Although they are often fatal, scuba diving accidents can be avoided. It is possible to learn from these accidents, take preventive steps to avoid them, and receive compensation if you are in one. 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 diver accidents
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 who have never been diving before may be at greater risk from changing currents or waves.
A diver must learn that they should never 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. Additionally, you should learn how to rescue your primary regulator and share air. This will increase your chances to survive a dive.
Improper use of equipment and poor skills are the main causes of diving accident. These issues are usually caused by improper use of air and cylinder valves. Divers should either reconsider diving or stop doing it altogether if these issues occur.
Prevention measures
Scuba diving is a relatively safe sport, but it is still important to practice proper preparation and follow instructions. A few simple steps can avoid minor issues from becoming major ones and lead to an incident. A good training program and equipment will help you avoid serious injuries or life-threatening emergencies.
Divers need to check their air tanks 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 procedure will prevent an overpressure, a condition that may lead to death. It can also be used to prevent respiratory complications, such as anoxia (gas narcosis) and other serious conditions.
You should also consider the environment where you are going to dive. Turbid water can pull diver's equipment or fins out of the water. Strong underwater currents may also be able to separate a diver and the boat cover. They may be stranded underwater. In poor visibility, they may not be seen by the boat crew. 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
When you have been injured in a dive accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation you can claim will depend on the type and severity of the injury. You may also be eligible to receive compensation for lost wages if you were on a commercial diving ship. For more information about the compensation available, you should consult an experienced attorney.
The captain of the boat might be liable if you were hurt in a diving boat accident. The captain may be responsible if you are injured due to alcohol consumption or negligence. You may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained while diving if the boat is defective.