyond 66 ft (20 m), the changes are minimal, and the diver must rely on their equipment to determine their depth and rate of descent or ascent. Controlled buoyancy improves diver stability, reduces the likelihood of panic and disorientation, and prevents damage to marine ecosystems.