What is the primary method to prevent barotrauma while diving?

The primary method to prevent barotrauma during diving is to equalize pressure during descent. As a diver descends, the surrounding water pressure increases, which can lead to pressure differences between the air spaces in the body (such as the ears and sinuses) and the external environment. If a diver does not equalize the pressure in these air spaces, it can cause discomfort or injury, known as barotrauma.

Equalizing pressure involves techniques such as the Valsalva maneuver or the Frenzel maneuver, which help to equalize the pressure in the ears and sinuses with the increasing external pressure. By regularly equalizing during descent, divers maintain the balance of pressure and prevent injury to the delicate tissues in these areas.

While swimming slowly can be beneficial for buoyancy control and overall awareness in the water, it does not directly address the pressures affecting air spaces. Using a larger tank is unrelated to pressure equalization and does not influence the risk of barotrauma. Avoiding rapid ascents is important to prevent decompression sickness, but it does not directly prevent barotrauma during descent. Thus, equalizing pressure is the key action to take for barotrauma prevention.