How Dangerous is scuba Diving? 15 Risks every diver should know

When you meet a scuba diver, they’ll talk your ear off about how fun and exciting scuba diving is. You’ll hear nothing but great things about the beauty of the underwater world and they will convince you to go diving too.

Rarely will they talk about how dangerous scuba diving is. Because if you’re going to convince someone to try something that you love, you’re not going to convince them by saying you might die if you go scuba diving.

The truth is, scuba diving can be a dangerous activity. We can’t deny the fact that people have died or have been in accidents while scuba diving. Like most things in life, it comes with its fair share of risks and dangers.

The good news is that these can be completely avoided. Scuba diving is as safe or dangerous as you want it to be. By understanding and preparing for these dangers, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable dive experience. With proper training and following safety guidelines, you can keep yourself away from harm.

As a new scuba diver or someone who is interested in learning how to scuba dive, it’s important to know what the scuba diving risks and dangers are. Knowledge is power after all. If you know what to look out for, you can take necessary precautions and learn to dive more responsibly.

In this post, I’ve listed 15 life-threatening situations you need to be aware of when it comes to scuba diving. If you’ve ever wondered “how is scuba diving dangerous?”, then you’ve come to the right place.

1. Drowning

Scuba divers face the very real risk of drowning if their airway becomes obstructed while underwater. As water enters the airway and fill your lungs, you can choke and stop breathing. Divers can have a panic attack, lose consciousness or have an equipment malfunction that could result to drowning. These situations can make it difficult for divers to reach the surface or communicate for help.

Despite advancements in technology and safety measures, the risk of drowning persists. Every diver, regardless of skill level, must prioritize safety and be vigilant to prevent this potentially fatal outcome.

Getting proper certifications and training can help prevent drowning situations by equipping yourself with the necessary diving skills and knowledge. Dive agencies like PADI and SSI can help you get your scuba certification and build your confidence underwater.

Mastering your buoyancy control can also help prevent drowning. Being able to establish neutral buoyancy and regulate your breathing helps conserve energy, reduce stress, and stay calm underwater.

Another way to prevent drowning is to keep a close eye on your air consumption. Many divers do not pay attention to how much air is in their tank and this could eventually lead to drowning.

It is highly recommended that you always dive with a buddy so that you can help each other in the event of an emergency. Before every dive, divers should do a buddy check to verify the condition of their gear. Buddies can help each other remain calm, share air supply if necessary, and initiate emergency procedures swiftly and effectively. Having a reliable partner ensures that there is someone to assist in case of a problem, potentially preventing a drowning incident.

2. Decompression sickness

Decompression sickness is another risk that divers could experience. This condition, sometimes known as “the bends,” happens when divers ascend rapidly causing nitrogen bubbles in their blood to expand. These bubbles may result in a variety of symptoms, ranging from minor skin rashes and joint soreness to more serious instances of exhaustion, disorientation, and even paralysis.

The physical characteristics of gases are to blame for decompression sickness. When you descend deeper into the water, your body absorbs more nitrogen. These small nitrogen bubbles mostly dissolve as you gradually and slowly ascend. But if you go up to the surface too fast, the decreased pressure causes these bubbles to expand quickly, resulting to decompression sickness.

To avoid this dangerous scenario, divers must follow their dive plan, keep an eye on their ascent rate, and continually follow the right decompression protocols.

3. Nitrogen narcosis

As divers descend deeper into the water, the increased atmospheric pressure affect their body in various ways. One of the most notable effects is the impairment of cognitive functioning caused by the increased nitrogen levels dissolved in the bloodstream. This is what divers call Nitrogen Narcosis or getting “‘narked” or “narc’d”.

Scuba divers who experience Nitrogen Narcosis can exhibit symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication. This includes impaired judgement, slowed reflexes, or a feeling of euphoria.

Some divers may experience mild symptoms, such as a carefree and giggly demeanor, while others may face more severe impairment, leading to confusion and poor decision-making abilities. These altered states of mind, although seemingly harmless, pose a serious risk when underwater, where quick thinking and sound judgment are vital for survival.

To avoid nitrogen narcosis, divers are advised to limit the depth of their dives, especially when using air, and switch to enriched air nitrox or other gas mixtures that have a lower ratio of nitrogen.

