Which safety measure helps mitigate getting lost in wrecks?

Using a guideline to track the return path is an essential safety measure in wreck diving, particularly to mitigate the risk of getting lost inside a wreck. A guideline serves as a physical reference point that divers can follow back to their entry point. It provides a clear and reliable route through potentially complex and confusing environments within a wreck, where visibility can be limited and routes may be non-linear. By following this guideline, divers can maintain orientation and ensure a safe exit, even if visibility deteriorates or they become disoriented.

This technique is especially crucial in wrecks that may have multiple compartments or areas that look similar, making it challenging to remember the way back. The guideline is typically anchored outside the wreck and leads into it, allowing divers to feel secure that they can return safely to the exit path.

Other methods may not provide the same level of certainty or security. For instance, deploying a buoy to mark the surface can help surface support personnel but does not assist divers inside the wreck. Swimming close to the walls may give some sense of direction, but it does not guarantee a straight path back to the entrance since walls can lead to dead ends. Relying on visual landmarks can be unreliable, as poor visibility can obscure these references, making it easy for