Grupo Mayan Resorts: Boat Traffic Safety While Scuba Diving
July 6th, 2009
To begin with, say the Grupo Mayan experts in water sports, it must be stated from the outset that the best way to avid hiccups and accidents while diving in boat trafficked waters is simply to dive somewhere else with less hazards. But if it can’t be helped, then you must prepare adequately and then remain vigilant during the dive.
To prepare, research about the particular dive site beforehand. Appreciate the fact that boat traffic is a serious hazard to diving and it should be a key determinant when selecting a dive site. If possible, say the Grupo Mayan experts, avoid the high-traffic sites like channels, entrances to harbors and beachfronts. Also ensure that you plan for the entry method considering that shore and beach entries usually carry more traffic and should therefore be avoided.
Find and fix a highly visible flag to any buoy you have or to a gear raft. Ensure that the dive flag is anchored securely to prevent it from drifting away from the diving area you have selected, say the Grupo Mayan experts. If diving at night, the hazard is multiplied because you are totally invisible to boat operators. Night diving must be done with extreme care.
When the scuba dive is underway, ensure that you display the diver’s flag which features a bright red color stripped white at the diagonal. But the flag is up only when the divers are under and not at any other time. Signaling is crucial in scuba diving, according to the Grupo Mayan professionals. It would be a good idea to carry a good whistle with you because a whistle sound when used can signal to boats a great distance away instead of yelling. A waterproof bright strobe light attached to the dive buoy is essential when diving at night. A chemical glow light and a second flashlight should be carried as backup in case of strobe light failure.
The other key area to be careful about, say the Grupo Mayan experts, is surfacing. While ascending ensure that the dive buddy is alerted and that both of you ascend together. Always obey the dive table prepared to guide decompression stops and timeframes. Inflate the buoyancy compensator to slight positive buoyancy and then ensure that your ascent is always less then 60 feet per minute rate.
Breathe normally during your ascent and don’t hold the breath. Upon reaching the surface turn around slowly to examine all horizons scouting for boat traffic. Sound detection remains the best way to sense traffic of motorized boat but beware it can deceive since while in water it is hard to judge direction sound, say the Grupo Mayan experts. Water also delimits your judgment on the distance of sound sources.