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Diving is a potentially challenging activity, but it comes with its risks, with proper training, equipment, and a safety-conscious attitude, the risks can be significantly reduced. However, accidents can always happen. Here, we share a story of a close call during a dive, highlighting the importance of diving safety.
A Dive for Life
Eugene, an experienced diver, had traveled the world and encountered various diving conditions. During a liveaboard dive in Egypt, he faced an unexpected situation. The dive had just started, and the group was descending along the famous wall of Ras Mohammed dive site Shark & Yolanda Reef. Suddenly, Eugene saw a diver below him swim quickly to his buddy and start searching for an octopus. After a few seconds, he grabbed the main regulator from his buddy’s mouth and began breathing heavily. The second diver left without a source of air and looked shocked and helpless at this time.
The two divers, at a depth of about 20 meters, had only one source of air and all the grounds for panic or a fight. Eugene swam to them as quickly as possible, holding the octopus already in front of him. The second diver immediately started breathing from it, which was the first good news. However, it was crucial to calm the divers and ensure they were breathing, maintaining their depth, and not panicking. Eugene checked the first diver’s tank and discovered that the valve was closed. He opened the valve, verified there was pressure, took a breath from the regulator to show the first diver it was working, and handed it back. This was the second piece of good news.
At this point, Eugene noticed that the second diver had a configuration with one regulator on a necklace, which stayed in his mouth when the first diver grabbed his regulator. After resolving this issue, Eugene asked the divers if they were okay and ready to continue the dive. However, the stress was too overwhelming, and both preferred to return to the surface.
Always Check Your and Your Buddy’s Equipment Before the Dive
What conclusions did the divers make on the surface?
- Everyone should have an alternative air source (octopus) in good condition and in an easily accessible location.
- Pre-dive equipment checks are crucial. Buddies should check each other’s equipment, ensuring the tank valve is open, there is sufficient gas pressure, the pressure does not drop after a breath from the regulator, the backup regulator (octopus) works well, and it is easily accessible. This simple routine is a real lifesaver.
Diving is a Team Activity
Throughout a dive, it’s important to remain aware of where your buddy is and how they’re doing. A dive buddy is essential in emergencies such as an out-of-gas situation, equipment malfunction, or entanglement. Effective underwater communication is paramount. Beyond understanding hand signals, experienced buddies might even communicate through facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact. Additionally, taking a Rescue Diver course is highly recommended for anyone planning a long and safe diving career.
Don’t Forget About Your Dive Insurance
Despite being relatively safe, diving accidents can occur. Divers often wrongly assume their travel insurance will cover diving-related incidents. Comprehensive dive insurance is crucial, offering coverage for treatments, medical experts, emergency hotlines, and assistance with getting to the nearest emergency facility or organizing travel back home.
Divers Alert Network (DAN) offers various plans tailored to divers’ needs, such as the DAN Guardian Plan, DAN Travel Insurance, and specialized insurance for dive equipment. It’s important to understand the cost and coverage of plans like DAN Dive Insurance and DAN Europe Insurance. Reviewing options such as single-trip dive insurance or short-term dive insurance ensures you are adequately protected.
Eugene’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of diving safety and proper equipment checks. Always be vigilant and ensure your and your buddy’s gear is in perfect working order before a dive. Additionally, having the right dive insurance can provide peace of mind and essential support in emergencies. Remember, diving is a team activity, and your buddy is your lifeline underwater. Prioritize safety, communication, and preparedness to enjoy the incredible experiences that diving offers