What should divers do to prepare for sudden changes in currents underwater?

The correct response emphasizes the importance of practicing emergency ascent procedures as a fundamental aspect of diver safety and preparedness. Underwater currents can change rapidly and unexpectedly, presenting a risk to divers. By being familiar with emergency ascent techniques, divers can respond effectively to sudden changes in their environment.

Practicing emergency ascent procedures ensures that divers know how to rapidly return to the surface in a controlled manner, minimizing the risk of injury from rapid ascent or potential entrapment due to the force of the current. This preparedness is vital, as it reinforces the diver's abilities to maintain control and manage potential emergencies.

In contrast, while a safety briefing and staying close to the surface can be helpful strategies, they do not specifically address the actions a diver should take in the moment of sudden current changes. Using heavier weights may seem like an intuitive solution to counteract currents, but it could lead to challenges in buoyancy control and increase the risk of a malfunction during ascent, contradicting the goal of emergency preparedness. Practicing emergency ascent procedures directly equips divers with the skills to handle unexpected situations effectively.