What type of dive should you complete first to maximize your bottom time and safety margins?

To maximize your bottom time and safety margins, the best approach is to start with the shallowest dives. Shallow dives typically allow for longer durations underwater without the increased risks associated with deeper dives, such as narcosis and increased pressure. Additionally, shallower depths mean that the diver may have longer no-decompression limits, reducing the risk of decompression sickness.

Diving first at depth increases the likelihood of needing to manage deeper dive issues, such as shorter no-decompression limits and potential for increased nitrogen absorption, which complicates subsequent dives. In nighttime conditions, visibility decreases, making it harder to gauge depth and time, thus elevating risk factors. Research dives often involve specific goals and may require complex planning, which can detract from the simplicity and safety of earlier dives. Thus, starting at shallow depths sets a positive foundation for dive safety and efficiency.