SAFETY continued
ment, and their environment. Incidents test these qualities. The diver who panics is the one most at risk of turning an incident into an accident. The diver who pauses, takes a deep breath, assesses the situ- ation, and acts with purpose is much less likely to be harmed. DAN has an Incident Reporting System for the reporting and sharing of information about diving/snorkeling-related incidents. This is critically valuable information that is shared with the diving community so that we can learn from these incidents and be sensitized to these circumstances in order to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. To access the DAN In- cident Reporting System: https://dan.org/research- reports/research-studies/diving-incident-reporting-system/ The phrase, “an incident in scuba diving is just an accident that didn’t happen,” encourages a culture of diving safety rooted in vigilance and self-confidence. It urges divers to see every incident, no matter how minor, as a warning bell – a signal to review and improve. Debriefing: After each dive, divers should discuss any ▪ deviations or problems with their diving companions. What was the root cause of the incident? What could have been done differently to avoid the incident? Continuous Improvement: Divers should adapt their ▪ equipment, procedures, and habits based on lessons learned. If a piece of gear failed, it should be repaired by a trained and licensed technician or replaced. If com- munication was unclear, divers should agree on better signals. Incident Reporting: Sharing incident reports helps ▪ build a collective wisdom. As more divers become aware of common pitfalls, the community and the sport as a whole becomes safer. For individual divers, the phrase is a call to vigilance and self-reflection. It encourages preparation, skill development, recent and continuous practice, honest self-assessment, and the regular sharing of information with diving companions. For instructors and other diving professionals, it is a teaching tool – a reminder to instill good habits and stress the impor- tance of regular practice of emergency procedures. For the broader community, it is a rallying cry to share information, standardize protocols, and maintain high standards. Pre-dive Checks: Always inspect equipment thoroughly before each diving experience and review dive plans with your diving companions. Skill Practice: Practice diving and emergency skills regu- larly.
Buddy System: Maintain close contact and clear commu- nication with your dive companions. Plan for Emergencies: Know how to handle common problems, and carry necessary backups, such as extra masks or lights. Dive Your Experience: Don’t exceed the limits of your recent experience or the conditions you’re trained for. Learn from Each Dive: Reflect on anything that went wrong and make adjustments to be better prepared for the next dive. We all agree that the underwater world is a wondrous place, but it can be unforgiving for the unprepared. “An incident in scuba diving is just an accident that didn’t happen” is more than a catchphrase – it is a philosophy that places learning, preparation, and experience at the heart of every dive. By ac- knowledging incidents, treating them as warning signs, and striving for continuous improvement, divers can enjoy the beauty and adventure of diving with greater safety and peace of mind. In the end, the best divers are not those who have
never faced an incident, but those who have learned from each one and emerged wiser, more skilled, and better prepared for whatever the next dive may bring.
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