Scuba diving accidents are unfortunate but preventable. These accidents can be avoided by learning from them, taking preventive measures to minimize them, and getting compensated if they happen. Learn more about how to prevent dive accidents and how to recover from them. After years of diving, many people have heard of those who were unable to swim or were injured in an accident.
Lessons learned from scuba diving accidents
DAN recently reported that environmental factors were major contributors to scuba divers' accidents. These factors included changes in visibility that could trap divers. Divers without the right experience or fitness can also be exposed to dangers from shifting currents.
Divers should be taught to breathe underwater. Breathing can help calm nerves, improve concentration, and connect the diver to his/her body. It is possible to avoid common diving injuries by improving your breathing technique. Also, learn how share air and recover your primary regulator. Ultimately, this will increase your chances of surviving a dive.
Improper use of equipment and poor skills are the main causes of diving accident. These problems are often caused by poor use of the air and valves. If you experience these problems, it is best to either reconsider your dive or cancel it entirely.
Preventive measures
While scuba diving can be considered a safe sport, it is essential to do your preparation properly and follow all instructions. It is possible to avoid small problems becoming big problems that can lead to an accident. Proper equipment and training will ensure you don't suffer a decompression or other life-threatening injuries.
Before diving, divers must check the valve in their air tanks. An open valve can prevent air flow and cause a diving accident. The diver should slowly open the valve until it stops. This will prevent excessive pressure, which could lead to death. In addition, it can help avoid respiratory complications such as anoxia and gas narcosis.
It is important to take into account the environment you will be diving in. Divers' equipment and fins may be pulled if the water is too turbid. Strong underwater currents could also cause a diver to be separated from their boat cover. These could cause them to become stranded. A poor visibility may cause the boat crew to miss them. 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. 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.
The captain of the dive boat may be responsible if you are injured. You can sue the captain for drinking or negligence if they were at fault. You may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained while diving if the boat is defective.