Ten Rules For Safe Scuba Diving

As more and more swimmers rush to make plans for scuba diving this summer, did you know that deep sea diving, overhead environments, wrecks as well as using enriched air all need specialized training first?

As you’re probably aware, scuba diving can be risky, but that’s all part of the excitement and fun that comes with the sport. There are courses tailored to teach you everything you need to know about scuba diving, including the most frequent causes of accidents, and what you should do to avoid danger while underwater.

If you acquire the necessary training or even a basic understanding of how to get out of trouble, you can prevent accidents happening. So here are ten rules for scuba diving.

1. Plan your diving well

Before descending into the water, plan your diving well. Make safety your top priority. If you’re diving in a group, agree on a maximum depth and the time to take under water.   Also, be aware of lost-diver protocols and other emergency procedures.

2. Check gear and equipment

Check your gear and equipment and remind your colleagues to check theirs as well. Learn how to release your integrated weights, deploying your SMB and identifying where dump valves are placed on the BCD.

3. Dive with a guide

While getting briefed before diving, ensure you identify the lead diver who will navigate the dive site as you follow him. This will ensure you get back safely.

4. Don’t hold your breath

Holding your breath while underwater can cause serious injuries. If you keep your breath, you stop air escaping and thus expanding as you ascend and contracting as you descend. Trauma can be created to the lungs if the pressure is too high, causing air bubbles to escape into your chest cavity and system, causing death. So ensure you maintain normal breathing while underwater.

5. Dive Only in Places you Feel Comfortable

Scuba diving is meant to be enjoyable and fun so avoid getting entangled in complex routes and currents while underwater as you’ll mentally and physically need to disentangle yourself. Avoid following experienced divers deeper into the water when your gut tells you that you’re not ready. Don’t be frightened to alter your location or cancel your dive altogether when you find that conditions are making you feel uncomfortable.

6. Practice your ascents

Practice ascending slowly for one crucial reason. As you dive, nitrogen gas gets absorbed into your bloodstream (nitrogen narcosis) and needs time to dissolve as the pressure becomes lower towards the surface. A fast ascent can cause bubbles to accumulate in your blood thus cause a decompression or an illness. To be fine, try to maintain your rate of ascent to no more than 30 feet per minute.

7. Keep fit

Even though descending underwater can seem effortless and even relaxing, scuba diving is a grueling sport. As you dive in strong currents, swim for long periods and the fact that you’re also hauling gear and can get exposed to severe weather, means that you need to remain physically fit to stay safe.

8. Avoid diving alone

Diving alone can be dangerous especially if you’re not well trained and educated. Many divers who end up dying ventured for solo expeditions. Try to learn the buddy system as you train. A buddy is a support system and a real lifeline while underwater. If you’re paired with a buddy, take time to know each other before jumping into the water.

9. Don’t dive beyond limits

Each depth has a limit and according to SSI Dive Table, the authoritative manual of diving, a diver should remain no more than 50 minutes in 20 meters. After minute 51, you’re under the risk of sickness and decompression.

10. Respect marine life

Marine life was always there before humans began to dive. Remember you’re a mere guest underwater so you’ll do well to respect marine life while underwater.