Unfortunately, diving accidents can happen but they can be prevented. It is possible to learn from these accidents, take preventive steps to avoid them, and receive compensation if you are in one. 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. Rapid changes in visibility could trap divers, or deprive them from air. Problems with regulators and malfunctioning rebreather units were also factors. Divers without the right experience or fitness can also be exposed to dangers from shifting currents.
Divers should be taught to breathe underwater. As simple as it may seem, breathing helps to calm nerves, concentrate, and connects the diver to his or 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. This will improve your chances of survival during a dive.
Unskilled and incorrect equipment use are the two main causes of diving injuries. 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 steps
Scuba diving can be a very safe sport. However, it is important that you practice good preparation and follow all the instructions. Small problems can be prevented from turning into major issues and causing 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 must make sure that the valve on their tanks is open before they dive. Partially open valves can cause restricted airflow to the regulator and lead to diving accidents. To prevent this, the diver should slowly open and close the valve until it stops. This will prevent excessive pressure, which could lead to death. It can also help prevent respiratory complications like anoxia or gas narcosis.
Also, it is important to think about the environment in which your dive will take place. A diver's equipment may be pulled by turbid water. In addition, strong underwater currents can separate a diver from the boat cover. They may be stranded underwater. A poor visibility may cause the boat crew to miss them. Divers should also carry yellow flags to draw attention to their presence. Divers can also use a personal EPIRB (emergency oxygen) submersible or vhf radio signaling their presence to shore.
Compensation for accident victims
When you have been injured in a dive accident, you may be entitled to compensation. You may be eligible for compensation depending on the nature of the accident and the severity of the injuries. 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.
If you were injured on a dive boat, the captain of the vessel may be liable for the accident. If the captain was drinking alcohol or negligent, you may be able to sue him or her. If your boat malfunctions, you may also be eligible to compensation if you are seriously injured diving.