Incident Insights

Learning from your own mistakes and misfortunes is crucial, but don’t miss the opportunity to learn from others’.

DAN has maintained a diving incident database since 1989. Originally limited to scuba diving incidents, it now includes open-circuit scuba, breath-hold and rebreather incidents. We collect, analyze, anonymize and publish this data in the DAN Annual Diving Reports and in these insights for the benefit of the diving community. Often featuring expert commentary, these summaries help divers of all experience levels improve their risk management skills and identify safe diving practices. Scroll down to browse the case summaries, or use the search field to the right.

To report an incident, click here. DAN relies on divers to voluntarily report cases and near misses. No individual will be identified in any case reports published or presented orally. We appreciate every diver’s time and effort in telling their stories and sharing their insights.

Breathing Gas Contamination: A Case for Education and Maintenance

Breathing gas can become contaminated — so divers should always trust their noses. Read a case summary of contaminated breathing gas and what can be done should it happen to you.

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DCS After Six Deep, Recreational Dives

A diver discusses her experiences with decompression sickness after several deep dives.

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Left at Sea

Diving with signaling devices, whistles and surface marker buoys can help in certain emergency situations. Read one incident of how SMBs were critical in rescuing divers.

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Rebreather Setting Leads to Dangerous Equipment Failure

An equipment failure can be incredibly dangerous. One diver shares their experiences with improper settings of regulator line pressure.

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Hard-Breathing Regulator Results in Emergency Ascent

If you’re diving deep, it may pay to carry your own regulator that you have tested before.

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Diver Suffers Hip Pain During Flight 36 Hours Postdive

When questionable symptoms pop up, seek medical treatment immediately.

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Leaking Glove Leads to Ear Barotrauma

Distractions happen to us all. But you need to stay alert and present to avoid emergencies and injuries.

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Diver’s Muscle Weakness and Tingling in Legs Indicate Possible Spinal Cord DCI

Muscular leg weakness after a dive should always be treated as an emergency, and divers should receive a full neurological evaluation, first aid oxygen and evacuation to the nearest emergency room.

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Mayhem Dive in a Strong Current Leads To Near Drowning and Multiple Injuries

Diving in a current is always a hazardous activity and requires proper risk evaluation, adequate planning and safety measures.

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