Although they are often fatal, scuba diving accidents can be avoided. There are ways to learn from them, prevent them from happening again, and be compensated for any injuries. Read on to learn more about preventing dive accidents and recovering from them. After many years of diving, you've probably heard about people who needed help following an accident.
Lessons from scuba divers' mistakes
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 are not physically fit or experienced also faced dangers due to changing currents and waves.
The first lesson a diver should learn when diving is not to hold their breath underwater. As simple as it may seem, breathing helps to calm nerves, concentrate, and connects the diver to his or her body. 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.
The most common causes of diving accidents are improper use of equipment and inadequate skills. 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.
Prevention measures
Although scuba diving is relatively safe, it is important to follow the instructions and practice proper preparation. Simple steps can help prevent minor problems from becoming serious and leading to an accident. You will also be able to avoid a decompression injury and other life-threatening emergencies by having the right equipment and training.
Before diving, divers should check the valve on their air tanks. An open valve can prevent air flow and cause a diving accident. Slowly open the valve until it stops. This will prevent the valve from overpressurizing, which can lead to fatalities. It can also help to avoid respiratory complications such a gas narcosis or anoxia.
It is also important to consider the environment in which you will dive. Divers' equipment and fins may be pulled if the water is too turbid. Strong underwater currents may also be able to separate a diver and the boat cover. This could leave them stranded in the water. If the visibility is poor, the boat crew may fail to notice them. In addition, divers should carry yellow flags to attract attention to themselves. 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. If you were injured while diving on a commercial ship, you could be eligible for compensation. An experienced attorney can help you learn more about the possible compensation.
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 the boat is not in good condition, you could also be eligible for compensation if you are hurt while diving.