What are the implications of limited visibility on navigation?

Limited visibility significantly impacts navigation, primarily due to the increased risk of disorientation. When divers are in environments with reduced visibility—such as murky waters or at night—elements that normally aid in navigating become obscured. Familiar landmarks and orientation cues may not be visible, making it difficult for divers to maintain a sense of direction or position in the water. This disorientation can lead to divers becoming lost or veering off their intended course.

Being aware of this risk encourages divers to adopt additional navigation techniques, such as using a compass or conducting buddy checks, to enhance their situational awareness even when visibility is poor. The other factors related to limited visibility, such as hazards or equipment checks, while important, do not directly address the fundamental challenge of maintaining the right orientation and direction in the absence of visual cues.