How to Prevent Health Risks While Scuba Diving?

Being submerged underwater for longer periods of time at depths of increasing pressure conveys potential risks to the health of the diver. These risks can be mitigated though by pursuing relevant training and certification, apart from the proper handling of scuba diving equipment that can be mastered following the conduct of a few open water dives. Here are some preventive measures that any diver should carefully take into mind so as to avert scuba diving accidents.

1. Running out of oxygen. If a closed-circuit system of breathing is used, a defective rebreather could increase partial pressure to toxic levels. Meanwhile, proper maintenance of the rebreather sustains partial pressure at around 1.6 ATA (considered as standard) and avoids a significant drop in partial pressure that will likewise be dangerous for breathing. Rebreathers may be lighter to carry than the tank and diving regulator combination, but it is also more intricate to use. Thus, a diver should undergo extensive training before deciding to use a rebreather. Know that the basic type of rebreather can only be used at a depth of 20 fsw. For open-circuit scuba diving, the cylinder tank used should be regularly inspected. If a tank is rusting, it is better to replace the same since rusted parts could easily deplete oxygen volume in your tank. When deep diving or cave diving below recreational depths, divers are advised to use 2 oxygen tanks, aside from bringing along an extra air source and pony bottle.
2. Regulator Free-flows. As much as possible, endeavor the use of a diving regulator set you are most comfortable with and that has been further tested of its reliability in a few open water dives. In this case, the use of rented regulators or the purchase of a second-hand unit is discouraged. If you're not using your own regulator set, discomforts can be expected and the possibility of a free flow (caused by a significant drop in pressure conveyed by the cylinder) is highly likely, particularly in cold water environments. Apart from ensuring proper regulator maintenance, use of a cylinder outfitted with a Y pillar valve can mitigate the incidence of free flow. A cylinder of this type allows for the attachment of 2 regulator sets with the valves of the tank. So in case one regulator free flows, the valve connecting the device is closed and the second valve can then be used.
3. Getting a bend. By undergoing a basic Open Water course, the diver will be able to determine his diving limits, such as how deep he can go below the surface and for how long his body can sustain the underwater environment, following a series of open water dives. Dive tables have long been used by divers for the reckoning of no decompression zones as well as to plan the ascent, decompression stops and the final safety stop. These days, the use of a dive computer such as the Aeris XR-2 Wrist Dive Computer along with the monitoring and observance of its readings and set warnings is seen to more efficiently prevent decompression sickness or the bend, given its high-performance features that provide a more accurate reading of pressure and time spent underwater.