Low-visibility diving
Low visibility makes communication and navigation more challenging. Refine your techniques and maintain close buddy contact to stay safe.
Never lose your buddy
If visibility is very low, stay within physical reach of your buddy. Do not attempt a dive if you lack the training or experience to manage the conditions.
Buddy contact
Maintain closer contact than usual. Using a buddy line or simply keeping a hand on your buddy’s gear can prevent separation in low-visibility environments.
Practice communication frequently, using both visual signals and tactile contact if necessary.
Navigation in the dark
Rely on your compass and depth gauge more heavily. Keep track of your path, and use natural or artificial navigation marks to find your way back.
Take your time and avoid rapid movements that might stir up silt, further reducing visibility.
Controlling the environment
Good buoyancy control is even more critical in low visibility. Avoid contact with the bottom to prevent silting up the area.
If you feel uncomfortable or lose contact with your buddy, execute your training procedure for an out-of-sight situation calmly.
Dive-day checklist
Low-viz preparedness
- Check buddy line requirements
- Ensure your compass is ready
- Confirm your buoyancy skills
- Discuss close-contact procedures
- Maintain calmness throughout the dive
General guidance only. Follow your training, the dive operator’s procedures, and each manufacturer’s current instructions.
Ask the dive guide
Personal guidance for your next dive
Describe a dive scenario or an equipment-care question. The guide answers in your language and points you to relevant journal articles.
General educational guidance only. It is not medical advice, emergency instruction or a replacement for training, certification, manufacturer instructions, your operator's briefing or your dive plan.