During an emergency search for a lost diver, what method is recommended for visual search?

Conducting a 360-degree visual search is the recommended method during an emergency search for a lost diver because it maximizes the area that can be observed. This method allows searchers to thoroughly scan the surrounding environment, covering all potential areas where the diver might be located. By moving in a circular pattern and checking from all angles, the searcher increases chances of spotting the lost diver.

The effectiveness of this method comes from its comprehensive approach, ensuring that no area is overlooked. Other methods, while potentially useful, do not provide the same level of coverage or visibility. For instance, performing short dives at various depths focuses narrowly on specific spots, potentially missing the diver in between these locations. Using an underwater flashlight could enhance visibility in murky waters but does not address the need for wide-ranging observation around the searcher. Ascending directly to the surface may miss the opportunity to find the diver underwater, where they are most likely to be during an emergency situation.