What is the most common cause of diver difficulties or incidents?

The most common cause of diver difficulties or incidents is typically an error in judgment. Divers often face challenging situations that necessitate quick thinking and decision-making, and the pressure of being underwater can affect clarity of thought. Situations may include miscalculating dive plans, ignoring warning signs like failing equipment or signs of fatigue, or underestimating the risks associated with an environment, such as poor visibility or strong currents.

Choosing to dive beyond one's training or experience level, or failing to adhere to established safety protocols, can lead to unsafe situations. Awareness of one’s limits and the ability to assess the environment accurately is crucial for safe diving practices. Recognizing these human factors emphasizes the importance of training and preparation, as these can significantly mitigate risks and enhance a diver's overall experience underwater.

Other options, while they can contribute to incidents, are less common than errors in judgment made by divers themselves. Deep ocean currents can certainly pose dangers, but they are often accounted for in dive planning. Marine life incidents are relatively rare and typically avoidable with proper knowledge and training. Faulty equipment can lead to serious problems, but divers are generally trained to inspect and maintain their gear to prevent these scenarios.