What should be the primary focus in maintaining control while diving?

Maintaining control while diving is crucial for safety and overall dive performance. Focusing on breathing and ascent rate management helps divers maintain proper buoyancy and control of their movements underwater. Consistent and controlled breathing helps to regulate buoyancy and can prevent the diver from ascending too quickly, which is essential for avoiding decompression sickness.

An appropriate ascent rate is vital for allowing nitrogen to safely exit the body without causing bubbles to form in the tissues, which can lead to serious health issues. By mastering these fundamentals, divers enhance their ability to manage their position in the water column and ensure a safer dive experience. This focus on respiratory management is pivotal in keeping the diver in control, especially in varying underwater conditions.