Which precautions should divers take when diving in cold water?

Planning dives to avoid hypothermia is essential when diving in cold water. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, which can happen quickly in cold-water environments. Therefore, divers must carefully assess their dive plans, considering factors such as water temperature, dive duration, and the thermal protection provided by wetsuits or drysuits.

It is vital for divers to know their own tolerance to cold and to plan their dives to minimize the risk of exposure. For example, divers may choose to dive for shorter periods or select shallower depths in colder waters to manage body heat retention. Additionally, understanding the symptoms of hypothermia and taking preventative measures, such as ensuring their equipment is suitable for cold water and monitoring each other's wellbeing, can further enhance safety during the dive.

While wearing warm clothing is beneficial for surface intervals or travel to and from dive sites, it is not sufficient on its own for the high demands of cold-water diving. Diving without a buddy increases risks significantly, especially in cold conditions where thermal stress can impair judgment and reaction times. Also, while it is important for divers to have adequate air supply, diving with full tanks alone does not address the specific risks associated with cold water, such as hypother