What is the recommended safe diving distance from a hooded sonar?

The recommended safe diving distance from a hooded sonar is 600 yards. This distance is established to ensure that divers are outside the effective operational range of sonar equipment, which can interfere with communication and create safety hazards during dives. By maintaining this distance, divers can avoid potential issues such as disorientation caused by sonar signals, which may be particularly problematic in environments with limited visibility. It also protects divers from any unintentional disturbances that active sonar systems might cause, ensuring a safe and controlled dive environment.

Starting at a distance greater than 600 yards may be seen as overly cautious and potentially unnecessary in many scenarios, while starting at a lesser distance could expose divers to risk from the sonar's operational effects. Therefore, the recommendation of beginning at 600 yards balances safety with practical operational considerations.