What dangers do Divers face?

[Fishkiller]

This is the first in a series of questions and thoughts

The question is a basic start in that we are taught that DCS is the main Danger facing divers, however this question goes to the non taught dangers or dangers just the same. I was never told about the low hanging branches but now know to look for them.

What other dangers are there?

 

[100days-a-year]

For 25$ DAN will send you thier findings.My biggest danger is other boat operators.The biggest danger I see to other divers is apparently Dive Charter operations,altho statistically we are pretty safe from others .Our primary danger lies betweenst our own ears.

 

[Iguana Don]

Learning about them comes from experience. It would take a class 6 months long to teach most of the dangers a diver might experience in his/her course of diving. But no amount of class can teach ALL the dangers a diver might be confronted with.

"Experience is the best teacher"

My best advice would be to: Read all you can about diving, Listen to all conversations about diving, no matter how mundane you find them, Talk with any and all divers and share your experiences and ask questions. There are no stupid questions.

The more informed you are the safer it will be.


ID

 

[Stone]

How about incorrect or outdated information as a danger?

For example: I was taught that I could ascend "no faster than my smallest bubbles." I seem to remember a "Myths" article in Rodale's that said those bubbles may be moving at 100 ft/min near the surface. That would mean an old rule of thumb might have you ascending at 3 times the current conservative rate of 30 ft/min.

 

[aquaviper]

I was suited up and waiting for my buddies to squeeze into their wetsuits. I was going to wade out a bit to get some of that arctic water in my boots to kind of acclimate myself. (water temp was 45f at the surface and bottomed out at 40f at 32 ffw)

The entry point was narrow, about 5 feet, and the viz was relatively clear. As I waded out about calf high, I stepped into an unseen hole large enough to drop one foot in past the knee.

Fortunately, all the neoprene kept my ankle and knee from flexing in non-human directions.

If I had finished gearing up, the result would most probably have been different.

Being with 2 buddies and 15 minutes from civilization, I wouldn’t call the situation dangerous. Had I been alone (which I wouldn’t do) or farther from medical help the danger could have been very real.

The moral of the story? Like mom used to say, “watch where your walking”

 

[Green_Manelishi]

dangers divers face?

Over-confidence. Not knowing limits, or if they are known, they
are ignored for fear of losing face.

DCS, etc can be avoided FOR THE MOST PART by diving smart,
safe and within your limits.

'nuff said.

Dive safe.

G_M

 

[Fishkiller]

so the Dangers that face a diver are mostly mental?? What things affect the mental state of a Diver? Would types of stress be involved? Would things abouve the water affect a person more than those that are under the water?

 

[100days-a-year]

Their buddies,I have been guilty of allowing people to dive in conditions they were un-trained for.I have seen and heard people encourage the same.Beyond the out-dated there is also a lot of plain mis-conception out there.I maintain that machismo is the #1 killer.The main cause of minor problems is probly complacency.I am at my worst when i am toooo comfortable with what I know.

 

[ages]

Don't let the passion of the hunt (be it for treasures or critters) let you forget the basics, such as the location of your buddy, watching your air supply, etc! My brass overies have got me into trouble a time or two! ages

 

[amoeba]

[Raises hand]
What's this about low hanging branches? I know to look out for them if I'm on a horse - nothing like experiance for teaching - but I can't quite figure out how it relates to scuba. Please advise.

I think complacency is a big one.

Also not knowing the local marine flora/fauna (e.g. ooh look at this weird fish - it looks just like a stone, let's prod it and see what happens) and before I get yelled at: nope never done it, never seen it and never will do it. I keep my hands to myself , gloves or no gloves.

Just my $0.02

Amoeba