Which is a primary hazard associated with deep-sea diving?

Deep-sea diving presents unique physiological challenges, primarily due to the effects of increased pressures at greater depths. One of the significant risks divers face is nitrogen narcosis, which occurs when nitrogen, under high pressure, affects the central nervous system, leading to impaired judgment and motor coordination. This condition typically manifests at depths exceeding 30 meters (approximately 100 feet) and can be particularly dangerous since it may lead to risky decision-making during a dive.

Oxygen toxicity is another critical hazard related to deep-sea diving, resulting from elevated partial pressures of oxygen. At depths typically over 40 meters (approximately 131 feet), the risk of seizures and other serious health complications increases as the concentration of oxygen becomes toxic. This is why oxygen levels must be carefully monitored and controlled, especially when using gas mixtures.

While low visibility, water currents, prolonged exposure to cold, dehydration, and fatigue can pose risks in diving conditions, they do not carry the same immediate physiological threats found with nitrogen narcosis and oxygen toxicity at deeper depths. Understanding the specific hazards related to the pressures encountered during deep-sea dives is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of divers.