What does dive planning involve?

Dive planning is a crucial process that encompasses a variety of factors that ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience. Preparing for the dive route and depth is integral because it allows divers to understand where they are going, what depth they will be diving to, and how these factors relate to their experience, physical condition, and the environmental conditions of the dive site.

This preparation includes establishing a clear path to follow, understanding currents, and identifying potential hazards. Additionally, by knowing the planned depth, divers can appropriately calculate their air consumption and manage their bottom time, which is essential to avoid the risks of decompression sickness.

While managing buoyancy, evaluating marine life, and planning equipment are all important considerations for a dive, they fall within the broader context of overall dive planning. Preparing for the dive's route and depth sets the foundation necessary to ensure that these other aspects are effectively integrated into the overall dive plan.