Scuba Safety: Diving the Deep Blue with Care

SCUBA SAFETY Diving the Deep Blue with Care SCUBA DIVING FACTS SCUBA TIMELINE early 1700's Diving bells and large, bulky, sealed suits were developed 1940's Jacques Cousteau developed the Aqua Lung After several more decades of development and testing, the modern day recreational sport of Scuba Diving was introduced to people around the world 1960 National Association of Underwater (NAUI) Instructors was formed 1967 Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) was formed 2000's Scuba diving equipment has evolved into gear that is better, safer, lighter, streamlined, and much more comfortable to use Scuba diving is now a multi-million pound recreational family activity, and is continuing to increase in popularity at an exponential rate SCUBA INCIDENTS GOOD DIVING PRACTICE MAKE SURE YOUR DIVING DIVE AS A BUDDY PAIR KIT IS ADEQUATELY SERVICED MONITOR DIVE WITHIN LIMITS AIR (Both Physical + Training) HUMAN FACTORS THAT CAN CAUSE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WHILST DIVING 25% 39% 28% 37% 13% 9% Pre-existing Panic Fatigue Salt water Pulmonary Asthma disease aspiration barotrauma (Burst Lung) It is important that you must be fit and healthy enough to dive SCUBA SAFETY IMPORTANT DIVING SAFETY RULES DO'S DON'TS Dive as a buddy pair Hold your breath Ascend slowly (no faster than smallest exhaled bubbles) Enter overhead environments without proper training Dive within your physical capabilities Dive within your training Damage the marine environment Ensure equipment is working and fully serviced Give in to peer pressure Keep dive times within no stop limits "It's okay not to dive" Log dives for training record / memory BE SELF-RELIANT CHECK IT OUT SUIT YOURSELF Always use a checklist when packing equipment for a dive outing You need to wear all of the required equipment for the type of dive you're making STOP, BREATHE, THINK, ACT Keep calm as problem solving underwater requires a clear head KEEP YOUR DIVING SKILLS CURRENT If you haven't been diving for awhile, attend a refresher course LEARN TO SAY NO "It's the one who can make a mature decision that they should not make a dive" SAFE DIVE Self-Reliance Attitude Fitness Experience Diving Skills Involvement Variety Equipment DIVING RECOMMENDATIONS A stop in the 3 to 9msw zone for three to five Both divers in the buddy pair must follow the most conservative dive computer or dive tables minutes is recommended In the event of a problem underwater, Multiple deep dives should be planned in accordance with repetitive and deep diving procedures terminate the dive 00 280 Once a dive computer is in use, it must not be switched off until it indicates complete offgassing has occurred or 24 hours have elapsed Breathing 100 percent oxygen above water is preferred to in-water air procedures for omitted decompression Divers' attention shoud be directed to emphasis on the ancillary factors to decompression risk e.g. Health and Fitness, Dehydration ASCENT RATES shall not exceed 18 meters of sea water (msw) per minute GAS MANAGEMENT WHILST DIVING ALWAYS SURFACE WITH AT LEAST 50 BAR GAS! OUTWARD RETURN RESERVE PHASE PHASE Plan the dive, dive the plan COMMON SCUBA PROBLEMS WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON PROBLEMS OF SCUBA DIVING? SQUEEZES CUTS / SCRAPES / INJURIES most common medical problem pain in your ears caused by the difference in caused by contact with fish and other marine animals, certain species of coral and hazard pressure THE VALSALVA MANOEUVRE A method that can be used to equalize pressure in the ears during scuba diving Always perform your first Valsalva manoeuvre at the surface, before beginning your descent Pinch your nose and gently blow through your nose The resulting overpressure in your throat usually forces air up your Eustachian tubes EAR DRUM MIDDLE EAR If ears do not clear, do not force them EUSTACHIAN TUBE HOW CAN I LOWER MY RISK OF PROBLEMS? w Never try a dive you're not comfortable with Don't drink alcohol before diving Never hold your breath Never dive while taking medicine Become familiar with the underwater area and its dangers Ask your doctor how diving may affect If you become confused or afraid during a dive, STOP and calm yourself your health Never dive without a buddy If you are in pain after diving, seek medical attention immediately Always plan your dive; then always dive your plan Don't fly for 18 hours after a dive Be sure that your diving equipment is working well SOURCES: SOSCUBA. http://www.scubadiverinfo.com/2 safety.html http://www.florida-keys-guide.com/scuba-safety.html http://www.divingmedicine.info/Ch20%2034%SM10C.pdf http://www.best-scuba-diving-vacations-in-british-columbia.com/facts-about-scuba.html wwW.DIVINGDURHAM.CO.UK http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/DANS_Diving_Tips_for_the_New_Diver