How to Avoid Risk When Scuba Diving

Scuba diving has its own unique set of risks. Decompression sickness (also called DCS or the "bends"), arterial embolisms and nitrogen narcosis are all linked to the change in pressure the body undergoes while scuba diving. Divers also risk getting cut and scraped if they come into contact with sharp metal on shipwrecks, coral, fish or other marine animals. Here are some steps to keep safe while scuba diving.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• C-card
• Mask
• Snorkel
• Fins
• Gloves
• Appropriate wet suit
• Regulator
• Compressed air tanks
• Dive tables
• Dive computer
• Timer
• Depth gauge
• Knife and sheath
• Repair kit
• First aid kit

Prepare for the Dive

1. Get a thorough physical prior to getting your scuba diving certification. Talk to your doctor about the specific health risks of scuba diving.

2. Obtain certification (C-card) from a recognized, reputable diving organization. Some include the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), the National Association of Diving Instructor (PADI), National Association of Scuba Diving Schools (NASDS), Scuba Schools International (SSI) or the YMCA.

3. Plan your dive. Study weather reports and long range forecasts. Research the area will you will be diving for risks. Each region has its own unique hazards.

4. Perform a safety check of all the dive equipment you will be using.

Stay Safe During the Dive

5. Dive with a certified Dive Master and a have a dive buddy.

6. Make a dive plan and follow it. It is easy to want explore further or deeper while diving, but stay with your original plan.

7. The appropriate wet suit and gloves are essential when scuba diving. They protect against the risk of cuts or scrapes.

8. Breathe normally while ascending slowly. Decompression sickness occurs when divers' body tissues absorb too much nitrogen from the compressed air they use. DCS can be compounded by ascending too quickly without allowing time for decompression. It can be very painful and if untreated, can result in nerve and tissue damage, and even death.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are making multiple dives, always schedule the deepest dive first. Nitrogen builds up in your system during each dive, so the risk of nitrogen narcosis increases.
• Always have a first aid kit on hand.
• Nitrogen narcosis is a feeling of drunkenness or giddiness that divers feel at deeper depths, which can lead to poor decisions, resulting in other problems. Make sure you follow proper decompression procedures.
• If you are taking any medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure that it is safe to dive.
• Don't drink alcohol before diving.
• Do not fly for 12 hours after diving, even in a pressurized airplane. Don't fly for at least 24 hours if your dive required decompression stops.

Resources

• Scuba diving information and safety.
• Scuba diving information.

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