What important factor should be considered when planning a dive?

When planning a dive, one of the most critical factors to consider is the dive site conditions, including currents and depth. Understanding the specific conditions at the dive site is essential for ensuring safety and a successful dive experience. Currents can significantly affect a diver's ability to navigate and return to the entry point safely; strong currents can pose challenges that require adequate training and experience to manage. Similarly, knowing the depth is crucial, as it impacts factors such as bottom time, nitrogen absorption, the need for safety stops, and potential risk for decompression sickness.

By thoroughly assessing both the current conditions and the depth, divers can plan their dives more effectively, ensuring they have the necessary experience and equipment to handle the challenges they may face during the dive. This consideration helps to ensure that divers remain within their training limits and enhances overall safety.