If you suspect you’re experiencing narcosis, you should ascend a few meters as the effects will lessen with reduced pressure. It’s important to note that the risk of nitrogen narcosis varies between individuals and even from day to day for the same diver, so personal awareness and safety orientation are crucial.

Stick to your planned dive profiles. And only dive within your depth limits based on your certifications which is 18 meters (60 feet) for Open Water Divers and 30 meters (100 feet) for Advanced Open Water, and 40 meters (130 feet) for a Deep Diver.

If you wish to dive beyond recreational limits, you can consider doing technical diving to acquire the knowledge and learn the skills needed to safely explore deeper areas of the ocean.

4. Oxygen toxicity

Oxygen toxicity occurs when the tissues in the body are exposed to excessive levels of oxygen, often a result of breathing gas under high pressure while diving. The condition may manifest in two forms: Central Nervous System (CNS) oxygen toxicity and pulmonary oxygen toxicity.

CNS oxygen toxicity can cause visual and hearing disturbances, nausea, twitching, irritability, dizziness, and in extreme cases, seizures. Pulmonary oxygen toxicity, which typically takes longer exposure to manifest, can result in coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.

The risk of oxygen toxicity increases with the depth of a dive due to the higher partial pressure of oxygen (PPO2) when divers go deep. It’s also more prevalent in dives using enriched air nitrox or other oxygen-rich gas mixtures.

Divers can lower the risk of oxygen toxicity by monitoring their exposure to high PPO2 levels and limiting the duration of their dives. They should also adhere to the rule of thumb that the PPO2 should not exceed 1.4 ata during the working part of a dive, and 1.6 ata during decompression.

Utilizing a dive computer that tracks oxygen exposure or calculating oxygen exposure manually can be beneficial. It’s crucial for divers to receive proper training on dealing with potential oxygen toxicity and to be aware of the symptoms so they can respond promptly if they occur.

5. Barotrauma

Barotrauma, a pressure-related diving injury, affects air-filled body spaces, including ears, sinuses, and lungs, causing pain, disorientation, and potentially severe lung damage. Ear barotrauma results from pressure differences between the environment and the middle ear during descent and ascent. If not equalized effectively, symptoms like pain, ear fullness, ringing sounds, dizziness, or even hearing loss may occur.

Mask squeeze, another form of barotrauma, arises from mask pressure leading to capillary rupture, facial bruising, and bloodshot eyes. It can be prevented by exhaling into the mask during descent and maintaining a proper mask fit.

Lung barotrauma, resulting from rapid ascent without proper exhalation, can lead to lung over-expansion, possible rupture and pulmonary barotrauma. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and severe cases may lead to a collapsed lung or life-threatening arterial gas embolism.

Avoiding barotrauma involves equalizing pressure during dives using techniques like the Valsalva maneuver for ear pressure, ascending slowly, and not holding breath to prevent pressure buildup.

6. Equipment malfunction or failure

Your scuba diving gear is what keeps you alive underwater and when it malfunctions or fails, it compromises your safety.

Equipment failure can occur due to various factors such as poor maintenance, natural wear and tear, or incorrect usage. This could lead to critical situations like oxygen shortage, buoyancy issues, or impaired vision, endangering the diver’s life.

Regular inspection and proper maintenance should be a priority of every diver.

Before a dive you should do a buddy check to minimize incidents associated to equipment failures. You and your buddy can test both of your dive gear and inspect for damages even before you enter the water.

Equally important is for you to familiarize yourself with your dive gear and understand how each component works together to keep you safe.

Additionally, divers should be trained in managing potential equipment malfunctions underwater. For instance, knowing how to clear water from a mask or understanding the right way to use an alternate air source can be lifesaving skills.

It is very common to see divers struggle underwater not because of faulty equipment but because they do not know how to use their gear. Buying your own scuba gear instead of renting can also help with this problem.

Learn how to take care of your dive gear especially when you are not in the water. Show your dive equipment some love by cleaning and storing it properly after each dive. Proper care and maintenance can extend the lifespan of your dive equipment.

