Safe Scuba Diving & Snorkeling



Practical Issues

Bring a list of emergency numbers on your dive trip, such as the location of the nearest hyperbaric chamber, dive insurance phone numbers, and whom to contact in case of an emergency.

Bring a scuba diving emergency tool kit (this will contain spare o-rings, fin straps, fin clips, mask straps, etc., in case the part you need is not available).

Maintain your scuba gear. It is advised to have regulators serviced annually. Inspect your buoyancy compensator device prior to each dive to assure there are no holes or malfunctioning parts.

Carry a signaling device such as small mirror, whistle, or emergency surface marker. These items easily fit in a BCD pocket.

Prior to the trip make sure that your tetanus shot is up-to-date before any dive trip. Get a new shot every 10 years. See your personal doctor for immunization and health recommendations prior to foreign travel. In addition, check the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site for specific immunization requirements concerning your travel plans.

If you have a known insect sting allergy, carry an allergy kit, which contains injectable epi-pens (epinephrine, adrenaline). Make sure those with you know how to administer the epi-pen in case you are unable to do so.

Complete a course in diving first aid, CPR, or Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries. Take a well-stocked first aid kit with you.

Refresh your knowledge of the basics of scuba diving safety prior to departing on dive trips. For example be prepared by:

Observing the "no fly rules" of air travel after diving.

Know the signs and symptoms of decompression illness

Know the actions to take with a mask, ear, tooth, sinus, or gastric squeeze.
Know what actions to take in the event you are bitten by a marine animal, come in contact with fire coral, or accidentally scraped or cut on hard coral with bare skin.

Know what actions to take if you or your buddy is stung by a venomous jellyfish

On the Dive

when boat diving, observe all regulations and rules as outlined by the boat captain. Each diver should personally check-in with the captain when boarding the boat and at the end of every dive.

Avoid drugs and alcohol prior to scuba diving.

In case of serious injury:

Do not move a traumatically injured person unless absolutely necessary.
Contact emergency medical services as soon as possible.