What Are Diving Currents?
Ocean currents are one of the physical phenomena without which the laws of marine oceanography cannot be understood. Caused by various factors, they are underwater rivers that cleanse, oxygenate, and transport nutrients across all oceans and seas on the planet. Even small changes in ocean temperature, currents, or tides can affect the properties and marine life of the surrounding waters and coastal areas.
Due to the Earth's rotation and moving air, currents exist practically everywhere on the planet, though in coastal areas, they are often temporary and depend on other seasonal factors such as tides, coastal winds, etc. First, pay attention to these tips for shore diving.
There are different types of currents, such as swell, surface currents, vertical currents, and tidal currents... In any case, we'll provide some simple tips to help you navigate them safely and confidently.
How to "Ride" the Current and Enjoy It
To benefit from diving in currents without suffering their drawbacks, the best approach is a one-way drift dive—letting the current carry you without worrying about returning to your starting point.
Always Dive in a Group
It may seem obvious, but this is a fundamental rule for current safety. Staying visible and maintaining constant visual contact with your buddy is essential. Before entering the water, the group leader should assess water conditions and current strength. This type of dive is ideal for covering large areas, gliding along reef walls, or crossing channels between islands or straits.
Vertical currents, for example, can pull you downward or push you abruptly toward the surface. These currents are common, and understanding them is key to managing them. If caught in a downcurrent, go with the flow—it will usually weaken, allowing you to swim sideways to escape once its force diminishes.
Avoid Using Underwater Cameras
Stopping to take photos is nearly impossible, and you'll move too quickly to focus on details. Additionally, carrying bulky equipment increases drag, making swimming against the current exhausting.Avoid Decompression Dives
During drift dives, decompression stops are strongly discouraged due to the difficulty of hovering mid-water. In some cases, the boat crew may carefully deploy an anchor line for divers to hold during safety stops while drifting.
Mastering bottom profiles and this technique is crucial for safety. If unsure, use a delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB) to signal your ascent—but practice deploying it beforehand to avoid entanglement.
Use Proper Gear and Plan Ahead
Properly secured equipment is vital. A DSMB and dive watch (for tracking tidal changes) are essential. Observe marine life—it can indicate current types below.Always anticipate worsening conditions. For example, designate two exit points in case one becomes unsafe due to shifting currents.
Share Your Dive Plan with Someone on Land
Prepare a brief outline of your planned route and contingencies. If emergencies arise, having someone inform rescue teams can be lifesaving.
Most importantly: go with the flow and enjoy the experience. Fear ruins the dive—this is your chance to embrace underwater serenity.
Remember: "For some reason, when diving, stress stays on the surface."
