When you are in an emergency while diving from a boat, you and the crew can’t waste precious moments looking for safety equipment. Whether on a day boat or liveaboard, some safety items should be readily available.
• First aid kit: Cuts and scrapes are common in recreational diving. Proper bandages are necessary for stemming bleeding, and infection possibility is always high around seawater. It is important to have the appropriate items to keep wounds clean and dry.
• Oxygen kit: You should ask to inspect the oxygen kit. All the components must be there and functioning. A missing hose or defective mask makes the kit almost useless. Check that the cylinder is full.
• Communications equipment: A simple radio may work, but if you will be far from shore, ask how the crew communicates with the main office.
• Life preservers: The boat should have at least one accessible life preserver for every person on the boat. Make sure you know where yours is.
• Fire equipment: Fire extinguishers should be available throughout the boat. Make sure you know where they are and how to use them.
• Alarms: Make sure you know the difference between the alarms. Your response to an evacuation alarm is much different than a person-overboard alarm.
• Emergency action plans (EAPs): Ask to see the EAPs and whether the crew has regularly trained with them. There should be a written plan for each possible emergency, such as a fire, abandon ship, person-overboard, and missing diver. Ensure you can carry out your part so you can assist rather than get in the way.
This equipment is useful only if the crew knows how to use it in an emergency. Ask if the crew is properly trained and certified in first aid response, use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen administration, emergency communications, and firefighting equipment. They should be able to tell you about regular training and practices for all types of emergency situations.
These measures may not prevent an incident or emergency but can change its severity.
© Alert Diver – Q3 2024