A Guide to Scuba Diving Safety
Experience underwater adventures through safe scuba diving
Scuba diving can be one of the most enjoyable recreational sports you will ever make. However, before you start getting all excited about scuba, you have to be very well aware that scuba diving does carry its own risks.
Diving related accidents resulting in death or serious injuries are not all that rare. You may hear every now and again of such unfortunate incidents in which a diver looses his life. It makes you want to stop and think; Am I ready to risk my life to practice this recreation sports? The answer is, No. However, this should not stop you from a giving it a try. With proper care and caution, scuba diving can be a very relaxing sport. There are kids and elderly alike that enjoy this pastime without loosing their lives. Let me put this into context. Scuba diving is no more dangerous than driving a motorcycle. In fact I dare to say that today, it is more dangerous riding a motorcycle in a quiet street. But that does not stop bikers from getting on the road and enjoying their machine.
The only way forward to practice scuba diving is by applying scuba diving safety practices before, during and after each and every dive. It really is simple. You will just have to follow certain scuba diving safety rules and that is it. It doesn't take much of your time... but following these simple rules will ensure your own and your buddies' safety.
Firstly let us take a look as to why most scuba diving accidents occur. Well, according to statistics, most scuba diving deaths occur to divers who are not properly trained. Either due to not knowing how to operate their scuba equipment or because of a lack of understanding on the effects of scuba diving in deep water.
The first step you should need to do even before buying your own equipment is to get certified with a reputable certifying agency. Do not opt to get trained by a friend or an acquaintance who is not a a certified scuba instructor. Instructors are highly qualified in specialized training and skill and will provide you with the necessary scuba skills which you will not get through an unqualified person.
Physical health is another important factor. Scuba diving is a very strenuous sport. Scuba fatalities from heart or circulatory problems account for about a quarter of all scuba diving deaths. Although you do not need to be a world class athlete, You should be healthy enough to take on the physical stresses associated to scuba diving. If you are in doubt of your physical capabilities, it would be wise to undertake a physical exam before a dive.
To maintain your health, it is essential to eat right, exercise regularly and get the necessary rest before each dive.
One of the most crucial scuba diving safety rules is - never dive on your own. No matter what level of expertise you have, you should always dive with a buddy. Help given underwater even in the simplest form can make all the different between life or death. Besides it is more enjoyable to have someone to share your diving experience with rather than diving on your own.
Always go down with someone who has far more experience than you. This is especially the case if you are a beginner to scuba diving. Two or more beginner scuba divers going on their own is an ingredient for disaster. Get the necessary skills by learning from other who are more proficient. Notice the way they fin underwater, how far more relaxed and delicate their movements seem to be. Become an active diver. If you were to dive frequently, you will maintain your proficiency and will gradually build up your experiences and capabilities.
The other important scuba diving safety factor is attitude. You must be mentally prepared to start scuba. Once you started, you must not get over confident. The key in this sport is, to always maintain a mature attitude whatever your level of expertise. Many divers risk their lives by overlooking certain risks. Over-confident divers may stray away from their dive plan to explore an underwater cave. This risk can easily be avoided if the dive plan is maintained. Never stray away from the dive plan.
Remember that you are a guest in the underwater environment which is alien to the world you are normally accustomed to... There are many factors that can lead to dangerous situations. Therefore you have to always be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to react when caught up in a dangerous situation.
A key in scuba diving safety is to continue your diving education. A good diver will never stop learning. There are so many things to learn about which will give you the necessary confidence in scuba diving. It is therefore essential that you maintain your scuba skills by diving frequently. If you have not dived for quite a while ( 1 year and over) I strongly recommend that you take a refresher course to polish up your skills.
The most important factor when it comes to scuba diving safety is that you take proper care of your scuba diving equipment. Service your scuba gear at least annually and be sure to maintain any equipment in good condition. If you own scuba tanks then it is best to pressure tested them every 5 years.
For a detailed check list on scuba diving safety, check out our pre dive safety rules checklist and the during dive safety rules checklist. Both checklists consist of important scuba diving rules which will ensure that you maintain your safety before and during your dives.
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