Unfortunately, diving accidents can happen but they can be prevented. Learn from them and take preventive measures to reduce them. If you do get hurt, you can be compensated. Continue reading to learn how to prevent and recover from dive accidents. After years of diving, many people have heard of those who were unable to swim or were injured in an accident.
Lessons from scuba dive accidents
According to a DAN report, environmental factors are a major factor in diving accidents. These factors included sudden changes in visibility, which could trap divers and deprive them air, problems with regulators, as well as malfunctioning rebreather device. Divers who have never been diving before may be at greater risk from changing currents or 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. Many common diving injuries can be avoided by learning to breathe properly and practicing it often. It's also important to learn how you can share air and retrieve 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.
Prevention measures
Scuba diving is a relatively safe sport, but it is still important to practice proper preparation and follow instructions. It is possible to avoid small problems becoming big problems that can lead 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. The regulator can become obstructed if the valve is partially opened. This could lead to a diving accident. You should slowly open the valve to stop it from closing. This will prevent an excessive pressure from leading to overpressure. It can also help prevent respiratory complications like anoxia or gas narcosis.
It is important to take into account the environment you will be diving in. The water may pull the equipment or fins of a diver if it is murky. A diver can be pulled from the boat cover by strong underwater currents. These could cause them to become stranded. The boat crew might not be able to see them if visibility is poor. Divers should always carry yellow flags in order to attract attention. 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. If you were diving on a commercial dive ship, for example, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. A qualified attorney should be consulted to find out more about the compensation that you could receive.
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 your boat malfunctions, you may also be eligible to compensation if you are seriously injured diving.