Diver Safety

[GDI]

:doctor:
In the tec diving world we use accident analysis as a means to improve diver safety. We go as far as to educate our students by discussing actual events. I know that the same is done for sport diving but not on the same level. Do you think that we should do the same? Should we be as open about diver accidents with a class of open water divers as we would be for a class of cave or trimix divers? We don't want to lose the students but we do want them to understand the inherent risks and scuba diving. We train and teach them the skills needed to survive within their level of experience and to protect the environment. We have a fairly safe record as an industry but I believe we can make it safer. Comments fellow divers

 

[MikeFerrara]

In my OW class I go through a short review of the most recent DAN report. The report shows clearly what kind of divers are most likely to get in trouble, little recent experience, poor skills, deep dives, ect. I also talk about the Gilboa accident and near misses I have witnessed and show how those divers meet the DAN profile.

If it scares them, so be it. I also show a video called "A deceptively Easy Way to Die" For those who haven't seen it the video was produced by the NSS and DSAT/PADI and it's purpose is to keep OW divers out of caves and other overhead environments. The video features Lamare Hires talking you through some accident scenarios as you watch a couple of OW divers enter a cave and get killed about three different ways. I started showing this video when I realized how many resort DM's were leading groups through wrecks without proper equipment and training. Some of these wrecks are also deep.

 

[landlocked]

Our instructor shared a couple of accidents with us and I think that it served its purpose well. So... to the point that it instills respect rather than fear I think that it is good. Specifically, every accident that I have heard about could have been avoided if the guidance that I learned in OW had been adhered to. That is a great lesson.

 

[blodal]

Just completed OW in Sept. Our instructor didn't talk about any accidents. I have read about several on this and other forums, and find them beneficial. It creates awareness of the problems that can occur, and reinforces need for skills that are taught in class. They helped to understand how really important the buddy system is, and how stupid some divers can be when they don't recognize their limitations.

I would vote for including these discussion/videos in open water classes.

Bill

 

[dotyj]

My instructor didn't talk about accidents, at least not yet.

I think it's important to be open and frank about all diver accidents. It's up to me to dive safely, but knowing ahead of time what causes accidents even in ow could be beneficial.

One of the dive mags I read has a section about accidents. I feel I'm learning a lot by seeing (reading) what not to do.

If an instructor scares away a student by discussing what can happen to that student then maybe the instructor did him/her a favor. Though driving off business isn't exactly something most people want to do.

 

[Arduous]

Sure be honest and share the accident information with the students, it could save a life. At drivers ED class, they show the students car crashes and that hasn’t stopped anyone from wanting to learn to drive…………………Arduous

 

[DiverBuoy]

Sharing a story (or two) about something tragic AND providing teaching details as to why the accident occured is important.

In drivers education the famous Aetna "Red Asphalt" video describes in detail the reason for each accident that occured, such as drinking and driving, or speeding, or wreckless dare devil driving. I believe students should be informed, when appropriate about the dangers, but when I do I am careful to provide meaning to that tragedy.

 

[Big-t-2538]

I agree that telling students about different accidents that have happened is a good way to open their eyes. however, you have to make sure you are explaining it to them (new students) in a manner that they can understand. Make sure that you are getting your point across and that you are explianing how to prepare for and prevent similar accidents in the future.