During ascents, hold the inflate/deflate valve in your field of view so you can see if air is going in or out of your BC.

How to Ascend Safely

Power inflators were originally feared by divers who believed they would rocket them to the surface at dangerous speeds. As a result, conventional wisdom held that you should be neutrally buoyant until time to ascend, then dump all the air from your BC and swim up against negative buoyancy. Diving technique and understanding have come a long way since then. Here's the best, safest way to return to the surface at the end of a dive:

• Stay neutral throughout the ascent with buoyancy control.
• Hold your BC's inflate/deflate valve in your field of view so you can see if air is going in or out of the BC.
• Ascend slowly, 30 feet per minute or less when in water less than 60 feet, using a dive computer to monitor ascent rate.
• Pause at 15 feet to make a safety stop, but also to be sure you are under control and the surface is clear.
• Kick only to maintain your vertical position and let expanding air gently aid your ascent.