What precaution should be taken when divers are surfacing at night?

Staying close to a buddy while surfacing at night is crucial for safety. In low visibility conditions, like those experienced during night dives, divers can easily become disoriented or separated from their dive partners. By remaining close to a buddy, divers enhance their mutual safety, ensuring that they can assist each other in case of any difficulties or emergencies during the ascent.

In addition to providing emotional support and a level of comfort, having a buddy nearby allows for immediate assistance if one diver encounters unexpected challenges, such as an equipment problem or disorientation. Communication is also significantly more effective in this scenario, as divers can use hand signals to convey information even in dark conditions.

Other options, such as surfacing quickly, switching off dive lights, or diving alone, do not prioritize safety in the same way. Rapid ascents can lead to the risk of decompression sickness, and turning off lights can further reduce visibility and increase the chances of a dangerous situation. Diving alone contradicts the buddy system that is foundational to safe diving practices, particularly in challenging conditions like night dives.