The effects of underwater currents on diver performance and safety
- Recommended Practice
- Revision 1 - November 2026
This document provides comprehensive guidance on the effects of underwater currents on divers' performance and safety, detailing the factors to consider, recommended practices, and operational limits.
Contents
Background
Aims
Application
IMCA guidelines on safe diving operations (in elevated environmental conditions)
Effects of currents on divers and diving operations
Effects of currents on the safety of diving operations
Diving supervisor
Influence of underwater currents on dive planning and operations
Risk management for diving in strong currents
Guidelines for diving in loop currents and solitons
Current monitoring
Summary
References
Appendix A – Summary of changes
Revision
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Rev. 1 - November 2026Document expanded to include loop currents, solitons and current-monitoring technologies, recognising that these factors can significantly affect dive planning, diver safety and operational decision-making
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Rev. 0.1 - December 2023Layout & bookmarking updated; no change to content
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Rev. - June 2021Revised for issue as an IMCA diving document
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Rev. - July 1987Initial publication as AODC document