Should underwater lift bags be inflated at depth?

Inflating underwater lift bags at depth is considered a safe practice in diving operations, particularly when managing buoyancy and stability during lifting procedures. When a lift bag is inflated underwater, it allows divers to control the lift and avoid rapid ascents that could lead to decompression sickness or other hazards associated with quick changes in pressure.

By inflating the bag at depth, divers can ensure that the lift is more controlled and that the bag can accommodate changes in water pressure as it rises. It also aids in preventing over-expansion of the bag at the surface, which can occur if the bag is filled too much while still submerged due to the significant change in ambient pressure as the bag ascends.

This technique is essential for both the safety of the divers and the integrity of the equipment being lifted. Proper buoyancy management is a critical component of safe diving practices, especially when lifting heavy objects from great depths.