Safety: Diving dangers

Even if you're an advanced diver, get a medical check-up before scuba diving on holiday. Only dive when you're feeling fit, rested and physically well. Remember to get a travel insurance policy that covers diving.

BEFORE YOU DIVE

• Check that any dive gear you're about to use is in good condition, even if it's your own. Be especially careful with rented wetsuits and breathing apparatus and get local advice on the best dive schools and dive masters
• Do not dive if you've got alcohol or drugs in your system - even from the night before
• Don't dive in murky waters
• Never dive if you're feeling run down, dehydrated or generally unwell
• Rest for a day between dives if you plan to dive often
• Be wary of creatures such as sharks, rays and jellyfish

PHYSICAL SETBACKS

DECOMPRESSION ILLNESS

Decompression illness or "the bends" is a well-known diving danger. It happens when bubbles of nitrogen gas form in the blood - usually because a diver has surfaced too quickly. Recompression in a special chamber is the only way to dissolve the gas properly into the blood.

Symptoms depend on where gas bubbles block blood vessels. They include:

• Dizziness, loss of balance, blackouts and weakness in the limbs or a side of the body
• Pain in the shoulder, elbow, back or abdomen
• Skin rashes or itches, also known as "skin bends"
• Tingling in the legs
• Sudden, temporary paralysis

Diabetes and athsma

If you've got either condition, get the all-clear from your doctor before you dive, and ask them to supply you with a letter explaining your illness and medication. Your diving instructors will need to know your medical history and the level of exercise you can handle.

• Remember to take your medication to the dive site
• Consider wearing a Medic Alert bracelet
• Limit how often you dive to reduce nitrogen build-up in the blood
• Get a medical check-up after your last dive and when you return home

BEFORE YOU GO HOME

It's safer not to dive shortly before a flight. Ask your dive master for advice on how long to wait before getting on a plane after your last dive. If you've had recompression therapy for decompression illness, get a certificate to say you are fit to fly.

Further Information:

For more information about scuba diving, contact the Diving Diseases Research Centre in Plymouth. Telephone: 01752 209999.

UK Diving contains general information for divers: http://www.ukdiving.co.uk