What action should divers take when visibility decreases?

When visibility decreases during a dive, remaining calm and assessing the situation is crucial for ensuring safety. This approach allows divers to evaluate their surroundings and their buddy's situation without panic. Assessing the conditions may involve determining whether it's safe to continue exploring, considering noting a landmark for orientation, or planning an ascent if visibility continues to worsen.

This method fosters effective communication among buddies, allowing for clearer decision-making together. It helps divers utilize their training and adapt to changing underwater environments instead of acting impulsively, which could lead to further disorientation or unsafe situations.

While continuing the dive might seem feasible if visibility is just slightly reduced, and ascending prematurely could lead to unnecessary stress or disorientation, a calm assessment promotes careful consideration of the dive team's safety and alignment with diving protocols.