The dangers of scuba diving are all controllable. Scuba diving has never been safer than it is right now.
As our sport developed, we’ve been privileged with better education and more reliable technology. Of course, there are still dangers associated with diving and in order to dive safely you need to be aware of what those dangers are and where they originate.
I’d say that all scuba diving dangers come from one of three sources:1. Physical 2. Technological 3. Psychological
Let’s take a look at each one.
Dangers of Scuba Diving - Physical Sources
Physical sources of dive dangers come from the dive environment itself.
For example coral can cause scrapes, jellyfish can cause stings, and moray eels can bite.
The key to avoiding these kinds of injuries is to be aware of your environment. By exercising proper buoyancy control you can avoid scraping against the coral and by not sticking your hands in deep, dark crevices you can avoid being bit by morays, but there are physical sources of dive accidents that are a bit more subtle and more serious.
When you dive, you’re under a lot of pressure…literally.
During any given dive, a diver will be exposed to pressures 2 to 4 times what they experience at the surface. This increase in pressure allows inert gasses like nitrogen to build up in the divers system. That nitrogen build-up can lead to decompression sickness (the bends) if the diver doesn’t follow safe dive planning procedures.
The physical sources of dive dangers can be avoided by being aware of your surroundings. Make sure you know what aquatic life is around you and conduct yourself accordingly.
In addition, make sure you plan your dives in advance to prevent decompression sickness and other ailments caused by increased pressure.
Dangers of Scuba Diving - Technological Sources
These dive dangers come from equipment failure. While technology’s come a long way since the modest Aqualung, failures can still happen.
Here are some common problems to look out for:
1. Poorly Tuned Regulator - A poorly tuned regulator can free-flow uncontrollably, or worse yet, not work at all.
2. Kinks in Your Hoses - A kink in your low-pressure hoses can break during a dive causing air to leak slowly from your tank. A kink in your high-pressure can explode during a dive and cause your tank to be drained dry in a couple of minutes.
3. Broken Schrader Valve - The Schrader valve is the little thing in your BC’s inflator hose that only lets air in when you press the little button. If it breaks, your BC fills with air uncontrollably and you go to the surface like a Polaris missile.
The good news is that having your gear inspected annually can prevent all these problems. Make sure you know what to do in the event of an equipment failure.
You can use your surface time to go over scenarios with your dive buddy.
Dangers of Scuba Diving - Psychological Sources
You can be your worst enemy. Let’s say that your low-pressure inflator hose breaks underwater.
You can (a) remain calm, flag your dive buddy down, and slowly surface together; or you can (b) PANIC!!! Swim rapidly to your dive buddy and yank the regulator from his mouth.
Choice “a” averts a disaster. Choice “b” results in two dead divers.
If you find yourself getting anxious underwater, follow this formula. Stop Breathe Think Breathe Act
Taking things slow and easy should help you remain in control.
While diving is a lot safer now than it was 30 years ago, there are still dangers of scuba diving in the underwater environment.
By knowing potential sources of dive accidents and preparing yourself to deal with them, you’ll become a much safer and better diver.
