What is the primary purpose of a dive site survey?

The primary purpose of a dive site survey is to assess environmental conditions. This involves gathering important information about the dive location, such as water visibility, currents, temperature, and potential hazards. By understanding these environmental factors, divers can make informed decisions that ensure safety and enhance the overall diving experience.

Assessing environmental conditions is critical for planning a safe dive, as it helps divers identify any potential risks associated with the site, such as strong currents that could impact their ability to navigate or return safely. This information is vital for making important decisions regarding dive routes, depths, and safety protocols.

While calculating dive times, determining the best entry point, and evaluating marine life are important aspects of dive planning, they are secondary elements that rely on a thorough understanding of the environmental conditions present at the dive site. Promoting safety through knowledge of these conditions takes precedence over the other considerations during a dive site survey.