When diving from an anchored boat, when should the dive team begin their descent?

Beginning the descent while swimming against the prevailing current is a prudent practice in scuba diving from an anchored boat. This approach ensures that the dive team can make their way back to the boat more easily at the end of the dive. By descending against the current, divers reduce the risk of being swept away and maintain better control over their descent.

When divers are able to fight the current on the way down, they can use their buoyancy control more effectively, and they can pay attention to their surroundings without the added challenge of a strong current pushing them off their intended path. Once the dive team is ready to ascend, they will benefit from a return with the current, which allows for a more relaxed and efficient ascent to the surface and back to the boat. This method enhances safety and minimizes fatigue, ensuring a more enjoyable diving experience.