Which factor dictates the order of logistical planning for a dive?

The order of logistical planning for a dive is primarily dictated by the dive's limiting factors. These factors include elements such as the depth of the dive, the maximum allowable bottom time based on gas management, as well as environmental conditions and potential hazards such as current, visibility, and temperature.

Understanding these limiting factors is crucial because they directly affect the safety and feasibility of the dive, influencing not only the planning of the dive criteria and objectives but also the necessary equipment, support systems, and contingency plans. If limiting factors are not thoroughly assessed and prioritized, even an experienced team may encounter unsafe situations, rendering all planning ineffective.

While the dive team's experience, dive location, and total duration are important considerations, they should be secondary to the assessment of the dive's limiting factors, as these are the elements that will ultimately dictate the parameters within which the dive must operate to ensure safety and success.