Scuba diving in Maltese waters can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of risks. Therefore, it is essential to follow basic safety procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience. In this article, we will identify the top five safety skills one should apply while scuba diving in Maltese waters.
1. Proper Equipment Check
Before starting your dive, it is crucial to check all your scuba diving equipment. This includes checking the condition of your regulator, tank, fins, and buoyancy control device (BCD). Make sure all equipment is in good working order, and that you know how to use it properly. You should also ensure that your gear fits well and is comfortable to wear. Certain gear, like BCDs, Regulators and Cylinders needs to be inspected and/or serviced on a regular basis (normally once a year) by a diving equipment professional. When did you last have your gear checked out?
2. Buddy System
Always dive with a partner or in a group. The buddy system is an essential safety measure in scuba diving, as your dive buddy is your backup in case of an emergency. Always keep your buddy within reach and maintain communication throughout the dive. Make sure to establish a plan before entering the water, including maximum depth and time, and emergency procedures.
3. Proper Buoyancy Control
Maintaining proper buoyancy control is crucial for a safe and enjoyable dive. Buoyancy control refers to the ability to maintain a specific depth while underwater. It is essential to achieve neutral buoyancy, where you neither sink nor float, to conserve air and energy, avoid damage to the reef, and reduce the risk of injury. Proper buoyancy control also allows for easier movement and prevents accidental contact with marine life.
4. Monitor Depth and Time
Monitoring your depth and time is critical in scuba diving, as it helps prevent decompression sickness (DCS). DCS occurs when divers ascend too quickly and nitrogen bubbles form in the bloodstream. To avoid DCS, you should always adhere to dive tables and dive computers and maintain a safe ascent rate. Whilst teaching standards differ, 10m/minute is considered a conservative and safe rate of ascent. BSAC also recommends taking a full minute to go up the last 6m, since this is the zone where the pressure change is more drastic. You should also limit your dive time to avoid staying underwater for too long, as the risk of DCS increases with time spent at depth.
5. Emergency Procedures
Being prepared for emergencies is critical in scuba diving. Before diving, make sure you know the emergency procedures for your dive plan, including the procedures for equipment malfunction, lost buddy, and ascent or descent problems. It is also important to know the 112 emergency number, have a charged mobile phone and a first aid kit on hand. Preferably, also have an emergency Oxygen kit available, and if you don’t have one, an alternative where possible is to have a pony cylinder with a high Nitrox mix that you can breathe with a regular diving regulator.
Bonus Tip – the most important one!
We mostly dive to have fun, relax and experience the beauty of the underwater environment and marine life. To do this, we need to have a healthy mind in a healthy body. If you are stressed by the dive plan, feel a bit under the weather or uncomfortable/unsure of the reliability of a piece of equipment, including yourself, take an easier break and just enjoy a nice walk by the sea and maybe a spot of sunbathing. There will be another day.
In conclusion, scuba diving in Maltese waters can be an unforgettable experience if you follow basic safety procedures. Always check your equipment, dive with a buddy, maintain proper buoyancy control, monitor your depth and time, and know emergency procedures. By applying these top five safety skills plus being happy about going for the dive, you can have a safe and enjoyable dive while exploring the beautiful waters of Malta.
P.S. Always ensure you are properly trained, certified and healthy before a dive. The above tips do not constitute diver training. Dive within the parameters of the training you received and where uncomfortable, best to skip the dive and dive another day.
Article generated with ChatGPT and edited further by divinginfo.mt
