In what order should a diver plan their dives if they are 45', 80', and 62'?

When planning dives, it is crucial to consider depth to manage exposure to nitrogen and avoid potential decompression sickness. The safe practice, often mentioned in diving training, is to dive deep first and then progressively move to shallower depths. This method allows the body to off-gas nitrogen safely as it ascends.

In the context of the specified depths, beginning with the deepest dive at 80 feet is appropriate, followed by the dive at 62 feet, and then concluding with the shallowest dive at 45 feet. This sequence minimizes nitrogen build-up and aligns with the physiological principles of diving, ensuring that the diver has sufficient time to off-gas nitrogen absorbed at greater depths before the next dive, which is at a reduced depth.

The other sequences do not follow this ascending order. For example, starting with the 62 or 45 feet dives first could lead to an increased risk of nitrogen retention if a deeper dive follows, which compromises the safety of the dive plan. Thus, prioritizing the deeper dive first and moving shallower is the recommended approach for dive planning.