Unfortunately, diving accidents can happen but they can be prevented. You can learn lessons from them, take preventive measures to prevent them, and get compensated if you are involved in one. Read on to learn more about preventing dive accidents and recovering from them. After years of diving, many people have heard of those who were unable to swim or were injured in an accident.
Lessons from scuba diver accidents
Recent DAN reports revealed that environmental factors played a major role in the number of scuba diving accident. These factors included rapid changes in visibility that could trap divers or deprive them of air, problems with regulators, and malfunctioning rebreather devices. Divers with limited experience and fitness are also at risk due to the changing currents.
A diver must learn that they should never hold their breath underwater. As simple as it may seem, breathing helps to calm nerves, concentrate, and connects the diver to his or her body. You can avoid many common diving injuries by practicing your breathing skills regularly. Also, learn how share air and recover your primary regulator. Ultimately, this will increase your chances of surviving 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. If these problems occur, a diver should reconsider diving or abort the dive altogether.
Preventive actions
Although diving is quite safe, it's important to be prepared and follow the instruction. It is possible to avoid small problems becoming big problems that can lead to an accident. You will also be able to avoid a decompression injury and other life-threatening emergencies by having the right equipment and training.
Before diving, divers should check the valve on their air tanks. A valve that is partially open can restrict air flow to the regulator, resulting in a diving accident. Slowly open the valve until it stops. This will prevent excessive pressure, which could lead to death. This procedure can also prevent respiratory complications such gas narcosis and anoxia.
Also, it is important to think about the environment in which your dive will take place. 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. In poor visibility, they may not be seen by the boat crew. Divers should also carry yellow flags to draw attention to their presence. To signal their presence to others on shore, divers can use an EPIRB (personal submersible emergency oxygen radio) or a vhf radio.
Compensation for accident victims
In some cases, compensation may be available for injuries sustained in a dive accident. You can get compensation depending on what type of accident occurred and how severe your injuries were. If you were injured while diving on a commercial ship, you could be eligible for compensation. For more information about the compensation available, you should consult an experienced attorney.
If you were injured on a dive boat, the captain of the vessel may be liable for the accident. You may be able sue the captain if he or she was drunk or negligent. If the boat is defective, you might also be entitled for compensation if your dive accident results in you being hurt.