Although some scuba diving incidents are tragic, they can often be avoided. There are ways to learn from them, prevent them from happening again, and be compensated for any injuries. You can learn more about how you can prevent diving accidents and how to get help after one. After diving for several years, you have probably heard stories of people who had to get help after dive accidents.
Lessons learned from scuba diving accidents
Recent DAN reports revealed that environmental factors played a major role in the number of scuba diving accident. These factors included rapid changes in visibility that could trap divers or deprive them of air, problems with regulators, and malfunctioning rebreather devices. Changes in currents and waves pose dangers to divers who aren't physically or mentally fit.
One of the first lessons that a diver should learn is to never hold their breath while underwater. As simple as it may seem, breathing helps to calm nerves, concentrate, and connects the diver to his or her body. You can avoid many common diving injuries by practicing your breathing skills regularly. Also, learn how share air and recover your primary regulator. You will have a better chance of making it through a dive.
Improper use of equipment and poor skills are the main causes of diving accident. These problems typically involve improper use of the air and cylinder valves. If these problems occur, a diver should reconsider diving or abort the dive altogether.
Preventive measures
Scuba diving can be a very safe sport. However, it is important that you practice good preparation and follow all the instructions. A few simple steps can prevent small problems from becoming major problems and result in an accident. Training and the proper equipment will make sure you do not suffer from a decompression injury, or a life-threatening emergency.
Before diving, divers should check the valve on their air tanks. The regulator can become obstructed if the valve is partially opened. This could lead to a diving accident. When the valve stops, the diver should open it slowly. This will prevent an excessive pressure from leading to overpressure. It can also help prevent respiratory complications like anoxia or gas narcosis.
It is also important that you consider the environment in your dive area. The water may pull the equipment or fins of a diver if it is murky. In addition, strong underwater currents can separate a diver from the boat cover. These could cause them to become stranded. A poor visibility may cause the boat crew to miss them. To draw attention to themselves, divers should be wearing yellow flags. You can also use your personal submersible EPIRB or vhf to alert others to your presence.
Compensation for accident victims
Compensation may be available if you have been in an accident that involved diving. The amount of compensation you can claim will depend on the type and severity of the injury. You may also be eligible to receive compensation for lost wages if you were on a commercial diving ship. A qualified attorney should be consulted to find out more about the compensation that you could receive.
If you were injured on a dive boat, the captain of the vessel may be liable for the accident. You can sue the captain for drinking or negligence if they were at fault. If you are injured while diving, you may also be entitled to compensation if the boat was defective.