Zero Visibility
Definition
Zero visibility is a dive condition where underwater visibility is completely obscured, requiring special skills and caution.
More on Zero Visibility
Zero visibility occurs when silt, plankton, or low light reduces visibility to nearly nothing. It’s common in caves, wrecks, and some inland sites. Such conditions increase the risk of disorientation, separation, and entanglement. Training for zero-vis diving involves line protocols, touch contact communication, and refined buoyancy skills. Divers must be comfortable operating by feel, relying on muscle memory and instruments rather than vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Silt-out from fin kicks, dense algae, tannins in freshwater, or diving at night without light.
Through touch contact, tugs on a guideline, or using pre-agreed tactile signals.
Only with proper training, gear, and procedures. It requires planning, redundancy, and practice.
Guideline reels, backup lights, compasses, tactile markers, and redundant air supplies.
To handle emergencies, develop situational awareness, and prepare for real-world low vis environments.