What is the impact of a diver using cylinders filled to different pressures during a dive?

Using cylinders filled to different pressures during a dive can have serious implications, including the risk of potential fatal mistakes. This issue arises primarily from the fact that different gas pressures can lead to confusion about the amount of gas available to the diver. When a diver mixes cylinders of different pressures, they may miscalculate their consumption rates and the remaining gas supply, which can lead to an inadequate understanding of their gas management throughout the dive.

In cavern diving, where conditions can become complex rapidly, it is crucial for divers to have precise knowledge of their gas availability. If a diver mistakenly believes they have more gas than they actually do due to discrepancies in cylinder pressure, they could make critical decisions that put their safety at risk, such as ascending too late, leading to potential decompression sickness or running out of gas entirely.

Thus, the impact of using cylinders filled to different pressures underscores the importance of consistent gas management and awareness during a dive. Ensuring uniformity in the pressures of cylinders helps maintain a clear understanding of gas availability and consumption, which is vital for safe diving practices.