While scuba diving injuries are not uncommon, 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 diving for several years, you have probably heard stories of people who had to get help after dive accidents.
Lessons from scuba dive accidents
In a recent DAN report, environmental factors were a significant factor in scuba 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 with limited experience and fitness are also at risk due to the changing currents.
One of the first lessons that a diver should learn is to never hold their breath while underwater. Breathing, no matter how simple it may sound, helps diver calm nerves, concentrate and connect to their bodies. You can avoid many common diving injuries by practicing your breathing skills regularly. It's also important to learn how you can share air and retrieve your primary regulator. This will improve your chances of survival during 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. These problems can cause a diver to reconsider diving or abandon the dive.
Preventive actions
Scuba diving can be a very safe sport. However, it is important that you practice good preparation and follow all the instructions. It is possible to avoid small problems becoming big problems that can lead to an accident. Training and the proper equipment will make sure you do not suffer from a decompression injury, or a life-threatening emergency.
Before diving, divers should check the valve on their air tanks. 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 the valve from overpressurizing, which can lead to fatalities. In addition, it can help avoid respiratory complications such as anoxia and gas narcosis.
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. 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. To draw attention to themselves, divers should be wearing yellow flags. Divers can also use a personal EPIRB (emergency oxygen) submersible or vhf radio signaling their presence to shore.
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. For example, if you were a commercial diver, you might be eligible for compensation for lost wages. An experienced attorney can help you learn more about the possible compensation.
If you were injured on a dive boat, the captain of the vessel may be liable for the accident. You can sue the captain for drinking or negligence if they were at fault. If the boat is not in good condition, you could also be eligible for compensation if you are hurt while diving.