What should divers do when diving in cold water or under strenuous conditions?

When diving in cold water or under strenuous conditions, divers should add an extra safety margin and stay within their limits. This principle emphasizes the importance of careful planning and awareness of one's physical and environmental conditions. Cold water can lead to hypothermia, fatigue, and impaired decision-making, making it essential to dive conservatively by allowing for extra time to respond to potential challenges.

Staying within limits ensures divers do not overexert themselves or risk accidents, especially when facing additional stressors such as low temperatures. Divers may also need to account for factors affecting their performance, such as thermal protection and dive duration, thereby reinforcing the importance of a conservative approach in these circumstances.

While minimizing dive time or using thicker wetsuits may seem relevant, these options focus more on specific responses to cold rather than the broader principle of safety and preparedness. Removing excess gear could hinder safety and does not directly address the unique challenges posed by cold water. Hence, maintaining an adequate safety margin is essential for divers to manage risks effectively in challenging dive environments.