SAFETY continued
Take photographs of the site and boat configuration when doing so is appropriate. Preserve GPS, chartplotter, camera, telephone and radio information. Do not recreate or stage the scene. Taking Care of the Staff
Record what is known and remain honest about what is not known. Those actions cannot guarantee that a lawsuit will not follow. They can demonstrate that when the worst hap- pened, the operation responded with prepa- ration, professionalism and integrity.
Sta ff members involved in a rescue may experience shock, guilt, anger or grief. Some will immediately question every decision they made.
Staff members involved in a rescue may experience shock, guilt, anger or grief. Some will immediately question every de- cision they made. Remove visibly distressed employees from safety-sensitive duties. Arrange transportation home if necessary. Offer access to professional trauma counseling.
The next three installments of this series will address creating detailed records of the event, possible litigation steps that are com- mon, and how lawsuit proceeds through the justice system. Again, this series is based on US laws, as most dive-related litigation in
the Americas and Caribbean often ends up in US courts. Being a foreign-owned company does not necessarily provide legal protection from US litigation. Publisher’s note: As stated at the start of this article, this is not
An immediate operational discussion may be necessary to confirm that everyone is accounted for or identify an ongoing hazard. It should not become a group effort to decide who was at fault or agree on what everyone will say. Each witness needs the opportunity to record an independent memory. The first hours after an accident are about care, control and preservation. Follow the emergency plan. Protect life. Treat the family with compassion. Preserve the equipment.
meant to be legal advice in any man- ner, but is based on accounts of acci- dents and the aftermath the authors have experienced in decades within the diving industry.
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18 | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
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