Emergency ascent

Emergency ascent is a critical procedure in scuba diving, used when a diver needs to return to the surface as quickly as possible due to an emergency situation. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as equipment failure, health issues, or dangerous environmental conditions.

Types of Emergency Ascents

There are several types of emergency ascents, each with its own specific procedures and risks.

Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA)

A Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA) is a method where the diver swims to the surface while exhaling continuously. This is to prevent lung over-expansion which can occur if the diver holds their breath during ascent.

Buddy Assisted Ascent

In a Buddy Assisted Ascent, the diver shares air with a buddy from a single regulator. This is typically used when one diver runs out of air. The divers remain in close contact and ascend slowly to the surface.

Emergency Buoyant Ascent

An Emergency Buoyant Ascent is when the diver drops their weights and uses their buoyancy control device to ascend rapidly to the surface. This is the last resort in an emergency situation as it carries a high risk of decompression sickness.

Risks and Prevention

Emergency ascents carry several risks, including decompression sickness, lung over-expansion injuries, and oxygen toxicity. To prevent these, divers are trained to ascend slowly, exhale continuously, and perform safety stops. Regular equipment checks and maintenance, as well as careful dive planning and adherence to dive tables or dive computers, can also help prevent situations that might require an emergency ascent.

Training

Training for emergency ascents is a critical part of any scuba diving certification program. Divers are taught the procedures for different types of emergency ascents in controlled conditions, and must demonstrate proficiency in these skills to become certified.

Emergency ascent Resources
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