Safe Diving Practices W
| Weather |
| Weightbelts / Integrated weight systems |
| Wreck diving |
Weather
Acquiring an accurate weather forecast for your dive site can save a lot of unnecessary travelling expense and can mean the difference between a controlled successful dive and a risky experience.
BBC TV news bulletins are always followed by a UK forecast with easy to understand symbols. Some daily newspapers carry a good forecast with weather map, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency always has an up to date forecast.
MCA stations transmit on VHF radio local inshore waters forecasts for 24 and 48 hours and a +3 day extended UK forecast at 4 hourly intervals. These forecasts are updated twice a day and are broadcast at set times published in nautical almanacs. These forecasts are always announced on Channel 16 VHF. Jersey Radio has a similar service for the Channel Isles.
RAF stations have a meteorological station and are usually very helpful.
The Shipping Forecast on Radio 4 is another very useful source
The Meteorological Office (Met Office) provides a telephone message and fax back service: its helpline is 0845 300 0300. Shipping and inshore forecasts for the UK can also be accessed via the Meteorological Office web site (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/marine )
Weightbelts / Integrated weight systems
Weightbelts or integrated weight systems, when used, should always be fitted with a reliable quick release and fitted so that they will always fall clear of other equipment when released. You should be practised in releasing your weights and should also make sure that your buddy is well briefed and fully familiar with your release mechanism. If the buckle is of the same type as on the cylinder harness, it is wise to wear it so that it operates in the opposite direction, to avoid confusion.
Wreck diving
Wreck diving is one of the most popular forms of diving and requires extra safety precautions if divers venture inside the wreck. Many steel wrecks are in a dangerous state of decay, and loose overhead objects or steel plates are a real hazard. Never venture deep inside a wreck without ensuring your route to clear water is certain, and use a reel and line secured to the outside of the wreck to mark your return route. Avoid excessive finning inside a wreck as sediment stirred up is very slow to settle, due to lack of tidal flow. Additional care should be taken if considering the penetration of a wreck to ensure that the hoses are not snagged in confined spaces or damaged by sharp edges.
Always allow an adequate reserve of air at the end of your dive and never run down your air supply by attempting to remove an artefact. Never try to lift heavy objects from wrecks using your BC and / or drysuit.
Underwater ordnance can be very unstable and should not be recovered. It is a criminal offence to be in possession of explosives without the relevant licenses.
(See Diver's Code of Conduct)
Page last modified: 18th Dec 2006 - 12:02:19