Distractions While Diving

Text courtesy of DAN World
Task-loading (doing or managing too many things at once) is a common reason divers become distracted from keeping track of their depth or air. A very good example of such a distraction is when divers become too focused on underwater photography.
While diving is an enjoyable and relatively safe activity, divers should never forget that it involves using life-support equipment to venture into an environment that’s not conducive for humans. Most dive accidents result from a series of small deviations from safe procedures, and in almost all cases, the accident could have been avoided if the problem was noticed, its implications understood, and an appropriate response was implemented.
THE CONTEXT
The diver was a 48-year-old woman who was open-water certified but had not dived for many years. She had recently completed a second open-water diving course and was on a seven-day liveaboard trip in Australia.
THE SITUATION
On the second day of diving, the diver reported “getting carried away taking pictures.” When she looked at her gauges, she only had 69 bar remaining and was at 30 metres. Her dive buddy was motioning for her to ascend and she began to do so. She reported feeling worried but determined that she would not shoot to the surface and was able to make a steady ascent. She had about 20 bar remaining as she got to six metres and opted to make a safety stop, watching her gauges intently. When it was completed, she signalled for her buddy to ascend the mooring line, which she did in a slow, controlled manner. Her mind raced as her depth gauge approached zero.
On the surface, the diver tried to inflate her BCD, but her tank was completely empty, and had to orally inflate it. She recalled: “It was a 30-metre dive, and I was very embarrassed. My dive buddy was holding it back, but I could tell he was upset with me. I never told him how close I came to running out of air on the ascent, but I apologised profusely. I spoke with another diver, a former instructor, and told him what had happened. He told me he had made the same mistake once – got carried away with taking photos and forgot to watch his gauges. I was shocked at how easily you can lose sight of the time and depth.”

The marine world holds so many wonders, it’s
easy to get distracted
Analysis
This diver was lucky that she realised she was low on air when she did. If she had stayed much longer at that depth, she would likely have run out of air before she made it back to the surface. Running out of air doesn’t automatically lead to death, but when coupled with panic and a rapid ascent, the consequences can be grave.
Always Dive with a Buddy
Many divers who enjoy underwater photography admit to being distracted when their attention is diverted to photographing their subjects. It is very easy to forget to keep an eye on your depth or air, and this is one reason why DAN resolutely suggests recreational divers dive with a buddy. Generally, a buddy would be able to track the gauges and depth, and look out for each other.
Never Compromise Safety
Task loading should be gradual enough so that mastery on the added task can be achieved without ever compromising safety. Situational awareness is a skill that is instrumental in staying safe while diving.
This diver had a close call, learned a valuable lesson and lived to dive another day. Staying calm during her ascent, staying near her buddy and inflating her BCD at the surface were all essential elements in preventing a dive incident.
Regardless of whether you take up underwater photography as a creative pastime or a photographer eager to capture the beauty of the marine ecosystem, you’ll find that complementary diving skills and shooting skills are integral to success.
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