Unstable Visual Ascents — Relying on wall visuals can destabilise ascents.

Gradual Depth Creep — Lack of visual bottom reference can cause unnoticed descent.

Unsignalled Downcurrents — Downcurrents can form without visible indicators.

Thermocline Buoyancy Shift — Sharp thermoclines can cause sudden buoyancy changes.

Instant Visibility Collapse — Sediment disturbance can eliminate visibility immediately.

Late Detection of Structures — Submerged structures may only appear at very close range.

Gradual Narcosis Onset — Narcosis may develop slowly, making self-assessment unreliable.

Task Fixation at Depth — Cognitive narrowing at depth can reduce awareness of time and ascent rate.

Increased Gas Density Breathing Load — Higher gas density at depth increases work of breathing.

Bubble Trapping Under Overhangs — Rock overhangs can trap exhaled bubbles, reducing visibility and causing disorientation.

Reflected Surge Patterns — Surge reflecting off rock faces can create irregular and unpredictable water movement.

Current Funnel Effect — Narrow gaps between rocks can accelerate water flow unexpectedly.

Remote Silt Disturbance — Silt can be disturbed metres away from the source.

Rapid Stress Escalation — Stress can increase sharply when visibility or navigation degrades.

High Cognitive Load Navigation — Complex passages increase mental workload even on a line.