Making an Emergency ascent

Except in the most desperate situations, make an emergency ascent by swimming to the surface. The possibility of becoming entangled or of striking an obstruction makes it hazardous to use positive buoyancy for ascent. Swimming to the surface gives you a better chance to avoid entanglements and to clear any obstructions. Under some conditions a large object overhead may preclude anything but swimming.

An emergency situation can become so desperate that the need to surface outweighs the need for caution. If it becomes preferable to risk entanglement or injury rather than to remain where you are, inflate the life jacket and ascend with the aid of its positive buoyancy. Bear in mind that the ascent will be very rapid. The danger of air embolism increases, and the possibility of serious injury on striking an obstruction becomes great. Use positive buoyancy ascent only in order to resolve a life-or-death situation, and no other. Whatever the means of ascent, exhale continuously throughout.

At the surface

When you reach the surface assuming you have come up by swimming inflate the life jacket. Decide whether to take off the breathing apparatus or leave it on while swimming to safety.

Your scuba becomes very heavy when it breaks the surface and loses water buoyancy, and the harness may hamper body motion. If the breathing apparatus interferes with swimming, remove the equipment and tow it to safety. Before removing your face mask, consider the hazards of unfavorable surface conditions such as whitecaps or spray.

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