emergency ascent

An emergency ascent occurs when a diver needs to ascend rapidly to the surface due to an urgent issue, such as equipment failure or a medical emergency. It involves a controlled, quick rise through the water, often staying close to the surface and exhaling continuously to avoid lung injury from rapid pressure change. While necessary in emergencies, it increases the risk of decompression sickness, so divers are trained to perform emergency ascents safely, balancing speed with safe breathing practices to minimize potential harm.