Page 62 - AlertDiver_Summer2011_web

60 | SUMMER 2011

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here is a certain wanderlust among divers. Like the seafaring explorers of old, many in the diving community travel farther, dive deeper and consistently search the horizon and plumb the depths for new adventure. As a group, we are continually seeking ways to safely spend more time in the water. Since diving became a recognized endeavor for the general public, training organizations have worked diligently to provide techniques and procedures that facilitate safety and enjoyment.

Divers Alert Network® (DAN®) was founded 30 years ago with dive safety as its core mission. Over time, DAN’s reach has expanded to include research, training and a robust medical call center for divers. DAN’s services include medical referrals, consultation, evacuation assistance and repatriation. Over the course of our history, we have learned many lessons about dive safety and accident prevention. These lessons are based on our collective experience and are the synthesis of years of accident management. With time, we have noted recurring issues associated with poor outcomes, many of which were avoidable. The majority of accidents that could have been avoided are the result of multiple factors that come together in a domino effect. Our goal is to support safe practices; and the more you build safety into your travel plans and diving activities, the happier memories you will have of successful trips and the more trouble you will avoid. Let’s take a look at some dive safety basics that, while important every time you dive, are especially important when you’re away from home.

Take Care of Yourself

A critical aspect of dive safety is personal readiness. In this context, readiness encompasses health, physical conditioning,

proper skills and equipment preparation. The primary goal here is to ensure that your skills, equipment and health status are commensurate with the type of diving you plan to do and the environmental conditions you expect. Ideally, you should be fit enough to perform comfortably in the anticipated conditions, and your fitness level should provide you with a reserve in case of an emergency. Fatigue and exhaustion may lead to poor decision making and are common triggers of dive accidents. Optimal preparation for diving should include strength and cardiovascular training at least three times a week (see “Dive Fitness,” Page 24) throughout the year and fin-swimming training before the dive season. Health problems may cause accidents directly or indirectly by compromising physical fitness. DAN fields thousands of informational calls and emails every year and has an extensive referral network of dive-medicine trained physicians to help you. If you have concerns, or if your health status has changed since you last had a dive physical, please call +1-919-684-2948 or send us an email through our website, www.DAN.org , for a referral.

An easy way to decrease the risk of accidents is by keeping your gear in working order. Regulators and buoyancy compensators must be serviced annually. For those diving with rebreathers and other technical equipment, consult your manufacturer’s recommendations and have the gear evaluated regularly by a professional, especially in the event of any malfunction. For those diving in cold water, ensure your drysuits are functioning correctly — that seals are intact and valves have been regularly maintained and work perfectly. When planning a trip, consider how your skills, experience and fitness match up to environmental conditions and requirements of the dive destination.

B Y N I C H O L A S B I R D

APPLYING LESSONS LEARNED TO DIVE SAFETY BASICS

STACKING DECK THE