While scuba diving injuries are not uncommon, they can be prevented. It is possible to learn from these accidents, take preventive steps to avoid them, and receive compensation if you are in one. Find out how to prevent accidents from happening and how you can recover. You have likely heard of dive accident victims after diving for many years.
Lessons from scuba diver accidents
In a recent DAN report, environmental factors were a significant factor in scuba diving accidents. Rapid changes in visibility could trap divers, or deprive them from air. Problems with regulators and malfunctioning rebreather units were also factors. Divers who are not physically fit or experienced also faced dangers due to changing currents and waves.
An important lesson that divers should learn is to not hold their breath underwater. Breathing, no matter how simple it may sound, helps diver calm nerves, concentrate and connect to their bodies. 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. This will improve your chances of survival during a dive.
The most common causes of diving accidents are improper use of equipment and inadequate skills. These issues are usually caused by improper use of air and cylinder valves. If you experience these problems, it is best to either reconsider your dive or cancel it entirely.
Preventive steps
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. Training and the proper equipment will make sure you do not suffer from a decompression injury, or a life-threatening emergency.
Before diving, divers must check the valve in their air tanks. Partially open valves can cause restricted airflow to the regulator and lead to diving accidents. When the valve stops, the diver should open it slowly. This will prevent excessive pressure, which could lead to death. In addition, it can help avoid respiratory complications such as anoxia and gas narcosis.
Also, it is important to think about the environment in which your dive will take place. A diver's equipment may be pulled by turbid water. Strong underwater currents can also separate divers from the boat covers. This could leave them stranded in the water. The boat crew might not be able to see them if visibility is poor. Yellow flags are also a good idea for divers to use to draw attention to them. 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
Compensation may be available if you have been in an accident that involved diving. You can get compensation depending on what type of accident occurred and how severe your injuries were. If you were diving on a commercial dive ship, for example, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. To learn more about what compensation you may be eligible for, consult an experienced attorney.
The captain of the boat might be liable if you were hurt in a diving boat accident. You can sue the captain for drinking or negligence if they were at fault. If you are injured while diving, you may also be entitled to compensation if the boat was defective.