Scuba Diving Article

Survival Tips for Scuba Divers

In the early days of Scuba Diving, especially before more was known about Nitrogen Narcosis and the effects of pressure and breathing compressed air were better know, certainly their were far more Scuba related deaths and injuries then there are today. And while thanks to improvements in equipment, technology and training techniques Scuba Diving is generally considered a safe practice, and recreational diving is more popular then ever, Scuba still has some risks. But like any activity with potential hazards training and common sense are your two greatest allies.

While the Dive industry and Scuba Diving Certifying Organizations have made a concerted effort in self regulation, there are no "international" laws or standards for Scuba Diving, and while most Dive Operations are reputable and take safety seriously, there are places out there in popular Dive Locations with less then scrupulous dive shops and tour operators. Like with any thing lese - use your head - if something is too cheap or seems like a bargain, understand you get what you pay for. Renting shoddy equipment form unlicensed operators who do not require your Scuba Certifications, could cost you more then your vacation - it could cost you your life. Be sure you completely research any dive shop or dive boat tour you are considering booking, especially when booking on the Internet. One dive travel agent reports of hearing of local boys with out any training or certifications at all, who do not even speak a word of English, running Dive Boats throughout Asia.

Still even with the very best dive operators and the very best of training accidents can happen. The very elements that make the most attractive dive spots more interesting, depth, open water, a remote location, can make them intrinsically that much more dangerous. The ocean itself is still a tricky and unpredictable place - in the span of one hour - the time of most dives, the weather over certain parts of the ocean can change dramatically. Sudden storms can change calm seas to rolling nightmares seemingly instantaneously. So the best advice to Scuba Divers is to be prepared. Check and make sure all of you equipment is well maintained and operating properly. Research your Dive Operators history and qualifications before committing to a trip. Know you r own limitations and always Scuba Dive within them. Check for the safety equipment and safety procedures of any dive boat you are on. Oxygen and a first aid kit should be present, and they should have a system in place for tracking returning divers. Also check if any of the Dive Masters are on the boat are Rescue Diver Certified. Most Scuba Diving accidents occur due to entanglement, getting stuck in fish lines or netting and running out of air - always carry a dive knife, and do not try to penetrate deep into cave or wrecks without a buddy or being properly trained. Also, to avoid the remote possibility of being left behind by a dive boat, carry some type of emergency signal device - whistles, air horns, beacons or flares.

Another safety tip, you may want to consider buying travel or dive insurance, in the unlikely event that you should have an accident while Scuba Diving - your regular medical insurance may not cover it. MedEvac or Emergency Decompression can cost as much as $50,000.00.