7. Dangerous marine life

While many marine life are harmless and avoid interaction with humans, others may become hostile if threatened or provoked. Follow the “no touch” rule since many species have sharp spines, venomous stingers, or strong jaws that you might not even be aware of.

Divers must also be wary of the dangers presented by bigger marine species such as sharks and stingrays. These animals are normally not aggressive until provoked, so keep a safe distance and avoid any abrupt movements that may be misinterpreted as a threat. Staying cool, keeping eye contact, gently backing away, and avoiding any quick or forceful motions can keep you safe while diving with large dangerous marine species.

Certain species may react defensively if they feel threatened, while others, like some types of jellyfish or venomous fish, can harm divers unintentionally. These threats can manifest through venomous stings, bites, or even allergic reactions.

Heed the advice of your dive guides who are more familiar with the local inhabitants. You should respect all creatures and the underwater environment that they consider their home. Understanding the behavior and features of marine animals will go a long way to avoid dangerous animal encounters.

In case of a dangerous marine life encounter, be prepared to react quickly and apply any first aid when necessary.

Wearing appropriate protective gear while diving, such as a dive skin or a wetsuit, can provide a crucial layer of safety against accidental contact.

8. Environmental hazards

One of the benefits of scuba diving is being able to explore unique underwater environments and experience different types of diving. But with this comes with multitude of environmental hazards.

Overhead environments like caves and shipwrecks can become traps if divers are not careful, with silt or falling debris reducing visibility and creating disorientation. Rapid changes in weather can stir up waves and tides, making surface conditions unpredictable and potentially preventing safe resurfacing.

Limited visibility due to murky water or darkness can disorient divers, leading to accidents or getting lost. Diving in cold waters increases the risk of hypothermia. Exploring underwater caves presents unique risks, including the potential to get lost or trapped in narrow passages.

Divers can mitigate these hazards by obtaining proper training, using appropriate equipment, following dive plans, and never diving beyond their certification level. Constant vigilance, understanding the local diving environment, and respecting nature are paramount to maintaining diver safety.

9. Crazy currents

The ocean while fragile is also powerful. There are days where it is calm and it can quickly shift into chaos. The currents that move and vary in strength, from gentle flows to powerful undertows, and can change rapidly and put divers at risks. If you are caught in a strong current, it can cause panic, rapid exhaustion, and considerable displacement from the intended dive location. Moreover, divers can become entangled in marine debris carried by the current.

To reduce the risks, divers should familiarize themselves with the dive site’s typical current conditions. Divers can also take advantage of tools like surface marker buoys and dive flags to indicate their position. Investing in professional dive training that includes current diving techniques is critical. Additionally, maintaining a conservative air supply allows for unanticipated exertion and longer surface intervals if caught in a strong current.

Remember the golden rule of diving—Plan the dive and dive the plan. And if the plan doesn’t work, know when to abort a dive.

10. Fatigue and overexertion

Fatigue and overexertion while diving are often the result of strenuous underwater activity that surpasses a person’s physical capacity. These may include battling strong currents, heavy equipment handling, or long durations of diving.

Consequences can range from mild tiredness to life-threatening emergencies. Fatigue can impair cognitive functions, slow response times, and potentially lead to panic or mishaps underwater.

To prevent overexertion, divers should undergo regular fitness training to increase their stamina. Adequate hydration and proper nourishment before and after dives are equally important.

Furthermore, divers should pace themselves, taking breaks when necessary, and avoiding challenging conditions if they feel tired or unprepared. Learning to streamline movement and maintain buoyancy can also greatly reduce exertion and conserve energy.

11. Unknown medical conditions

Certain medical conditions, like cardiac diseases or respiratory issues, can pose a severe risk while diving and may not always be known to the diver. These can lead to hazardous situations when the body is under stress or when dealing with pressure changes.

For example, a few years ago, my dive buddy began experiencing unusual symptoms of stomach cramping and pain after a dive. She went to the doctor and gave her medicing for stomach pain but when the symptoms persisted she knew something was seriously amiss. A subsequent medical evaluation revealed she had a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a condition she was entirely unaware of. A PFO is a small hole in the heart that didn’t close the way it should after birth. While it typically doesn’t cause issues in everyday life, it poses significant risks to divers.

This incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough medical check-ups before diving, even when no prior health issues are known. Regular health assessments can help identify any hidden medical conditions that could be aggravated by diving.

12. Inadequate training and experience

Inadequate training and lack of diving experience can lead to improper dive planning, lack of emergency preparedness, and misjudgment of one’s capabilities or dive conditions. These oversights can result in serious accidents underwater. Why? Because diving is a sport that relies heavily on skill, knowledge, and reflexes honed through training and experience.

How can divers mitigate this risk? By ensuring they receive comprehensive education from certified instructors and gradually gaining experience under supervised conditions.

Divers should start with beginner-friendly environments, gradually moving to more challenging ones as they build their skills. They should never dive in conditions exceeding their training level.

I highly recommend, getting your Rescue Diving Certification as this gave me the training and confidence to handle emergency situation.

13. Reckless divers

Your dive buddy plays a crucial role in monitoring your safety and assisting in emergencies. If they’re reckless, they may not effectively perform safety checks, fail to respond appropriately during emergencies, or even lead you into dangerous situations.

Having reckless dive buddies or being a part of a dive group that tends to take unnecessary risks can put you in perilous situations. Lack of coordination and disregard for safety protocols within the group can lead to accidents. Furthermore, their carelessness may affect the overall group dynamic, fostering a culture of irresponsibility and neglect for safety measures.

Therefore, always dive with responsible, trained individuals who prioritize safety and are reliable under water.

14. Incompetent dive professionals and Shady dive operators

In addition to the dangers posed by reckless divers, another significant concern within the scuba diving community is the issue of incompetent instructors. While most instructors are diligent and well-trained professionals, there are unfortunately a few who fall short in providing the necessary knowledge and skills for safe diving practices. These instructors may lack the expertise, experience, or dedication needed to effectively guide and educate their students.

The consequences of learning from an incompetent instructor can be severe. Inadequate training can lead to poor diving techniques, a lack of understanding of important safety procedures, and ultimately an increased risk of accidents or injuries underwater. Moreover, it can also undermine the confidence and trust that divers should have in their instructors, potentially discouraging them from pursuing further training or continuing with the sport altogether.

Sometimes the dive operator themselves can put divers at severe risk. They may compromise on safety protocols, provide poor quality or malfunctioning equipment, or fail to adequately brief divers about potential hazards and emergency procedures. This can lead to dangerous situations.

To avoid this, divers must thoroughly research and choose reputable diving centers. Check for necessary certifications, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from fellow divers. Transparency about safety measures, the condition of equipment, and the experience level of instructors can serve as indicators of a dependable business.

15. Your pride

Your own pride can put your life at risk when scuba diving.

It’s natural to feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in becoming part of the scuba diving community. But with this comes the pressure to keep up with more experienced peers or desires to impress others.

Overconfidence can make you ignore safety guidelines or attempt dives beyond your skill level. It can cloud judgment and lead to risky decisions.

Divers should always dive within their limits, prioritize safety over bravado, and respect the ocean’s unpredictability. By maintaining a humble attitude and recognizing that there is always more to learn, you can better protect yourself and those around you.

The ocean is not a place for ego; it demands respect and careful conduct.

It’s important for all divers to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to mitigate them. Proper training, adherence to safety guidelines, equipment checks, and diving within one’s limits can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable diving experience.

Dive insurance is another crucial aspect of safe diving that shouldn’t be overlooked. It offers financial protection against unexpected incidents or accidents that can occur during a dive.

Depending on the coverage, it can cover medical emergencies, hyperbaric treatments, evacuation expenses, and even gear replacement. Dive insurance is especially important for those who frequently dive in remote locations, where medical facilities may not be easily accessible.

In the unfortunate event of a diving accident, having dive insurance can provide valuable assistance, reducing financial stress and allowing for prompt and effective treatment.

Being a responsible diver doesn’t just mean following safety protocols but also preparing for unforeseen circumstances. Investing in dive insurance is a testament to your commitment to safe diving practices. You can check out Diver’s Alert Network (DAN) and Dive Assure insurance policies if you’re looking to getting one for yourself.

While scuba diving offers incredible opportunities for exploration and adventure, it should always be approached with caution, respect for the environment, and a commitment to safety.