Final answer:
It is true that divers should not enter the water from a boat until signaled by the crew, as this ensures safety during drift diving. Divers should also be aware of diving practices and environmental protection measures. Recognizing signs of someone in distress underwater may not always be clear, highlighting the importance of vigilance and informed diving behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, especially when drift diving, it is important to never enter the water from a boat until signaled by the crew to do so. Adhering to this principle ensures the safety of the divers and is part of the standard diving practices. Divers should pay attention to the crew's signals as well as adhere to safety measures which include being aware of the condition of both diving equipment and the environment they are diving in. Aside from waiting for the appropriate signal to dive, it's crucial to respect "no diving" signs, as diving in shallow waters can lead to potentially severe injuries to the nervous system.
Diving practices also include myths that need to be dispelled, such as the one that implies you can easily recognize a drowning person by their cries for help or arm waving. Often, a drowning person cannot shout and may not be able to wave their arms effectively. Therefore, divers should be vigilant and informed to recognize signs of someone in distress.
To help protect marine environments like Maryland waters, divers can take actionable steps such as removing plant debris from equipment, draining all water-containing compartments on boats, and thoroughly rinsing gear. Equally, understanding aspects of scuba diving such as buoyancy, pressure equalization, and diving duration, as highlighted by the information referring to the Great Barrier Reef and Caribbean diving, is important to avoid the risks associated with pressurized gases in the body.