What should a diver do if they experience a feet first ascent?

When a diver experiences a feet first ascent, the appropriate response is to adjust buoyancy and control ascent. This approach is crucial because an uncontrolled ascent can lead to serious complications, including decompression sickness or barotrauma. By managing buoyancy, the diver can slow down their ascent rate, ensuring they rise to the surface safely.

Monitoring buoyancy means using the dry suit’s inflate and deflate mechanisms effectively to achieve neutral buoyancy. This helps the diver to stabilize their position in the water column and control any vertical movement. It’s also essential to monitor ascent speed, ideally keeping it within recommended limits (typically no faster than 30 feet per minute) to allow for safe decompression if needed.

Other options, such as panicking or holding one's breath, would likely exacerbate the situation. Using a buddy line might not be effective in controlling the ascent, as it does not address the critical need to manage buoyancy during an unexpected situation. Thus, adjusting buoyancy is the safest and most effective action for a diver experiencing a feet first ascent.