Which of the following is NOT a physical cause of stress in diving?

Overheating underwater is not typically considered a physical cause of stress in diving. In the context of diving, physical stressors generally refer to factors that directly affect the body's physiology and immediate environment—such as issues related to equipment, environmental conditions like water temperature and visibility, or a diver's skill level impacting their ability to respond to underwater challenges.

Equipment problems create stress as they can lead to dangerous situations where divers may feel panicked or unsafe. Environmental conditions, such as currents, waves, or visibility issues, can impose significant physical stress, potentially compromising a diver’s ability to navigate and perform safely. Lack of skill is also a crucial factor; it can lead to anxiety and inadequate handling of dive scenarios, increasing the likelihood of stress when facing unexpected challenges.

In contrast, overheating is generally not an issue that divers face underwater, as the surrounding water keeps the body cool. Additionally, divers typically oversee their thermal comfort through appropriate exposure protection. Therefore, while other listed factors can lead to significant stress, overheating does not have the same direct impact on the physical aspects of diving stress.