What is the role of a dive leader or dive master in wreck diving?

The role of a dive leader or dive master in wreck diving is to oversee the dive, ensure safety protocols are followed, and provide guidance to all divers involved. This responsibility includes conducting briefings before the dive to go over the dive plan, communicating important safety information, and monitoring the divers both during descent and ascent to ensure compliance with safety practices.

In wreck diving, where there may be unique hazards such as entanglement, limited visibility, or structural instability, the dive leader plays a critical role in maintaining safety and enhancing the overall experience by keeping divers informed and safe. They may also assist in navigation around the wreck and managing diver interaction with the site, ensuring that the integrity of the wreck is preserved and that environmental guidelines are followed.

The other options represent activities that diver leaders are generally not responsible for. Taking photographs is typically done by individual divers or designated photographers. Collecting artifacts is often prohibited to protect the wreck and its historical value, while preparing meals is unrelated to the dive leader's role, which focuses more on safety and guidance during the diving activity itself.