Alert Diver Category: Incident Insights

During a recent dive trip to Chuuk, I really wanted to see the San Francisco Maru wreck. I never imagined, however, that I would have a near-death experience immediately upon entering the water. 

During a dive trip in Hawaii, a diver had a panic attack thinking he was running out of air after an equipment malfunction. Read more of his story.

Small, easy-to-ignore symptoms are often the first signs of decompression sickness. Read more about one diver’s incident.

I have been a fossil geek my entire life. In 2012 I moved to Charleston, South Carolina, and in the past 10 years I was able to turn a hobby into a living. Scuba diving for megalodon teeth in the nearby fossil-laden rivers, such as Cooper River, seemed like the most logical step seven years ago, and I haven’t looked back since then.

During a dive in the Solomon Islands, this diver’s regulator failed, shutting off her gas supply. Although gear failures are usually associated with improper maintenance or use, manufacturing defects are possible.

Adaptability to conditions is a must-have skill for any diver. Evaluating the appropriate dive gear and competency with basic safety protocols allow you the presence of mind to handle capricious weather.

Do you fully understand and appreciate your role as a dive buddy? Read one woman’s story about the importance of accountability after nearly injuring her future husband.

Decompression sickness and other dive-related injuries should be treated as soon as possible, so it is important to see a medical professional. Any symptoms after a dive, whether you suspect they are dive related or not, should be evaluated.

Divers who are new to drysuits need to take time to get comfortable with their gear in a safe environment. Accidents are unintentional and unplanned, but proper diligence can help increase the likelihood of a safe and successful dive.

Despite the diver’s existing symptoms, the hospital’s triage process failed to acknowledge possible decompression illness (DCI) along with the need for immediate evaluation and first aid oxygen. Read more about the diver’s story.