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 StarvationRemedy

• 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

ChokingCause

• 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 SicknessRemedy

• 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

VertigoCauses

• Rapid pressure change• Improper equalization• Visibility problems• No reference point

VertigoRemedy

• Point of reference• Touch something solid

• buddy• bottom• anchor line• kelp stipe• hug yourself

• Look at bubbles

VertigoPrevention

• 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

OverweightedCause

• Too much weight

OverweightedRemedy

• Inflate B.C.• Ditch weight

• pull weight belt completely clear of body before releasing

OverweightedPrevention

• Perform buoyancy check and wear proper amount of weight

• Beginning of dive

• End of dive

Out-of-AirCause

• Equipment failure• Failure to monitor pressure gauge• Contributing factors

• Failure to monitor depth• Failure to monitor exertion

Out-of-AirPrevention

• 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

PanicCause

• 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

PanicPrevention

• 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.