Problem Recognition and Prevention

Objectives Identify 10 potential problems for divers, and describe possible causes, preventive techniques or control techniques for each. Compare dependent and independent out of air techniques, and list out of air techniques in order of preference. Relate improper breathing to panic, and describe how to prevent or control panic. Describe 7 techniques for problem prevention.

Cramps Cause –cold –exertion –Fatigue

Cramps Remedy: –Rest How long? –Stretch How? –Familiar/comfortable with different kick techniques

Cramps Prevention –know your limits –change your kick prior to fatigue or cramps –maintain physical fitness and health –proper diet and rest prior to dive

Entanglement Cause –dangling gear

Entanglement Remedy –Buddy –Gentle movements –Knife or other cutting tool Worn where? How many?

Entanglement Prevention –Streamline gear –Save air –Global awareness

Equipment Cause –unfamiliar with proper operation –inappropriate for environment or activities –poor maintenance –poor quality

Equipment Remedy –don’t start dive –end dive

Equipment Prevention –Maintenance Post dive Service Intervals –Familiarization Controlled setting –Check prior to leaving shop or friend’s garage

Equipment –Pre-dive gear check Air Look like a Diver Low Pressure Inflator (LPI) Octopus Weight Releases Streamlined

Air Starvation Cause Overexertion Bad regulator or snorkel B.C. too tight Suit too tight

Air Starvation Remedy Rest Relax Control breathing Loosen straps or zippers

Air Starvation Prevention Know your limits Maintain your gear Gear fits –You –Environment –Activities Appropriate fitness level

Choking Cause Water in back of throat Didn’t block mouthpiece while purging regulator Didn’t clear snorkel Inhaled from snorkel or regulator before exhaling

Choking Remedy Regulator in mouth Relax Control Breathing

Choking Prevention Keep regulator or snorkel in mouth If at the surface establish positive buoyancy Block mouthpiece when purging regulator Exhale first First inhalation gentle –Almost like sipping a hot drink.

Sea Sickness Cause –Motion of the ocean Fatigue Anxiety

Sea Sickness Remedy Go under water Regulator in your mouth Fresh air Lie down Sit under a tree

Sea Sickness Prevention Holistic Approach Medication Timing Risks of medication and diving Painkillers Antihistamines Dehydration The effects of pressure Try the medication out on dry land first. Make sure you inform your dive buddy or the dive leader Rest Advanced Visualization Diet

Vertigo Causes Rapid pressure change Improper equalization Visibility problems No reference point

Vertigo Remedy Point of reference Touch something solid buddy bottom anchor line kelp stipe hug yourself Look at bubbles

Vertigo Prevention Prevention –Feet first descent, especially during the initial phase of the descent –less stress on the ears –easier to maintain orientation –Control rate of ascents and descents –Proper equalization –Establish reference points

Overweighted Cause Too much weight

Overweighted Remedy Inflate B.C. Ditch weight pull weight belt completely clear of body before releasing

Overweighted Prevention Perform buoyancy check and wear proper amount of weight Beginning of dive End of dive

Out-of-Air Cause Equipment failure Failure to monitor pressure gauge Contributing factors Failure to monitor depth Failure to monitor exertion

Out-of-Air Prevention Pay attention to –Pressure gauge –Depth –Exertion

Out-of-Air Independent Remedies/Actions: Redundant air system Emergency swimming ascent Positive buoyant ascent –The Positive Buoyant ascent should not be practiced on scuba as you risk air embolism. Bag Breathing –This skill should not be practiced as you may get bad air from BC

Out-of-Air Dependent Remedies/Actions Redundant system Octopus Breathing Buddy Breathe ****SPEED OF AIR DELIVERY IS CRITICAL****

Out-of-Air Deciding factors Equipment Depth Overhead/access to the surface Training

Panic Cause A diver in need of assistance who fails to respond rationally to specific instructions given by another diver may be experiencing PANIC! Anxiety Improper breathing – Panting Inadequate training Environmental issues Equipment issues Peer pressure

Panic Signs Panting Wide eyes Jerky movements Treading water frantically with BC inflated Unresponsive Irrational/Inappropriate actions Irrational/Inappropriate responses Personality changes

Panic Prevention Training Experience Knowledge Diving within limits and comfort zone Controlled breathing

Problem Prevention Techniques Identify/anticipate potential problems and avoid them. If a problem arises, Stop, think, and plan. Take simple direct action to resolve the problem. Control your breathing and be prepared to ditch your weight. Rest as necessary. Plan your dive and dive your plan. Dive within the limits of your training, knowledge and experience. Know your comfort zone and dive within that comfort zone.