Although they are often fatal, scuba diving accidents can be avoided. Learn from them and take preventive measures to reduce them. If you do get hurt, you can be compensated. You can learn more about how you can prevent diving accidents and how to get help after one. You've likely heard the stories of divers who were injured in dive accidents after years of diving.
Lessons from scuba dive accidents
According to a DAN report, environmental factors are a major factor in diving accidents. These factors included changes in visibility that could trap divers. Divers who have never been diving before may be at greater risk from changing currents or waves.
Divers should be taught to breathe underwater. Breathing is as simple as it seems. It helps calm nerves and concentrate the diver. It is possible to avoid common diving injuries by improving your breathing technique. It's also important to learn how you can share air and retrieve your primary regulator. You will have a better chance of making it through a dive.
Poor skills and inadequacy of equipment are two of the leading causes of diving accidents. These problems usually involve incorrect use of the air cylinder valves. Divers should either reconsider diving or stop doing it altogether if these issues occur.
Prevention measures
Scuba diving can be a very safe sport. However, it is important that you practice good preparation and follow all the instructions. It is possible to avoid small problems becoming big problems that can lead to an accident. In addition, proper equipment and training will help ensure that you will not end up with a decompression injury or experience 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. The diver should slowly open the valve until it stops. This will prevent the valve from overpressurizing, which can lead to fatalities. It can also help prevent respiratory complications like anoxia or gas narcosis.
You should also consider the environment where you are going to dive. If the water is turbid, it may pull a diver's fins or equipment. Strong underwater currents can also separate divers from the boat covers. These could cause them to become stranded. In poor visibility, they may not be seen by the boat crew. Divers should also carry yellow flags to draw attention to their presence. They can also use a personal submersible EPIRB (emergency oxygen) or vhf radio to signal their presence to those on shore.
Compensation for accident victims
In some cases, compensation may be available for injuries sustained in a dive accident. The type of accident that occurred and the extent of your injuries will determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to. If you were diving on a commercial dive ship, for example, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. An experienced attorney can help you learn more about the possible compensation.
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 your boat malfunctions, you may also be eligible to compensation if you are seriously injured diving.