How to Handle Getting Caught in an Upcurrent or Downcurrent
Caught in an upcurrent or downcurrent while scuba diving? Learn how to react safely and confidently with these tips for handling vertical water movement.
SAFETY WHILE DIVING
How to Handle Getting Caught in an Upcurrent or Downcurrent
It happens fast. One minute you’re enjoying a peaceful dive, and the next, you feel yourself pulled upward—or dragged deeper—by a strong, invisible force. Upcurrents and downcurrents can take even experienced divers by surprise, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference.
Recognize the Signs Early
Vertical currents are more common near walls, drop-offs, or underwater pinnacles. If you suddenly feel like you're rising or sinking without adjusting your buoyancy, you may be in one. Sand or particles moving vertically can also be a clue. Keep an eye on your depth gauge—if it’s changing rapidly without you kicking or inflating/deflating, that’s a red flag.
Don’t Fight It—Control It
Your instinct might be to kick hard against the current, but that can waste energy and air. Instead, focus on controlling your buoyancy. If you’re in an upcurrent, release air from your BCD early and maintain a horizontal position to reduce vertical drag. If you’re in a downcurrent, add small amounts of air to your BCD—but don’t overinflate—and swim away from the wall or structure that’s creating it.
Stay Close to the Reef or Bottom
If conditions allow, move toward the reef or bottom where the current is often weaker. You can use natural features to shield yourself or grab hold of rocks (without damaging the reef). Don’t try to ascend or descend directly against the current—move horizontally to escape it first.
Monitor Your Air and Depth Closely
Strong vertical currents can cause rapid depth changes, which increase the risk of decompression sickness or overexpansion injuries. Keep a close watch on your depth gauge and stay within no-decompression limits. If you’re pulled up too quickly, perform a safety stop as soon as it’s safe to do so and alert your dive buddy or boat crew.
Practice Makes Prepared
If you’re planning a dive where vertical currents are common—like in Palau or the Maldives—get familiar with your buoyancy skills ahead of time. Consider diving with a guide who knows the area and can brief you on specific sites and conditions.
Stay Calm and Think Through It
The most important tool you have is your training and composure. Panicking will only make the situation worse. Stay calm, signal your buddy, and work together to stabilize your depth. Upcurrents and downcurrents are part of the ocean’s dynamic nature—but with the right preparation, they don’t have to be dangerous.
Happy and safe diving,
The ScubaBlast Team
Divers Alert Network. (n.d.). Managing Unpredictable Currents. https://dan.org/health-medicine/health-resources/dive-safety/handling-strong-currents/
PADI. (2022). Dealing with Upcurrents and Downcurrents. https://www.padi.com/articles/upcurrents-downcurrents-how-to-handle
Scuba Diver Life. (2017). What to Do When Caught in a Downcurrent. https://scubadiverlife.com/what-to-do-when-caught-in-downcurrent/