DIVE BOAT
SAFETY

DIVE OPERATORS WHO OFFER EXPERIENCES in remote and less-developed The safety equipment needed for boat Perhaps the most common way to get divers to a dive site is to make use of either a chartered boat or one owned by the dive shop. There are a multitude of boating-safety issues that need careful consideration during your risk assessment, over and above the safety of divers in the water. Your clients rely on you to take care of them during the time they spend with you, and in doing so proactively you build a reputation as a business that cares about your customers’ well-being. Here are some items that will set you on the right path to protecting your business.

Crew Training
AND COMPETENCE

Dive operators should advise customers (and other visitors) about health, safety, financial, and other relevant considerations before they make reservations and travel plans for a dive excursion.

Excessive advisories may deter some customers from making a reservation; however, insufficient advisories may expose operators to liability claims for nondisclosure of known or expected risks.

Dive operators should strike a suitable balance between over- and under-admonishments, being mindful of the health and safety of all parties and of the risks and benefits involved in any course of action.

Safety Equipment
ONBOARD

Boating and diving involve risks that may be exacerbated by the environment, the location, its remoteness, and/or the prevailing conditions. Most boats will be fitted with standard first aid supplies, however these may not be sufficient for dealing with the most likely medical situations in a diving environment. In addition, these degrade in humid conditions and often expire due to a lack of regular inspection. Boats should be fitted with equipment appropriate for the most likely medical emergencies, including emergency oxygen and even AEDs. All of these require protection against the elements as well as regular monitoring of their contents, condition and expiration dates. The DAN Risk Assessment Guide for Dive Operators and Dive Professionals offers comprehensive guidelines for the safety equipment that should be considered based on the actual operational circumstances and recommendations regarding inspection and maintenance.

Boating Emergency
ACTION PLANNING

Dive boat excursions are subject to unusual and sometimes unexpected risks, including but not limited to bad weather, a compromised vessel, diving injuries, and passenger illness. The lack of appropriate emergency action plans (EAPs) can quickly make a bad situation much worse.

EAPs are often created for theoretical situations but never practiced. This can result in a totally ineffective procedure that does not mitigate the emergency. Coast guard organizations may have mandatory drill requirements that the operator may be unaware of when venturing into other jurisdictions. A thorough risk assessment of actual operations, locations, and prevailing conditions and circumstances should reveal situations that could quickly turn into emergencies or require very specific actions.

Boat owners and operators often have many years of experience and may be experts in their field of operations. However, diving operations present unique hazards. Additional knowledge and effort are required to ensure you are prepared and properly equipped to ensure the safety of everyone on board.