Diving is an exhilarating experience that allows you to explore the wonders of the underwater world. However, there may be instances when your surface away from the boat while diving, which can be a daunting situation. It’s important to know how to handle this scenario in a calm and collected manner to ensure your safety and well-being. In this guide, we will discuss the necessary steps to take when you find yourself away from the boat while diving. From establishing a plan of action to utilising safety devices, we’ll cover everything you need to know to handle this situation effectively and with confidence. So, let’s dive in and explore the best practices for staying safe when you surface away from the boat during a dive.
Establishing Communication
The first step when you surface away from the boat during a dive is to establish communication with the boat or your dive group. Use a signalling device such as a whistle or an inflatable surface marker buoy to attract attention. Once you have signalled your location, remain calm and stay afloat to conserve energy.
Assessing the Situation
After establishing communication, assess your surroundings and determine your distance from the boat. Take note of any potential hazards such as currents or boat traffic. This information will help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Safety Stop and Surface Marker Buoy
If you have the necessary training and equipment, consider performing a safety stop and deploying a surface marker buoy to signal your position to the boat. This will help the boat crew locate you more easily while you wait for assistance.
Remember, staying calm and following these steps is crucial for ensuring a safe and controlled response to surfacing away from the boat during a dive.
Make Yourself Visible to the Boat
Once you are at the surface, it’s important to make yourself visible to the boat. This can be achieved by using a signalling device such as a whistle, mirror, or inflatable surface marker buoy. These devices will help the boat crew locate you and provide assistance if needed.
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Stay Calm and Signal for Help
While waiting for the boat to arrive, it’s important to stay calm and conserve energy. Signal for help by waving your arms or using any signalling devices you have. If there are other divers or boats nearby, try to attract their attention as well.
Reassess the Situation and Prevent Future Incidents
After being rescued, take some time to reassess the situation and prevent similar incidents in the future. Discuss the incident with your diving team and instructor to understand what went wrong and how it can be avoided in the future. Your safety and well-being should always be the top priority when diving.
Extra Safety Gear You Can Take on a Dive
If you are particularly worried about being swept away to sea without a rescue boat there is additional gear you can take on your dive to ease your mind. Some people are worried about this type of thing in places where strong currents could sweep you away from your dive group under water, or where there could be big waves and swells at the surface affecting visibility of the boat to pick you up.
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Sadly in most cases of lost divers, it is not that the divers are never found. It is that they have perished before rescue. In most of these cases it has been that the victims suffered dehydration before anything else. A simple solution to this is to keep a small bottle of fresh water in your BCD pocket. The human body can survive up to without food for between 8 to 21 days, but only survives 3 days without water.
Nautilus lifeline personal GPS devices are also another safety device that can be useful in a lost diver situation. They are designed for divers and are also small enough to fit in your BCD pocket. It works as a Personal Locator Beacon or a satellite messenger, and will also communicate with boats within a 55 km range of you to let the rescue crews know exactly where you are.
