What is the first step in managing reserve gas?

The first step in managing reserve gas during a dive is to identify problems or emergencies. This is crucial because recognizing any emerging issues—such as an equipment malfunction, an unexpected current, or other potential hazards—allows the diver to make informed decisions about how to use their remaining gas supply effectively.

By identifying the problem first, divers can assess how much gas they have left, what their immediate needs are, and what actions they should take to ensure their safety. This proactive approach is essential for preventing panic and making educated choices in critical situations.

While evaluating current depth is important for understanding the dive environment and making safety assessments, it comes after recognizing that there is a problem. Swimming faster might be a response to certain situations, but it does not address the necessity of managing reserve gas effectively. Similarly, using all gas for exploration before assessing the situation could lead to dangerous outcomes, especially if an emergency arises. Therefore, the correct focus is on identifying the problem or emergency to ensure proper gas management.