How can divers minimize the impact of limited visibility on their dive?

The best approach to minimizing the impact of limited visibility during a dive involves diving with a buddy and sticking to familiar paths or utilizing underwater navigation tools. Operating as a team increases safety and ensures that divers can quickly assist each other in case of an issue. Familiar paths provide a sense of direction and security, while navigation tools—such as compasses—help maintain orientation, which is particularly useful when visibility is compromised.

Working closely with a buddy allows for better communication and coordination. In low visibility, visual cues become difficult to interpret, but a buddy can provide support, keeping each other attentive to their immediate environments. This collaborative approach ensures that divers can efficiently navigate and share important information throughout the dive, enhancing the overall experience and safety.

Diving alone, as suggested by one of the other choices, can significantly increase risk, particularly in low visibility conditions. Staying only near the surface limits the dive experience and may not address the challenges of visibility. Relying solely on hand signals also presents limitations, as these signals depend heavily on visual contact, which can be difficult in murky water.