What should divers monitor to ensure gas supply is adequate?

Monitoring the pressure gauge or air-integrated dive computer is crucial for divers to ensure that their gas supply is adequate. The pressure gauge provides real-time information about the amount of breathing gas remaining in the tank, allowing divers to assess whether they have sufficient gas to safely complete their dive and return to the surface. An air-integrated dive computer takes this further by not only displaying the current pressure but also estimating the remaining dive time based on the current depth, breathing rate, and remaining gas supply. This information is vital for planning and managing dive time effectively, helping to prevent situations of running low on gas while underwater.

In contrast, while the depth gauge indicates the depth at which a diver is currently located, it does not communicate anything about the remaining gas supply. Water temperature and visibility conditions might impact comfort and safety during a dive, but they do not provide any direct information regarding the adequacy of the gas supply. Therefore, relying on a pressure gauge or dive computer is essential for safe diving practices.