When should divers abort a dive due to fatigue?

Divers should consider aborting a dive when they feel unnaturally fatigued because this level of fatigue signifies that the body is under stress and may not function optimally. When engaging in the physically demanding environment of diving, the ability to respond to various scenarios is critical for safety. Unnatural fatigue can impair decision-making, physical performance, and overall usability of diving skills, increasing the risk of accidents or incidents underwater.

Feeling mildly tired might be common after physical activity, but it does not necessarily indicate a level of fatigue that would compromise dive safety. On the other hand, the notion that divers should only abort a dive if they lose consciousness overlooks the importance of proactive safety measures. Aborting a dive solely based on extreme symptoms like unconsciousness is too late for effective intervention and places the diver in a dangerous situation.

Saying that fatigue should not affect diving undermines the recognition of personal limits and the importance of assessing one's condition before and during a dive. A responsible diver must listen to their body and take the necessary precautions to ensure safety, making the recognition of unnatural fatigue a crucial factor in dive decision-making.