What should divers be aware of when ascending to avoid barotrauma?

When ascending during a dive, maintaining equalization is crucial to avoiding barotrauma, which is caused by differences in pressure inside the body compared to the external environment. As a diver ascends, the pressure around them decreases, which can create a pressure differential that affects air spaces in the body, particularly in the ears, sinuses, and lungs. If these spaces are not equalized effectively, it can lead to discomfort or even injury.

Equalization techniques, such as the Valsalva maneuver or the Frenzel maneuver, help to equalize the pressure in these air-filled spaces with the external pressure. Failing to equalize properly while ascending can result in the expanding air within the body creating negative pressure, potentially causing damage.

While buoyancy control is important for a safe ascent, it does not directly address the issue of pressure equilibrium in the body's air spaces. Using alternate air sources is essential for safety in various emergency situations, but it doesn’t pertain specifically to the risk of barotrauma during an ascent. Ascending quickly is never advisable because it can actually lead to other issues, such as decompression sickness and does not mitigate the risk of barotrauma.

Therefore, the focus on maintaining equalization during the ascent is the