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 SAFETY
is an important part of any sport, but with diving it could
mean life or death. That is why all BSAC clubs train you
in all aspects of safety. The basics are taught to you first and then they go on teaching you as you progress with
the sport. No matter what level you are, you are never
trained enough when it comes to safety!
OSAC
and all BSAC Members are not only trained how to use the equipment on the dive
but more importantly they also learn some other things as well. You
cannot strap on dive kit and go off for a dive without
knowing what to do if you have an accident. Things to
consider are, tides, weather conditions, shipping lanes, radio
skills and coverage, first aid, boat handling and that's just the
start. Before you get put off, no, it is not
all that expensive to learn most of the skills you will need to
dive safely. Most of the safety training can be used in every day
life as well. Take first aid
skills as an example. This come in handy no matter where you are and learning how
to predict the weather does make life less unpredictable when
planning a family picnic.
In the UK a
lesser known fact is that the Coastguard is an emergency
service who deal with accidents at sea. It is
surprising,
but true. In the UK, remember,
if you are on land and you have seen an accident at sea or you
know there is a life threatening situation at sea, then ring 999 and ask for the
Coastguard. Remember they handle all accidents at
sea.
What do I
say when I speak to the Coastguard?
First they will
ask you the 3 W's... That is who, where, when. Think clearly
and tell them what you know. The more
information you can provide, the better.
The next they
will want to know what the situation is. Again think
clearly and tell them what you know. If you do not know,
do not guess!
If you go
abroad, find out who to contact in an emergency.
Make a note of the phonenumber, before you set off. It could save your
life or someone else's.
Remember though
if you are at sea, you can not get in contact as easily by
phone! One of the most important skills you will
learn is using a radio. Some boat users go out with just a mobile, but no radio. This is very life threatening
and stupid move. Phone networks do
not cover the coastline all that well and they are only one way.
No matter how far out you are, do not take out just a mobile. Remember to always
take a VHF radio with you and learn how to use it!
Click
here to learn more about VHF.
Ideas on how to dive safely and for holiday info visit:-
www.divermagazine.co.uk.
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