Since I started diving some*eighteen* years ago, I have always been fascinated with all the thrills and fun of diving- as a sport, a hobby, and as a profession. I have always enjoyed every experience shared with divers in, about and on water- and the elusive life under it. Truly, one has to be a diver to appreciate more of the planet where we live in.
But diving, as any other sport or recreation, has always been associated with risks. While during training, a student (diver) learns how to avoid such risks, each diving activity entails a different risk on itself and to the diver, even after obtaining a certification. Thus, I always tell my students and buddies that knowledge and training are among a diver’s best defenses to avoid inherent risks.
But diving, as any other sport or recreation, has always been associated with risks. While during training, a student (diver) learns how to avoid such risks, each diving activity entails a different risk on itself and to the diver, even after obtaining a certification. Thus, I always tell my students and buddies that knowledge and training are among a diver’s best defenses to avoid inherent risks.
So, while we are all humans and are therefore susceptible to accidents or uncontrolled circumstances, we always should give our 100% attention to details of safety in diving.
Below are some general safety rules in scuba diving:
1. GET PROPER TRAINING
Enroll in a scuba diving course with a recognized diving organization (i.e. PADI). “DON’T DIVE BEYOND YOUR CERTIFICATION LEVEL AND EXPERIENCE”.
2. BE IN GOOD SHAPE
A diver should have physical ability to manage diving activities, skill in basic swimming (i.e. must be comfortable in water though not necessarily be a swimmer). It is also recommended to undergo a medical or physical examination prior to the start of any diving activity. Know your physical limitations in terms of diving.
3. CHECK YOUR DIVING EQUIPMENT
Prior to the dive, check all your diving gears and equipment to make sure that all of them are functioning properly.
4. NEVER DIVE ALONE
Always dive with a buddy, stay close and keep communicating to your dive buddy to track his/her position and if everything is OK. In any event that you shall need assistance, you can easily reach out for help. NEVER DIVE ALONE. It is also a must to perform the pre-dive safety check (BWRAF – BCD – Weights – Releases – Air & Final OK) every dive.
In case something happens, follows these simple steps:
1. Stop
2. Breathe
3. Think
4. Act
5. Signal to your dive buddy for help
5. NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATHE
We learned that the number one rule in scuba diving is to never hold your breath while using scuba unit. Continuous deep slow breathing (and/or normal breathing) is recommended while using scuba unit.
6. PLAN YOUR DIVE AND DIVE YOUR PLAN
Prior to your dive, you and your buddy should know the maximum depth you will go, bottom time you'll have and how much air you should have to start ascending. Check your air supply often. You should also agree on the hand signals you will use to communicate underwater.
7. RELAX, HAVE FUN AND ENJOY
Being comfortable and relaxed underwater will definitely make a dive more fun.
8. CONTROL YOUR ASCENT
After completing a dive, ASCEND slowly – you should ascend not more than 60 ft. per minute / one foot per second to give time for nitrogen gases to be released from your body. A 3 minute safety stop at 15 ft. / 5 meters every dive is also mandatory before you ascend again slowly to the remaining 15ft.
9. PRACTICE YOUR SKILLS FROM TIME TO TIME.
Dive regularly or as much as you can. The more you dive and practice , each skill becomes second nature to you. Practice makes perfect.
There you have it. Follow the above scuba diving safety rules to greatly increase your chance of a safe and incident free dive.
After all, we are certified divers- we dive for fun and we all wish to keep on diving until we can.
by: Raul D. Ausemestre
PADI Instructor Development Course Staff
Enroll in a scuba diving course with a recognized diving organization (i.e. PADI). “DON’T DIVE BEYOND YOUR CERTIFICATION LEVEL AND EXPERIENCE”.
2. BE IN GOOD SHAPE
A diver should have physical ability to manage diving activities, skill in basic swimming (i.e. must be comfortable in water though not necessarily be a swimmer). It is also recommended to undergo a medical or physical examination prior to the start of any diving activity. Know your physical limitations in terms of diving.
3. CHECK YOUR DIVING EQUIPMENT
Prior to the dive, check all your diving gears and equipment to make sure that all of them are functioning properly.
4. NEVER DIVE ALONE
Always dive with a buddy, stay close and keep communicating to your dive buddy to track his/her position and if everything is OK. In any event that you shall need assistance, you can easily reach out for help. NEVER DIVE ALONE. It is also a must to perform the pre-dive safety check (BWRAF – BCD – Weights – Releases – Air & Final OK) every dive.
In case something happens, follows these simple steps:
1. Stop
2. Breathe
3. Think
4. Act
5. Signal to your dive buddy for help
5. NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATHE
We learned that the number one rule in scuba diving is to never hold your breath while using scuba unit. Continuous deep slow breathing (and/or normal breathing) is recommended while using scuba unit.
6. PLAN YOUR DIVE AND DIVE YOUR PLAN
Prior to your dive, you and your buddy should know the maximum depth you will go, bottom time you'll have and how much air you should have to start ascending. Check your air supply often. You should also agree on the hand signals you will use to communicate underwater.
7. RELAX, HAVE FUN AND ENJOY
Being comfortable and relaxed underwater will definitely make a dive more fun.
8. CONTROL YOUR ASCENT
After completing a dive, ASCEND slowly – you should ascend not more than 60 ft. per minute / one foot per second to give time for nitrogen gases to be released from your body. A 3 minute safety stop at 15 ft. / 5 meters every dive is also mandatory before you ascend again slowly to the remaining 15ft.
9. PRACTICE YOUR SKILLS FROM TIME TO TIME.
Dive regularly or as much as you can. The more you dive and practice , each skill becomes second nature to you. Practice makes perfect.
There you have it. Follow the above scuba diving safety rules to greatly increase your chance of a safe and incident free dive.
After all, we are certified divers- we dive for fun and we all wish to keep on diving until we can.
by: Raul D. Ausemestre
PADI Instructor Development Course Staff