What role do currents play in planning a wreck dive?

Currents are a critical factor in planning a wreck dive because they significantly influence the accessibility of the dive site and the safety of divers during both entry and exit. When assessing a wreck dive, understanding the strength and direction of currents is essential as they can impact how divers approach the wreck and how they leave the water after the dive.

For example, strong currents can make it challenging for divers to reach the entry point or can complicate their return to the boat or shore, requiring careful consideration and potentially more advanced techniques such as drift diving. Divers must plan their dive with the current in mind to ensure they can safely navigate both towards and away from the wreck without putting themselves at risk.

In contrast, while some might think that currents could provide benefits, such as improving visibility, they more often stir up sediment, decreasing visibility rather than enhancing it. Additionally, deeper dives are not necessarily created due to currents; rather, they are affected by how divers can manage their position relative to the current. Overall, understanding currents is vital for a safe and successful wreck diving experience.