What is the purpose of a dive plan?

The purpose of a dive plan is to outline the dive objectives, procedures, and safety measures. A well-structured dive plan serves as a comprehensive guide for divers, ensuring that everyone involved understands the goals of the dive, the specific tasks to be performed, and the protocols for safety. This plan facilitates effective communication among the dive team, reduces the risk of incidents, and helps in anticipating potential challenges that may arise during the dive. By covering essential aspects such as dive site characteristics, weather conditions, emergency procedures, and contingency plans, a thorough dive plan plays a critical role in promoting safety and successful execution of the dive.

While recording the time and depth of a dive, tracking equipment, and documenting dive locations are important aspects of the dive operation, they are not the primary purpose of a dive plan. These elements may be managed separately and are typically part of the logistical details that help execute the plan rather than the plan itself.