Which practice is advised to prevent panic during a dive?

Practicing emergency drills and scenarios is highly effective for preventing panic during a dive. Engaging in these drills allows divers to familiarize themselves with potential emergency situations, understand how to respond, and build confidence in their abilities. This preparation helps reduce anxiety by providing divers with a clear course of action if an unexpected situation arises. When divers know what to expect and how to react, they are less likely to feel overwhelmed or panicked underwater.

While regularly checking your air supply, frequent communication with your buddy, and staying within a group are important practices for general safety and situational awareness, they do not specifically equip divers with the mental preparedness that comes from practicing emergency responses. Panic can be significantly reduced when divers are trained to handle crises, making emergency drills a crucial part of a diver's training and preparation.