How is 'pressure' defined in the context of diving?

In the context of diving, 'pressure' is defined as the force exerted by water on a diver, which increases with depth. As a diver descends, the weight of the water column above them increases, leading to greater pressure. This increase in pressure has critical implications for a diver, affecting not only their buoyancy and equipment but also physiological responses like gas absorption and decompression dynamics.

This understanding is essential for safe diving practices, as it informs divers about how to equalize pressure in their ears and sinuses, manage nitrogen absorption, and adhere to safe ascent rates to prevent decompression sickness. Thus, recognizing that pressure is primarily influenced by water depth is fundamental for any diver to grasp the environmental challenges they will face underwater.