Unfortunately, diving accidents can happen but they can be prevented. 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 diving for several years, you have probably heard stories of people who had to get help after dive accidents.
Lessons from scuba divers' mistakes
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 with limited experience and fitness are also at risk due to the changing currents.
The first lesson a diver should learn when diving is not to hold their breath underwater. Breathing helps calm nerves, focus, and connects the diver with his or her body. You can avoid many common diving injuries by practicing your breathing skills regularly. You should also learn to share air and to recover your primary regulator. You will have a better chance of making it through a dive.
Inadequate skills and improper equipment are the most common causes for diving accidents. These problems often involve improper use or cylinder valves. Divers should either reconsider diving or stop doing it altogether if these issues occur.
Preventive measures
Scuba diving can be a very safe sport. However, it is important that you practice good preparation and follow all the instructions. Simple steps can help prevent minor problems from becoming serious and leading to an accident. In addition, proper equipment and training will help ensure that you will not end up with a decompression injury or experience a life-threatening emergency.
Divers need to check their air tanks before diving. An open valve can prevent air flow and cause a diving accident. When the valve stops, the diver should open it slowly. 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. If the water is turbid, it may pull a diver's fins or equipment. Strong underwater currents may also be able to separate a diver and the boat cover. They could end up stranded in water. In poor visibility, they may not be seen by the boat crew. Divers should also carry yellow flags to draw attention to their presence. You can also use your personal submersible EPIRB or vhf to alert others to your presence.
Compensation for accident victims
When you have been injured in a dive accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation that you can claim depends on the type of accident you were involved in and how severe the injuries were. Compensation for lost wages may be available if the accident occurred while you were working on a commercial dive vessel. A qualified attorney should be consulted to find out more about the compensation that you could receive.
A captain of a dive boat could be held responsible for injuries sustained by you. If the captain was drinking alcohol or negligent, you may be able to sue him or her. If the boat is defective, you might also be entitled for compensation if your dive accident results in you being hurt.