SAFETY continued
Running low on breathing gas remains one of the most common contributors to diving incidents, and Mini-Season amplifies the risk. In 2008, DAN published a research report reviewing 947 diving fatality records. The number one “Triggering Event” at 41% that turned a recreational dive into a fatal outcome was “running out of breathing gas underwater.” Why does this happen? Because divers push their limits trying to get that one lobster. They stay “just a little longer” under ledges. They chase “just one more lobster.” They lose track of time while task-loaded. “Don’t push your limit just to bag your limit!” One other thing to keep in mind regarding the above DAN fatality data: DAN evaluated a more recent group of fatality data in 2015 to see if anything had changed. The results showed that the number one triggering event had changed from “running out of breathing gas underwater” to “underlying health issues.” Therefore, it is essential for all divers, especially those over the age of 50, to have had a recent physical from a healthcare pro- fessional familiar with diving medicine.
actively monitor each other’s position and condition. Safe divers often encourage role assignment, one hunts while one observes and monitors, then roles are switched regularly. This keeps both divers engaged and may significantly reduce risk. Another common issue during Mini-Season is divers exceeding their planned depth or bottom time while pursuing lobsters. It happens gradually, a deeper ledge, a longer chase, or a few extra minutes that turn into many. Dive professionals should encourage shallower dive profiles when possible, reinforce the use and understanding of dive computers, and remind divers that decompression obligations and rapid ascents are real risks. Make it absolutely clear: “No lobster is worth decompression sickness or an uncontrolled as- cent.” Many incidents do not happen at depth; they happen during ascent or at the surface. Mini-Season involves heavier than usual boat traffic, distracted boat operators and divers, and poor ascent discipline. Dive professionals should stress controlled ascent rates, mandatory safety stops
It is incumbent upon dive professionals to re-emphasize the rule of thirds, or other appropriate breathing gas planning methods, to require divers to call the dive based on breathing gas, not catch count, and encourage the use of audible or visual breathing gas alerts when possible. More importantly, normalize conservative diving behavior. When a diver surfaces early with plenty of breathing gas, that should be praised, not questioned or ridiculed.
when appropriate, and the use of dive flags and surface marker buoys. And perhaps most critically, look and listen before surfacing. Boat strikes remain a serious and preventable hazard. Dive professionals working on or with boats must be especially vigilant during Mini-Season chaos. Key prac- tices include clearly understood diver recall procedures, strict adherence to diver- down flag laws, active boat traffic monitoring, and
Lobster hunting adds layers of complexity, such as managing tools, navigating tight spaces, maintaining buoyancy near reefs and ledges, and monitoring depth, time, and breathing gas si- multaneously. That’s a lot even for experienced divers. Dive professionals should emphasize the value of recent diving experience before engaging in lobster hunting. They should also encourage divers to simplify their approach, limit tools to what they can manage comfortably, and stress that buoyancy and position control always come first. A diver who cannot maintain neutral buoyancy may be a hazard to themselves and others. This is not about skill-shaming. It is about risk management and safety. Mini-Season often turns buddy teams into loosely associated individuals. One diver hunts. The other wanders. Separation becomes common and dangerous. Dive professionals must re- define what buddy diving looks like: stay close enough to act quickly in an emergency, maintain a shared dive plan, and
keeping ladders and entry points clear and safe. Diver safety during Mini-Season includes reviewing proper entries and exits, emphasizing awareness around boat propellers, and encouraging immediate signaling upon surfacing. In the heat of the hunt, surface safety is often overlooked, but it is where many accidents occur. Being physically prepared is also critically important when divers may be distracted by the prospect of a lobster meal. Heat, dehydration, fatigue, and overexertion all play a role in diving incidents. Mini-season often means early mornings, long days in the heat and sun, multiple dives, and, unfortunately, alcohol consumption between dives. For most divers, the best approach is simple: arrive well hydrated, eat light but nutri- ent-dense meals, and ensure adequate electrolytes through food or modest supplementation. I personally like Pedialyte® as it offers effective hydration by replacing lost electrolytes and helping prevent dehydration issues. Pay attention to urine PAGE NINE | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
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