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. Learn more about how to prevent dive accidents and how to recover from them. After years of diving, many people have heard of those who were unable to swim or were injured in an accident.
Lessons from scuba divers' mistakes
In a recent DAN report, environmental factors were a significant factor in scuba 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.
A diver must learn that they should never hold their breath underwater. Breathing can help calm nerves, improve concentration, and connect the diver to his/her body. By practicing your breathing skills frequently, you can prevent many common diving injuries. Additionally, you should learn how to rescue your primary regulator and share air. 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. If these problems occur, a diver should reconsider diving or abort the dive altogether.
Preventive measures
While scuba diving can be considered a safe sport, it is essential to do your preparation properly and follow all 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 should inspect their air tanks for leakages before diving. The regulator can become obstructed if the valve is partially opened. This could lead to a diving accident. When the valve stops, the diver should open it slowly. This will prevent an excessive pressure from leading to overpressure. This procedure can also prevent respiratory complications such gas narcosis and anoxia.
It is also important to consider the environment in which you will dive. Turbid water can pull diver's equipment or fins out of the water. Strong underwater currents can also separate divers from the boat covers. This could result in them being stranded on the water. The boat crew might not be able to see them if visibility is poor. To draw attention to themselves, divers should be wearing yellow flags. You can also use your personal submersible EPIRB or vhf to alert others to your presence.
Compensation for accident victims
You may be eligible for compensation if you are injured in a diving accident. The type of accident that occurred and the extent of your injuries will determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to. You may also be eligible to receive compensation for lost wages if you were on a commercial diving ship. You should contact an experienced attorney to learn more about the compensation you can receive.
A captain of a dive boat could be held responsible for injuries sustained by you. You may be able sue the captain if he or she was drunk or negligent. You may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained while diving if the boat is defective.