How does poor visibility impact a diver's safety?

Poor visibility significantly impacts a diver's safety as it can lead to disorientation and increase the likelihood of accidents underwater. When visibility is limited, divers may struggle to see their surroundings, including important landmarks, fellow divers, or potential hazards. This disorientation can result in a loss of orientation, making it challenging for divers to determine their depth, direction, or proximity to the dive site.

Moreover, poor visibility can hinder a diver's ability to communicate effectively with dive partners. Non-verbal signals might not be seen, which is crucial for coordinating actions and ensuring safety throughout the dive. The inability to identify potential dangers, such as marine life or underwater structures, also adds risk, as divers may inadvertently swim into hazardous situations.

In summary, poor visibility can profoundly affect a diver's situational awareness, increase the chance of unintended accidents, and make it difficult to execute dive plans, all of which contribute to a higher risk of incidents during a dive.