What does an emergency ascent typically involve?

In an emergency ascent, the priority is often to reach the surface quickly in response to a life-threatening situation, such as running low on air or a diver feeling unwell. This urgent necessity can lead to a rapid ascent with minimal regard for normal ascent procedures.

While standard ascent protocols emphasize the importance of slow ascents, safety stops, and monitoring ascent rates to prevent conditions such as decompression sickness, emergencies can necessitate deviations from these protocols. This means that in a dire situation, divers might prioritize surfacing over procedural adherence, which can compromise safety but is crucial to addressing immediate threats to life.

It's vital for divers to understand the risks associated with emergency ascents and to train for them while still following the best practices for safety whenever possible.