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. Learn more about how to prevent dive accidents and how to recover from them. You've likely heard the stories of divers who were injured in dive accidents after years of diving.
Lessons learned from scuba diving 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 without the right experience or fitness can also be exposed to dangers from shifting currents.
An important lesson that divers should learn is to not 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. This will improve your chances of survival during a dive.
Unskilled and incorrect equipment use are the two main causes of diving injuries. These issues are usually caused by improper use of air and cylinder valves. If you experience these problems, it is best to either reconsider your dive or cancel it entirely.
Preventive actions
Although diving is quite safe, it's important to be prepared and follow the instruction. A few simple steps can prevent small problems from becoming major problems and result in an accident. Proper equipment and training will ensure you don't suffer a decompression or other life-threatening injuries.
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. You should slowly open the valve to stop it from closing. This procedure will prevent an overpressure, a condition that may lead to death. It can also be used to prevent respiratory complications, such as anoxia (gas narcosis) and other serious conditions.
It is also important that you consider the environment in your dive area. 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. They could end up stranded in water. If the visibility is poor, the boat crew may fail to notice them. Divers should also carry yellow flags to draw attention to their presence. Divers may also use a personal submersible EPIRB, or vhf Radio to signal their presence.
Compensation for accident victims
Compensation may be available if you have been in an accident that involved diving. You may be eligible for compensation depending on the nature of the accident and the severity of the injuries. 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. If the captain was drinking alcohol or negligent, you may be able to sue him or her. If the boat is defective, you might also be entitled for compensation if your dive accident results in you being hurt.