A scuba diver being left behind after a boat dive is one of the most tragic accidents that can occur in scuba diving. And unfortunately it does happen.
For a scuba diver left behind bobbing in the ocean as the dive boat heads back to shore, it must be a horrific situation. And the divemaster, boat skipper and other divers on the boat must also encounter their personal hell as they go through the “what if” scenarios.
There are a number of reasons why scuba divers could be left behind. Fortunately there are systems to ensure an efficient and accurate head count is taken at the end of each scuba dive.
The following are some basic systems that could be used to track scuba divers in and out of a dive boat. They could be used individually; or even have two systems running as a double check to ensure no diver is left behind.
Wristband and Token System for Tracking Scuba Divers on a Dive Boat
An almost foolproof system is based on that used in underground mining. Before each diver goes below, the divemaster hands them a wrist band to wear for the dive. This can be a simple stretch fabric band that the diver wears under their wetsuit.
Following the ascent, and back on the dive boat, the diver hands the wrist band back to the divemaster. Then it is a simple matter of the divemaster counting the returned wristbands; if they tally to the same number handed out, then the divemaster can be confident that all divers are counted.
A variation on this is that each diver is given a small disk or token when they step onto the boat. At the diving entry point there is a board with points where the diver can hang their tag. There can even be their name beside the spot where their tag goes. A divemaster should check that each diver puts a tag on the board before entering the water: no tag, no dive.
Then when back on the dive boat after a dive, each diver removes their tag from the board. When the board is clear, all divers are back on the boat.
Simple Number Count for Tracking Scuba Divers on a Dive Boat
Taking a simple count of divers first entering and then leaving the deck of a dive boat is the basic way to keep track of divers.
This is best suited for very small numbers of divers, probably up to around 15. Any more and the job of counting heads at the end of a dive can get complex. With a large number of divers, a buddy pair could get counted twice, and effectively miss two others that may still be in the water.
This process is best suited for those situations where the divemaster knows exactly who is on the boat. Maybe even knowing every diver by name, so none is missing at the end of the last dive.
Whiteboard Tracking System for Checking Scuba Divers Returned to Dive Boat
Tracking on a white-board or similar written tracking system is one of the most common and almost fool-proof.
The divemaster writes each buddy pair’s name and time of entering the water onto a white-board, or slate or even a simple sheet of paper. Then at the end of the dive the same divemaster crosses them off the list.
For multiple dives, an expansion of this system is to track the time underwater, maximum depth and surface interval between dives to reduce the possibility of the bends on subsequent dives. Each diver provides their details when they return to the boat.
This system works well, provided there is strict control over who is writing the names down. A diver may come back on board after a few minutes to get something, get crossed off the list and then re-enter the water without being checked in again. Making it possible for the diver, or buddy pair, to be left behind.
Any of the above system would be suitable for ensuring scuba divers are not left behind. Which system to use is mainly dependant on the number of divers. A boat dive with four divers is much easier to manage than a big boat with 50 or so divers to track.
As with most safety rules in scuba diving, it is up to the individual situation at the time.
Bruce Iliff - Hello from an Australian freelancer! I’ve been scratching articles together in Australia in a range of subjects for a number of ...
Join the Conversation