No matter where you dive, who you dive with, or what your diving goals are, preventing accidents should be one thing that you consider, first and foremost. There is no substitute for proper training, however understanding when and how common accidents occur can increase awareness. Here are some basic tips for preventing all sorts of dive accidents that can happen in six well-known areas.
Pre-Dive Accident Prevention
Planning and proper dive briefing are the keys here. Always pack your equipment exactly the same way, and never skimp on equipment checks. Don’t dive if you have any doubts whatsoever, and listen to your instincts. They’re often right. Remember to conduct thorough buddy checks, particularly when diving with an unfamiliar buddy; but, don’t become complacent with familiar buddies, either. Remember, your life is in your buddy’s hands, and vice-versa. Always go over emergency situations, signals, and plans in the event of separation.
Preventing Problems at the Surface
Any time you are surface swimming, problems can arise, with the most common being difficulty with staying afloat. Ensure you fully inflate your BCD when you reach the surface, and always rest briefly while looking at your surroundings before beginning a surface swim. If you’re a faster swimmer than your buddy, slow down a bit so he or she can keep up easily.
Avoiding Descent Problems
Ensure you are properly weighted and be sure all equipment is in place before you hit the water, and if you are having trouble with descent, remember to check your BCD for excess air. Be sure you know how to operate your BCD before you dive. Without it, and with too much weight, you can sink out of control.
Another problem with descent is failure to equalize, which can happen when you are diving with a cold or sinus trouble, or when you are descending too quickly.
Preventing Problems During the Dive
One of the worst, and most common, problems that can happen during the course of a dive is buddy separation, which can happen any time, but which is more likely to happen when poor visibility is a factor. Always keep eye contact if possible, and if visibility is a problem, use a buddy line. Never go night diving without a buddy line, and never let anyone talk you and your buddy out of using a line if either of you think it might be necessary.
In addition, be prepared for emergencies. You should know how to breathe with your buddy, and if you are diving with a new buddy, be sure you have taken a minute to practice buddy breathing and signaling before heading out. Know how to clear your mask, and carry redundant equipment. Don’t take shortcuts, and pay attention during dive briefings. Never allow distraction to get the better of you, and remember that there is no such thing as being too cautious.
Avoiding Ascent Problems
The worst mistake you can make while ascending is making too rapid an ascent. Keep your left hand on your BCD dump valve prior to ascending, and release air as needed – you should never ascend at a rate of greater than sixty feet per minute. If safety stops are called for, do not skip them, and if a line is present, use it as intended. Once you reach the surface, take appropriate action, and take the easiest exit strategy possible.
Preventing Problems Post-Dive
After a dive, be sure to help others out of the water, and make sure everyone is accounted for. Avoid accidents by ensuring all equipment is properly stowed; this can help keep you and your equipment safe. Finally, remember to stay well hydrated and enjoy alcohol in moderation after all diving planned for the day has been completed. Monitor yourself for signs of DCS if applicable, and whatever you do, wait to fly until the appropriate amount of time has passed.
By using common sense, never skipping any steps, and following proper procedures as you were taught during diver training, you can avoid common accidents and enjoy your dives more.
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Helpful and informative