Unfortunately, diving accidents can happen but they can be prevented. These accidents can be avoided by learning from them, taking preventive measures to minimize them, and getting compensated if they happen. You can learn more about how you can prevent diving accidents and how to get help after one. 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
DAN recently reported that environmental factors were major contributors to scuba divers' accidents. These factors included changes in visibility that could trap divers. Changes in currents and waves pose dangers to divers who aren't physically or mentally fit.
One of the first lessons that a diver should learn is to never hold their breath while underwater. Breathing can help calm nerves, improve concentration, and connect the diver to his/her body. Regular practice of your breathing techniques can help you avoid common diving injuries. In addition, it's essential to learn how to share air and recover 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 typically involve improper use of the air and cylinder valves. These problems can cause a diver to reconsider diving or abandon the dive.
Preventive measures
Although scuba diving is relatively safe, it is important to follow the instructions and practice proper preparation. Small problems can be prevented from turning into major issues and causing 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 must check the valve in their air tanks. A valve that is partially open can restrict air flow to the regulator, resulting in 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.
You should also consider the environment where you are going to dive. The water may pull the equipment or fins of a diver if it is murky. Strong underwater currents may also be able to separate a diver and the boat cover. They could end up stranded in water. They may not be noticed by the boat crew if the visibility is poor. Yellow flags are also a good idea for divers to use to draw attention to them. To signal their presence to others on shore, divers can use an EPIRB (personal submersible emergency oxygen radio) or a vhf radio.
Compensation for accident victims
If you are hurt in a dive accident, you might be eligible to receive compensation. 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. An experienced attorney can help you learn more about the possible compensation.
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. If you are injured while diving, you may also be entitled to compensation if the boat was defective.