When ascending with a dry suit, what action is generally recommended?

Maintaining a slow, controlled ascent while wearing a dry suit is crucial for several reasons. This approach helps to ensure the diver can manage their buoyancy effectively as they ascend. A slow ascent minimizes the risk of causing any uncontrolled buoyancy changes, which can lead to rapid ascent and potential health risks such as barotrauma or decompression sickness.

As the diver ascends, the pressure decreases, which allows the gas inside the dry suit and any trapped air pockets to expand. If the ascent is too rapid, this expansion can create excessive buoyancy, leading to a situation where the diver may ascend too quickly, risking injury. By controlling the ascent rate, the diver can release any extra air from the suit gradually, ensuring a safe and stable return to the surface.

This approach aligns with standardized diving safety procedures, which emphasize a slow ascent to allow for proper off-gassing of absorbed nitrogen, further reducing the risk of decompression sickness. Keeping the ascent controlled and steady also allows divers to monitor their surroundings, assess their buoyancy, and make necessary adjustments as needed.

Overall, adhering to the practice of a slow, controlled ascent is essential for diver safety and comfort when using a dry suit.