Like in any other sport, scuba divers have to follow rules, and they have to do so religiously to prevent any kind of accident. Simon Sciberras, chairman of the Professional Diving Schools Association, gives Stephanie Fsadni some insight into common human errors and how risks can be minimised.
The recent news that three foreign divers lost their lives in our seas on the same day sent shockwaves across the diving community and beyond. Such news might relay the message that scuba-diving is a dangerous sport, but professional divers insist it is not and that such accidents should not discourage any prospective divers.
“It is actually one of the safest sports statistically,” claims Simon Sciberras, chairman of the Professional Diving Schools Association.
“If one follows the rules, dives with more experienced divers and remains with his feet on the ground, one should never encounter any problems.
“This is just like driving a car. So many people drive a car; if one speeds and drives recklessly, he will certainly end up with a higher risk of an accident.”
Diving accidents may be attributed to a number of human errors, but not only.
If one follows the rules, dives with more experienced divers and remains with his feet on the ground, one should never encounter any problems
The most common human mistakes, according to Sciberras, are: not being physically fit, not checking the gear properly and not having it serviced; not following the diving rules learnt to obtain your licence; and diving in a new place without having any knowledge about the local conditions. Overconfidence can lead some to dive beyond their certification level.
However, accidents can also happen because of faulty equipment or adverse sudden weather conditions.
“I always recommend that you know well the area you are diving in, well before attempting to dive there without a local guide,” says Sciberras. “This also relates to the weather. One must always have a good look at the weather forecast and know how to translate this information. Once at the dive site, make sure you can get out easily. In fact, all instructors that take people on guided dives have to follow a risk assessment before attempting the dive and hence are responsible for the actions they take.”
One also needs to be certified to dive on wrecks.
“Wrecks are more difficult dives, as one enters an overhead environment and can encounter low visibility. However, with the proper training and knowledge about the site, one can have a good dive. But without it could prove to be very dangerous,” Sciberras points out.
He refers to one particular wreck, the Xlendi, which was a Gozo Channel ferry and which ended upside down when scuttled.
“Most of the superstructure was buried and it crushed into the sand. In fact, signs have also been placed on this wreck warning about the danger.”
One should however be responsible for his own actions and, in so doing, minimising the risks.
First and foremost, one needs to get certified as a diver, and then slowly gain experience with more experienced divers. After that, one can receive more specialised training and more certifications.
One of the first things Sciberras teaches students is to “never hold your breath and breathe continuously, due to pressure-related injuries that one could incur”.
“Also, never succumb to peer pressure and always dive with certified individuals. Never dive in a new place unguided,” he continues.
“Diving is fun and a relatively easy sport. About 80,000 tourists attempt diving every year in Malta and many locals follow this sport.
“We have fantastic dive sites for every level – from beginner to technical diving. But we need to respect our sea more and educate more people to take care of it.”