Alert Diver Category: Incident Insights

Proper care of injured divers means ruling out all possibilities. Read the story of a dive incident and differing diagnoses.

My first reality check as a dive professional came after a week of working with a couple. Every day they asked for private dive guides and customized support.

This incident can serve to remind all divers of the importance of self-awareness and having an emergency action plan. It is crucial to be mindful when considering symptoms. Read more.

A scheduled dive went horribly awry when the dive lost his weight belt midway through descent. Unable to find his belt, he ascending but had trouble controlling buoyancy. The uncontrolled ascent led to serious symptoms on the boat. Read more about the incident.

AS DIVERS, WE MUST take extra steps in our predive checks to ensure that our buddy has their safety and signaling equipment so we can be prepared in case of an emergency.

Days after completing some technical dives, a diver experienced hearing loss that would not stop. An unexpected diagnosis of inner-ear decompression sickness resulted in time in a hyperbaric chamber. Read more about the incident.

Triage prioritizes the most ill or injured and who would benefit most from the most prompt treatment — without sacrificing the safety of others. Read more of a dive incident that required triage practices.

AS A WILDLIFE OFFICER, I spend countless hours on the water. As an instructor for the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), I have also spent a lot of time […]

A tiny Pacific octopus surprised a diver and gave a defensive bite. The wound became infected and required treatment. Read more about the octopus incident.

It’s important to put breathing gas considerations into your dive plan. Read an incident of three divers who exercised poor gas management.