During a dive, how can a diver control ascent speed?

Controlling ascent speed is crucial for diver safety, particularly to avoid decompression sickness. The most effective method for managing ascent speed is through exhaling and adjusting body position. As a diver ascends, the pressure decreases, which can cause air trapped in the lungs and body tissues to expand. By exhaling, divers can release some of that expanding air, mitigating the risk of lung over-expansion injuries. Additionally, changing body position can aid in controlling ascent speed; for example, a diver might tilt their body or angle their ascent to slow down their rise.

Increasing equipment weight can lead to a faster descent rather than controlled ascent. While choosing a dive site may affect overall dive conditions, it does not directly influence ascent speed during a dive itself. In contrast, fins are primarily used for propulsion and maintaining depth, not specifically for controlling how quickly a diver ascends.