Although they are often fatal, scuba diving accidents can be avoided. These accidents can be avoided by learning from them, taking preventive measures to minimize them, and getting compensated if they happen. Continue reading to learn how to prevent and recover from dive accidents. You've likely heard the stories of divers who were injured in dive accidents after years of diving.
Lessons from scuba divers' mistakes
DAN recently reported that environmental factors were major contributors to scuba divers' accidents. Rapid changes in visibility could trap divers, or deprive them from air. Problems with regulators and malfunctioning rebreather units were also factors. Divers with limited experience and fitness are also at risk due to the changing currents.
The first lesson a diver should learn when diving is not to hold their breath underwater. Breathing is as simple as it seems. It helps calm nerves and concentrate the diver. Many common diving injuries can be avoided by learning to breathe properly and practicing it often. It's also important to learn how you can share air and retrieve your primary regulator. These will help you survive a dive.
Improper use of equipment and poor skills are the main causes of diving accident. These problems usually involve incorrect use of the air cylinder valves. This is a sign that a diver should consider resuming diving or abandoning the dive.
Preventive steps
Although diving is quite safe, it's important to be prepared and follow the instruction. A few simple steps can avoid minor issues from becoming major ones and lead to an incident. Training and the proper equipment will make sure you do not suffer from a decompression injury, or a life-threatening emergency.
Divers should inspect their air tanks for leakages before diving. Divers should check the valve on their air tanks before diving. A partially closed valve can stop air flow to regulators, which could cause an accident. You should slowly open the valve to stop it from closing. This procedure will prevent an overpressure, a condition that may lead to death. In addition, it can help avoid respiratory complications such as anoxia and gas narcosis.
It is important to take into account the environment you will be diving in. A diver's equipment may be pulled by turbid water. Strong underwater currents may also be able to separate a diver and the boat cover. They could end up stranded in water. In poor visibility, they may not be seen by the boat crew. Divers should also carry yellow flags to draw attention to their presence. You can also use your personal submersible EPIRB or vhf to alert others to your presence.
Compensation for accident victims
In some cases, compensation may be available for injuries sustained in a dive accident. You can get compensation depending on what type of accident occurred and how severe your injuries were. You may also be eligible to receive compensation for lost wages if you were on a commercial diving ship. To learn more about what compensation you may be eligible for, consult an experienced attorney.
If you were hurt on a diveboat, the captain may be liable. The captain may be responsible if you are injured due to alcohol consumption or negligence. If you are injured while diving, you may also be entitled to compensation if the boat was defective.