STAYING SAFE AROUND MARINE LIFE

DIVE SLATE | PERSPECTIVES

A GUIDE FOR SOUTHERN AFRICAN DIVERS

TEXT BY MORNÉ CHRISTOU CEO DANSOUTHERN AFRICA

FOR MANY DIVERS, THE THRILL OF ENCOUNTERING MARINE LIFE-including species that can pose risks is part of the adventure. While most interactions are uneventful, understanding how to minimise risks is crucial. By being aware of their own behaviour and the behaviour of the animals they encounter, divers can significantly reduce the chance of injury. However, the reality remains that no matter how cautious we are, marine life injuries can never be completely ruled out.

PREPAREDNESS AND EDUCATION: THE KEYS TO SAFETY

Safety in diving is built on knowledge and preparation Divers Alert Network (DAN) Southern Africa is committed to equipping divers with the necessary resources to manage risks effectively. Proper planning, understanding the basics of first aid for marine injuries, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage are essential steps in dealing with the rare but serious cases where injuries occur.

Hazardous Marine Life Reference Book

DAN’s Health and Diving Reference Series is a collection of trusted digital publications developed through extensive research and real-world experience. The Hazardous Marine Life reference book is an invaluable resource for Southern African divers, offering insights into potentially dangerous marine species, their injury mechanisms, and effective first aid measures.

The book covers a range of topics, including envenomation’s, traumatic injuries, seafood poisoning, and preventative strategies to reduce risk. Whether you're exploring the Indian Ocean coastline or diving off the Atlantic seaboard, having a reliable reference guide can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Diving First Aid Training

Medical emergencies can happen anywhere whether during a dive or in everyday life. Having first aid knowledge and incident management skills empowers individuals to take decisive action when it matters most.

DAN’s Diving First Aid (DFA) course is the most comprehensive first aid training programme in the dive industry. Designed by dive medicine experts and educators, the DFA course equips divers, dive professionals, and even non-divers with vital skills. It combines DAN’s Basic Life Support and Emergency Oxygen training with instruction on neurological assessments and first aid for marine life injuries.

If you haven’t yet completed a formal first aid course, DAN strongly encourages you to do so. Visit DAN Southern Africa’s website or contact a local DAN-certified instructor to begin your training. Being prepared can make all the difference in a critical moment.

DAN MEMBERSHIP: COVERAGE THAT MATTERS

Your DAN membership offers significant benefits, so take the time to understand what is included. As a member, you receive automatic enrolment in DAN Emergency Evacuation benefit, which provides emergency medical transportation coverage when you are more than 100 km from home and experience a medical emergency. In the case of a life-threatening situation, always call local emergency services first and then contact DAN to coordinate assistance. This benefit is only available if DAN is involved in arranging emergency transport.

Additionally, DAN dive accident membership benefits provides coverage for medical expenses related to in-water accidents, regardless of depth. This insurance is a valuable safety net for all divers, ensuring peace of mind on every dive. For specific coverage details or inquiries, reach out to DAN Southern Africa’s Member Services team.

EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS: A MUST FOR EVERY DIVER

Diving safely means being prepared for a range of potential incidents. A well-structured emergency action plan (EAP) can significantly reduce uncertainty and improve response times in the event of an emergency.

While most divers focus on common risks such as decompression sickness and equipment failures, it is equally important to prepare for encounters with hazardous marine life Incorporating marine life incidents into your EAP ensures that you and your dive team know exactly how to respond should the need arise.

Accidents can happen in even the most controlled environments, but with the right knowledge, training, and preparation, divers can confidently manage risks and enjoy the incredible underwater world that Southern Africa has to offer.