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Chapter 7 — 4
Factors which upset a diver's emotional equilibrium can contribute to panic. Some of these
contributing factors are tabulated as follows
:
Personal Factors
Equipment Problems
Fatigue
Buoyancy
Physical unfitness or disability
Snorkel
Previous medical disorders
Face Mask
Seasickness and/or vomiting
Weight Belt
Alcohol or drugs
Wet Suit
Inexperience
Scuba Cylinder
Inadequate dive plan
Regulator
Dangerous techniques e.g. buddy breathing,
Low or Out-of-Air Situations
free ascents
Psychological problems e.g. excessive
Other Equipment faults
general anxiety, phobias
Excessive reliance on equipment
Sensory deprivation – night diving,
e.g. B.C.s
blue orb syndrome, solo diving
Loss of equipment
Vertigo and/or disorientation
e.g. face mask or fins
Excess weights
Entrapment in lines,
nets, harness etc.
Environmental Hazards
o
Tidal currents
o
Entry or exit
problems
o
White water e.g. surf
o
Kelp
o
Caves, wrecks
o
Ice and cold water
o
Deep diving –
nitrogen narcosis,
rapid air
consumption,
reduced buoyancy
o
Dangerous marine
animals
o
Poor visibility
o
Night diving
o
Explosives
o
Boat accidents