Why is a safety buoy important during wreck dives?

A safety buoy is crucial during wreck dives primarily because it acts as a surface marker for returning divers. When divers are underwater exploring a wreck, it's essential for them to have a clear reference point at the surface to navigate back safely. The buoy allows surface vessels and the dive team to see where divers are, facilitating better coordination and safety throughout the dive.

This visibility not only helps ensure that divers do not stray too far from their entry point but also serves another important function: it alerts other boats in the vicinity that dive activities are taking place, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents. The buoy acts as a signal, marking the dive site and protecting divers from potential collisions.

Using a safety buoy is a standard practice in diving safety procedures, particularly in environments like wrecks where visibility can be limited and navigating back to the entry point may be challenging without a visual reference.