BSAC reiterates safe diving message
After recent diving incidents over the summer, BSAC is encouraging divers to ‘dive safe’ at all times.
While current evidence shows that there is no clear reason or trend for the recent diving fatalities, they are a tragic reminder of the potential dangers of scuba diving and the importance of ‘diving safe’.
As the sport’s UK governing body, BSAC has reiterated its safe diving guidance to all divers. BSAC Chairman Eugene Farrell said that while diving fatalities in the UK are low, the loss of any diver is acutely felt within the community.
“Diving fatalities often involve multiple factors rather than a single trigger or cause. As divers we can all take the some simple steps to minimise any risk and to ensure the safe enjoyment of our sport.”
How to stay safe – BSAC’s essential guide to safe diving
- Follow your training and adhere to depth and other limits in line with your diving qualification
- Keep in practice and refresh skills following any break from diving
- Gain new skills and experience progressively – practice in controlled conditions before using in open water
- Maintain your equipment, have it serviced regularly and check for faults
- Follow ‘Safe Diving’ and use common sense
- Consider the use of checklists, especially for complex dives and equipment (eg rebreathers)
- Plan and prepare for every dive and follow the plan
- Look after your personal fitness and ensure that you are up to the physical demands of the planned dive
- Be prepared to cancel or terminate a dive if you feel unhappy about conditions or problems arising
- Use an appropriate gas, especially for deeper diving to minimise the effects of narcosis
BSAC has a comprehensive A-Z guide to Safe Diving which is available for all divers to download here.
