JUN 26, 2022
Diving accidents is becoming more common lately. And why is that?
*Bear in mind that there are many accidents not reported.
Here are my thoughts...
1 . More and more people took up SCUBA diving as a recreational sports just to post in social media that they are cool too not realizing it is not for everyone. The higher the number of new divers, the higher the probability of accident. Goes without saying. Of course, there are those who genuinely take up the sport for the love of the ocean, as a new hobby, etc. Not everyone would post photos of their food in social media during a meal. There are people who genuinely want to eat during a meal.
You will find this in all sorts of life including SCUBA diving.
2 . The training quality turned from bad to worst due to stagnant/lowering prices to keep up with the competition in the industry. Most dive businesses simply churning out incompetent divers for maximum profit / survival in the competition.
This happens to all levels of diving certifications up to instructor. The chain-effect will be frightening and do not be surprised with more headlines in the media regarding diving mishaps. Not saying all dive businesses are unethical but many are.
3 . Most divers do not want to pay for a refresher course even when not been diving for a while. Worst still, if an incompetent/half-baked diver gets into water again after a long while, disaster is prone to happen.
4 . Overconfident or false sense of security. Some divers simply do not aware about their incompetence or potential hazards diving at certain places maybe due to self ego and ignorance.
Until something is being done in the industry to prevent/minimize diving accidents, you will be seeing more news in the media. We can only pray and hope that nobody gets hurt from diving.