>These are factors in most diving fatalities, but the mini lobster season has the added intensity of a limited-time harvesting opportunity and a lot of traffic in the water. In the excitement of the event, divers often neglect important safety skills. Keep these tips on hand if you are headed off for the bug frenzy.
>Once you've made sure your body is up for the task, make sure your gear is as well. Gear maintenance is an essential step in dive safety. Head to your local dive shop and make sure your gear is ready to go. Schedule enough time for repairs prior to the event. If you are adding any new equipment to your kit, test it out and become familiar with it prior to the lobster season.
>Next, take stock of your skills. Enroll in a refresher course if it's been a while since your last dive. Practice key skills before diving for lobsters. If you have little or no experience catching lobsters, have someone teach you the fundamentals of how to capture them safely.
>When the day comes, do not neglect your predive safety rituals. Conduct your safety checks and a thorough buddy check, just as you would on any other dive. Review your dive plan and key hand signals. Most lobster harvesting dives are done at fairly shallow depths, but it's still important to plan your dives according to your tables and computer and to adhere to that plan. Always dive within your physical limits and training. Don't overexert yourself in the excitement. If you are breathing heavily underwater, you are working too hard.
>Keep an eye on your gauges and your buddy. Make sure you have enough air to conduct your safety stop and exit the water safely. It's easy to get caught up in the hunt and lose track of these important details.
>As you gather your catch, do not overweight yourself. The legal limit may be more than you can safely take to the surface. You need to be able to surface safely and swim back to the boat with your catch bag.
>Never drink and dive. Alcohol diminishes reaction time, concentration, information processing, judgment and motor skills, all of which negatively impact dive safety for you and your buddy.
>Bring your DAN Membership card and an envelope with key medical information. Make sure that you and your buddy know where you both keep this information. In addition, have important emergency numbers on hand (The DAN Emergency Hotline is +1-919-684-9111). In the event of an emergency, these simple steps can help facilitate faster and more efficient care.
>Boat Diving Safety
>Dive Safety: It's No Accident
>How Good Is Your Emergency Plan?
>I'm Taking this Medication…Can I Dive?
>Lessons in Gas Management
>The Importance of Buoyancy Control