Which statement is true about the physical and mental state of a diver?

The statement that the physical and mental state of a diver is a critical factor in depth limits is accurate because both aspects significantly impact a diver's performance, safety, and overall diving experience.

A diver's physical condition—including fitness level, health status, and the absence of injuries—affects their ability to handle stressors like deeper depths, increased pressure, and exertion involved in diving. For example, physical fitness can enhance a diver's endurance and ability to manage buoyancy control, which are crucial at greater depths.

Mentally, a diver’s state influences their decision-making, situational awareness, and ability to remain calm under pressure. Stress or anxiety can lead to poor judgment, potentially resulting in dangerous situations underwater. Thus, both physical and mental readiness contribute to a diver's capability to safely explore deeper environments and should be considered seriously when determining depth limits for any dive.

Other options fail to recognize the integral role of both states in diving; neglecting either can lead to negative outcomes in performance and safety during a dive.