Wreck diving is exciting. Some of us live for that next wreck; we stay up late at night looking at photos and footage other divers have taken, and we wonder what new discoveries we might make, ourselves. Some divers like shallow, pretty coral covered wrecks, while others prefer deep, dangerous wrecks with tragic histories. No matter what kind of wreck diving you prefer, there are inherent hazards that are best avoided, and there are common mistakes that are easy to make. No bones about it; wreck diving can be treacherous. Avoid being the subject of scary tales told at dive briefings by practicing safe diving always – here are some helpful hints.
Poor Planning and Misinformation
One of the worst mistakes you can make on any dive is poor planning, and that is especially true with wreck dives. It is essential that everyone involved with a wreck dive has correct information regarding currents, and it is also important to watch out for anything that seems like erroneous information. Conditions on wrecks can change in the blink of an eye. Currents can shift, visibility can drop, and collapses can and do happen.
Lack of safety equipment can also be chalked up to poor planning. If you don’t have lines, reels, and a plan, do not make the mistake of penetrating a wreck, even one you have been inside before. Stay outside the wreck, and next time, you can bet your planning will be a lot better.
Sometimes a wreck you thought was safe to enter is not, for any number of reasons. If you think you need to abort your dive due to poor planning or misinformation, get together with your buddy, and start making your ascent as soon as possible.
Poor Physical Fitness
While it is true that just about anyone can dive, you need to be reasonably physically fit to handle conditions on many wreck dives. Do not try to kid yourself about your physical fitness level. Remember that your level of fitness has an impact on how much air you’re going to be using, and it also has an impact on how well you are going to be able to keep up with a buddy. Back in the real world, be sure to watch your weight, get plenty of cardio, and keep your physical fitness level at its peak. Always be honest with yourself about your capacity for diving at depth. In addition, be honest with yourself about the size of spaces you want to enter. Are you slim enough to pass with ease, and are you flexible enough to turn around in a tight space? If you are not sure, don’t press your luck.
Taking Unnecessary Risks
When you get your wreck diving certificate, and even in basic open water training, you are taught to be careful, always. While wreck diving, do not let your curiosity get the better of you. Don’t take risks like straying from your buddy, allowing your air supply to run low, or penetrating an area that is probably best left unexplored. You put yourself and your dive buddies at risk when you make poor decisions.
Treasure fever can often lead to unnecessary risks. If you are diving in search of artifacts of any kind, balance your excitement with a good dose of common sense. Don’t think you can go further than planned without letting your air supply drop to levels that are too low, and never allow yourself to take any risks. If you are having second thoughts about any aspect of your dive, that is your own sense of self-preservation kicking in; pay attention, and get out of the situation you are in.
Not Respecting Hazardous Marine Life
Some of the most exciting aquatic life forms can be found inhabiting wrecks. Moray eels bite, huge groupers can bowl you over, and stonefish and scorpionfish love to hide in places where you might put your hands. Fire coral can be present, and in many cases, sharks and other predators like to hunt in the same places you want to explore. Look out for marine life, and you’ll stay out of the emergency room.
Giving in to Ego
No matter how many dives you have logged, and no matter how good your accident-free record is, never give in to ego, thinking, “I can do it!” If something does not seem right, get out of the wreck. If equipment is malfunctioning, abort your dive rather than relying on what you think you know. If you make a mistake on a wreck dive and try to cover it up, that is ego as well. Tell the truth and help others to learn from mistakes you have made; you may help to prevent future diving accidents.
Panicking
If you are lost inside a wreck, or if equipment fails, the worst thing you can do is panic. If you start feeling stressed, it’s time to get out. Get your mind back to a safe state. Panicking can lead to becoming more lost or forgetting about safe procedures. Another diver can help you with air and escort you to the surface; don’t forget that the tanks strapped to your back are not the only air available. When you panic, your heart rate increases and your air consumption goes up. Focus on being methodical, running through procedures properly, and making a safe ascent.
Letting Narcosis Get the Best of You
If you are diving on nitrox, pay close attention to your state of mind and remember to give yourself frequent reality checks. Are you feeling extra-confident because you’re getting narced, or is your dive going well because you are following procedures properly? Learn to recognize the signs of nitrogen narcosis – overconfidence, a feeling of intoxication, poor coordination, and even hallucinations are just a few of them. If you even think you might be suffering from narcosis, start your ascent.
Even in shallow water, you should never do any more than poke your head into a wreck for a look around, unless you are properly trained and certified to dive in overhead environments, and unless you are equipped with redundant gas and gear appropriate to the situation. Divers die on wreck dives because of needless errors. There is no safety margin inside a wreck. Do not be the next wreck diving fatality, and don’t put anyone else at risk by making foolish mistakes. With careful planning and proper adherence to safety procedures, you’ll enjoy many wonderful wreck dives in the future.